EFFORTS to encourage reading habits among the younger generation require active involvement from both parents and dedicated library professionals, according to the Perak State Public Library Corporation (PPANPk).
Director Dr Rafidah Abdul Aziz said parents played a primary role by bringing their children to public libraries to make full use of available resources.
However, she said the habit must also be supported in the education system.
To build on this at school, she believes libraries should be managed by professional librarians rather than teaching staff.
“We need to convince the Education Ministry that the person managing the library should be a librarian, rather than a teacher,” she said.
“Librarians are trained to manage libraries, organise books, plan activities and programmes, and determine the types of books that should be provided for students.”
Rafidah said dedicated librarians were already employed at institutions such as Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) and international schools.
“Librarians can support the development of the library and respond to the current needs of students. They are properly trained and know what needs to be done,” she said.
“There are different types of librarians, including those specialising in school, academic, and public libraries.
“They are trained to manage libraries according to their respective needs.”
While many teachers currently manage school libraries, she said their primary teaching duties made it difficult to run library operations effectively.
“We cannot blame the teachers because they already have their own workload while also having to manage the library.
“Encouraging students to use the library can therefore be a major challenge,” she said, adding that public libraries could also collaborate with schools to bridge this gap.
To support reading across all age groups, the state library manages a network of branch libraries, digital services and mobile libraries across the state.
The state library in Jalan Raja DiHilir, Ipoh, was officially reopened in May after being closed for two years for renovation works.
“We opened due to demand, though not all the facilities were ready at that time.
“But now we are fully renovated, with a toy library for children, a games room, and a cafe,” added Rafidah.
The library also boasts a video game room and a new gallery – Galeri Perak Kiter.
PPANPk currently has 37,928 registered members and has welcomed a total of 2,285,437 visitors as of last month, according to its website.
Rafidah admitted that the diversity of returning visitors was a pleasant surprise.
“Upon reopening, we were shocked to see that many elderly residents spend their time here reading newspapers.
“We also see housewives and pupils coming here,” Rafidah said.
She added that the corporation aimed to balance traditional reading material with modern technology.
“We incorporate digitalisation alongside traditional books here.
“Our main priority is to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Perak who want digital facilities, including e-books and other digital resources.”
A total of 3,605 people attended the two-day Perak State Public and Digital Library Open Day and Children’s Literature and Arts Festival in Ipoh.
The festival was held to introduce the library’s new look following the upgrading process.
The event was officiated by Perak Education Department director Zulkafli Mohamed Mokhtar.
Activities held included a story-telling competition, reading challenge, board games and Lego games corner, bento Masterchef competition, flour art workshop, -sports competition, face painting, dancing competition and keychain beading segment.
