Perak state embraces 'bibliotourism' concept in public libraries

In Perak, the bibliotourism initiative will start off at the Kuala Kangsar and Taiping public libraries. Photo: Filepic

Perak has become the first state to introduce the "bibliotourism" concept in its public libraries in a bid to attract more domestic and foreign visitors and give a literary edge to its tourism industry.

Perak State Public Library Corporation (PPANPk) director Rafidah Abdul Aziz said the Kuala Kangsar and Taiping public libraries have been chosen as the libraries to spearhead this literary initiative.

"Bibliotourism combines travelling and the love for libraries in which tourists will make libraries as their source of reference and guide through books and other information available.

"The Kuala Kangsar and Taiping libraries were chosen because both locations are not only rich in historical value but are also among the destinations for domestic and foreign tourists,” she told a press conference after the closing ceremony of the Libraries Unite Us@PPANPk programme in Ipoh today.

Rafidah added that the Kuala Kangsar library started the bibliotourism concept early this month through the "Kuala Kangsar: Attractions of the Royal Town" exhibition, jointly organised with Areca Books, which will run until Jan 17.

As for the Taiping library, it is still in the facility upgrading process and is expected to open its doors to visitors by the middle of this year, she revealed.

Efforts to realise the concept are being supported by Tourism Perak, the Department of National Heritage and the Department of Museums Malaysia.

"This is to ensure all materials provided at the libraries can help visitors obtain authentic and complete information,” she said. - Bernama