By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SABAK BERNAM, June 9 — The rebranding of Perpustakaan Awam Selangor in the district has managed to successfully attract up to 16,000 visitors from January to May.
The Selangor Public Library Corporation’s (PPAS) director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad said 16,491 visitors were recorded at Perpustakaan Awam Selangor Daerah Sabak Bernam from January to December last year.
“Starting from January this year, the library began its new operation, opening seven days a week and only closing on public holidays.
“In the first five months, the library’s usage statistics have increased and have almost matched the statistics throughout all of last year,” she said.
Mastura was speaking at the launching ceremony for the rebranding, which was officiated by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari earlier today.
The number of book borrowings during this period has also been encouraging, at approximately 6,905 copies.
“The library’s new facilities include multimedia services with 19 computers, seminar facilities, television viewing areas, reading spaces, and references.
“It also features a children’s section, an outdoor reading area, and a retro space displaying items like antique televisions and old dishes,” she said.
On his part, Amirudin said the state strives to nurture the culture of libraries as centres of knowledge with various facilities for everyone, as part of its effort to boost Selangor’s development agenda based on knowledge.
Doing so will serve to enhance the public’s perception of libraries and encourage greater attendance.
“Some may be cynical over the rebranding as a mere pursuit by changing the paint, and so on. But this is an approach to improve people’s perception of libraries.
“In the past, libraries were seen as places for bookworms or antisocial individuals, but with this approach which we have upheld since 2010, we make libraries accessible to everybody,” he said.
The Menteri Besar added the library is now equipped with a nursing room and a special family space for children.
As such, he said children will have the opportunity to explore new knowledge online, and a range of book content from casual to serious topics will be provided to visitors.
