Libraries as safe spaces for kids

Selected libraries will provide a conducive environment for children during the hours after or before their schooling sessions.

SELECTED libraries under the purview of the Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) will be turned into a “Transit Friendly Library” to make them a safe space for schoolchildren after school hours.

“The idea is to provide a conducive, safe and comfortable environment for primary, and secondary schoolchildren during the hours after, or before their schooling sessions,” said Selangor Public Library Corporation deputy director Suzliana Abd Hamid.

“A total of 12 libraries under PPAS are involved in the pilot project, including the Raja Tun Uda Library headquarters as well as PPAS libraries in districts such as Petaling, Sabak Bernam, Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat and Hulu Selangor.

“These libraries are equipped with pantries or cafeterias, shower facilities as well as comfortable spaces for children to pray and rest,” said Suzliana, adding that this concept, however, would only be available at libraries that have been refurbished and upgraded to offer the additional facilities.

While the programme is free, Suzliana said participant numbers would depend on the capacity of each library.

She added that the “Transit Friendly Library” concept was scheduled to be launched at PPAS Kuala Kubu Baru in the Hulu Selangor district on May 3, in line with the rebranding exercise of that library.

Selangor Mentri Besar and PPAS chairman Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari is expected to unveil the library’s new look.

Suzliana was speaking at the “Let’s Read Together For 10 Minutes” programme held at the Raja Tun Uda Library in Section 13, Shah Alam.

The programme, held simultaneously at state and national libraries as well as education department offices nationwide, saw participants setting aside 10 minutes for some quiet reading.

Present at the event were Selangor youth, sports and entrepreneurship committee chairman, and Kota Anggerik assemblyman Mohd Najwan Halimi, Lembah Jaya assemblyman Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad and Batu Tiga assemblyman Danial Al-Rashid Haron Aminar Rashid.

“In Selangor, the simultaneous reading movement was initiated by PPAS in June 2010 and was later recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as ‘The Largest Outdoor Reading Event in Malaysia’,” said Mohd Najwan in his speech.

“In 2023, Malaysians on average read between 15 and 20 books a year, or less than three hours a week.

“PPAS’ database states that almost 930,000 books were borrowed in 2023, compared to 738,818 books in 2022.”

He said a contributing factor to this increase was that library members were allowed to borrow 20 instead of 10 books per person effective March 1, 2023.

PPAS, which manages 104 libraries statewide, recorded close to 1.4 million visitors last year.

Mohd Najwan said infrastructure and service improvements has made PPAS’ libraries more appealing to the public, especially teenagers and youths.

The improvements include the provision of recording studios and makerspace – a collaborative work space inside libraries, or other public facilities.

A certificate presentation ceremony was held at the event to recognise the most active book borrowers across all PPAS libraries.

Jehanna Aisyah Husin won in the children’s category with her record of 500 books read while Daniella Najiha Hasnu was recognised in the teenagers category for reading an impressive 469 books.

The adult category award went to Muhd Rafi Samsuddin who chalked up 923 books.

“I read a wide variety of books and don’t have any particular favourites,” said Muhd Rafi, 35, who is self-employed and lived in Klang.

“I also encourage my two children to read.

“I was inspired to read by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad because the former prime minister enjoys reading.”

Batang Kali resident Daniella Najiha attributed her win to a reading competition that her school held during a two-month school holiday period.

“I usually go to the library to study but because of the competition, I ended up reading over 500 books last year.

“Reading is also my way of coping with the stress of school,” said the 18-year-old who just completed her SPM exam.