National Library offers children thousands of e-books for free

Though Lara is home-bound, the bookworm is turning to e-library portals and online websites to download free books.

The National Library has been shut from March 16 till April 30 but if you're a book enthusiast, don't fret.

Just go onto the National Library's website (pnm.elib.com.my), where the public can now access 13.2 million e-reading materials for free. This was launched as part of their "please sit at home and read" campaign in line with the government's movement control order.

To get access, users have to first register as an online user - it's as easy as filling in your name and IC number and email address. Once done, you can start borrowing. Search for a title and, if the book has not already been checked out by another user, you can click "borrow" and the book will appear on your reading list. To read the book, however, users will need to download the library's e-reader app (available on both IOS and Android) or use the cloud reader.

Just register online as a user and follow the prompts.

Secondary school student Lara Alisha Isitor is making full use of this opportunity to download her favourite books from the portal.

“I’ve just registered online as a member of the National Library. I'm happy that I have managed to source for books written by my favourite authors on the website. There are over many genres to choose from, including teen novels, comics, science, and art and graphics, ” says Lara.

Though Lara is home-bound, the bookworm is turning to e-library portals and online websites to download free books.

The Form Two student from SMK Sri Aman in Petaling Jaya, Selangor says many websites offer free e-books for book enthusiasts.

Lara usually downloads e-books from the International Children’s Digital Library (childrenslibrary.org) and Read Print (readprint.com).

She enjoys reading fantasy, mystery and adventure-themed books written by J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter series of books), Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson books) and Cressida Cowell (How To Train Your Dragon books).

“With a few clicks of the mouse, people can find many free books online. Most of my schoolmates use WattPad, an app which is downloadable on GooglePlayStore and the AppStore. What’s cool about WattPad is people can write their own stories, and read other writers’ stories as well.”

Lara, who likes to compose stories during her free time, is happy to download books for free.

"The advantage of e-books is that they don't pile up and mess up the house. Plus these books are downloaded for free. This way, my parents can save some money."