By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, Jan 16 — The Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) offers basis classes for 14 languages starting February 1, says its director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad.
She said the virtual Language Discovery@Selangor Public Library class is offered for as low as RM10 per hour for one language.
“The languages offered include Italian, Japanese, French, Mandarin, Turkish, Malay, Arabic, Dutch, Tamil, Spanish, Korean, English and Russian,” she told SelangorKini.
Mastura said the three-month basic class has been organised since July 30, 2021.
“As of today, a total of 4,611 students have signed up with 69 tutors, 304 classes a week and 49 staff members.
“The main purpose of the classes is to provide opportunities for the community, especially low-income groups, to learn or hone their language skills to increase their potential for employment and business opportunities,” she said.
For more information on the classes, contact 016-241 4260 or 011-5779 1664 and registration can be done via https://www.ppas.gov.my/kelas_bahasa/.
Meanwhile, book borrowing services through BooksFly2U are still being carried out by PPAS.
Mastura said the service is a library innovation that adapts to new norms and it is still relevant.
“It makes it easier for members to access the library’s collection.
“This service benefits users who experience transportation difficulties such as housewives, the elderly or retirees, and students who need reading materials at home,” she said.
Mastura added that the BooksFly2U service was also presented at the 87th International Conference of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA): World Libraries and Information Congress (WLIC) in Dublin, last year.
“From 2020 to last year, 6,520 copies of books were borrowed through this service.
“Library users only need to place an order through WhatsApp at the number 010-849 1448 or call 03-5519 7667 and state the title of the book they wish to borrow.
“Then, the library staff will get the book within two days and arrange the delivery of the book to the specified address using the user’s choice of e-hailing services with the delivery charge borne by the borrower,” she said.
