THE lack of a local literary community in Ipoh once compelled the city’s book enthusiasts to travel all the way to Kuala Lumpur just to attend a reading session.
For Hemavathy DM Suppiah, this void in her hometown’s social fabric became the catalyst for the Ipoh Book Lovers Club, an initiative rooted in a lifelong passion fostered in the libraries of her youth.
Raised in a household surrounded by books, the 44-year-old said her parents – both avid readers – frequently took her to the library, while her time at SMK Convent and SMK St Michael further cemented her love for literature.
Despite her own deep-seated habit, she observes that the general reading culture in Ipoh remains low.
“When one reads more, their vocabulary grows too,” she said, noting that books help readers explore diverse cultures, history, and social issues.
For Hemavathy, literature is more than a hobby; it is a form of escapism that aids personal evolution.
“Many filmmakers are also readers, with books being a source of inspiration,” she pointed out.
She established the club in 2017 after meeting fellow Ipoh residents during literary discussions in Kuala Lumpur.
“They spoke about how they wished there were similar activities back home,” she recalled.
This prompted her to host an initial discussion at her house, which gradually evolved into the current club.
The group’s progress faced setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a serious accident Hemavathy suffered last August, but activities have since resumed with 195 active members.
Following a February session dedicated to Regency romance, she is now focused on rejuvenating the club by recruiting younger members and encouraging them to share their literary journeys online.
“I hope people can be more active and post on social media and the club’s Facebook page about the books they are reading,” she said.
By sharing news of sessions and bookstore sales, Hemavathy believes the city can move toward a more literate future. — By IVAN LOH
