Bringing books to every corner, chapter by chapter

The Star

04-06-2025

Johor authorities, libraries cultivate reading community via varied outreach
JOHOR's local councils and libraries are taking steps to promote reading by bringing books into community spaces.
The Sultan Ismail Library (PSI), operated by Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), takes different approaches to heighten public interest in reading, including bringing books directly to communities.
PSI librarian Tengku Tarmizi Tengku Aziz said, 'Instead of waiting for the public to come to the library, we bring books to them.
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'Some of our activities include mobile book exhibitions, community reading kiosks and monthly reading activities at the Johor Baru Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC).'
The library also collaborates with government agencies, corporate bodies, and local communities to host programmes such as 'Waste to Wonders' featuring book exchanges and donation drives to prevent books from ending up in landfills.
Students taking part in hands-on activities at the Petrosains located within the Johor Public Library Corporation's main library in Jalan Yahya Awal, Johor Baru.
Over at PSI's Kampung Melayu Majidee branch, a book- exchange programme has been held twice a month since it started last October.
Tengku Tarmizi said the public could donate books and pick out pre-loved titles to take home.
He added that the programme had attracted a steady stream of visitors from different parts of Johor.
The library also organises fun themed events.
'In one collaboration with UniKL Seri Alam, we hosted a 'book picnic' at TMIYC where about 20 children took part in a book quote hunt, charades and reading-related quizzes.
'At another programme, we incorporated a sign-language lesson to promote inclusivity, which attracted participation from people of various ages,' said Tengku Tarmizi.
Participants learning sign language during the 'Johor Baru Story Time' programme organised by the Sultan Ismail Library at the Johor Baru Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre.
Those interested in PSI activities can refer to its official Facebook page 'Perpustakaan Sultan Ismail' for updates, he added.
Meanwhile, the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) has been maintaining a book kiosk for the past 10 years at the Mutiara Rini Urban Forest (Hutan Bandar Mutiara Rini).
MBIP councillor Lim Soon Hai said the kiosks – wooden structures filled with donated books – allowed visitors to pick up a book while exercising or relaxing at the park.
'The park is a popular spot for families and those exercising, especially on weekends.
'We often see people reaching for books when taking a break.'
Pupils usually spend time reading and playing at the main library in Jalan Yahya Awal while waiting for classes or for their parents to pick them up.
Lim said the donated books came from non-governmental organisations, volunteers and the public.
'The kiosks are stocked with books for both adults and children and are maintained by MBIP's Landscape Department, with officers and volunteers ensuring the reading materials are suitable for all ages.
'Books with sensitive content such as racism, violence or illicit topics are filtered out,' he assured.
To improve the reading experience, the councillor said he would propose adding benches with backrests and proper lighting near the kiosks, as the existing backless cement structures are less comfortable for prolonged reading.
MBIP is eyeing the inclusion of reading facilities in a proposed 5km linear park near Puteri Harbour, he said.
'While the project's timeline depends on the area's developer, we hope to include dedicated reading zones and book kiosks to encourage more people to read while enjoying the outdoors,' added Lim.
The Sultan Ismail Library has collaborated with UniKL Seri Alam to host a 'book picnic' where about 20 children took part in a book quote hunt, charades and reading-related quizzes.
In Johor Baru, the Johor Public Library Corporation's (PPAJ) main library in Jalan Yahya Awal encourages pupils to spend time at the building, whether for reading or playing.
Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said PPAJ was targeting at least 150 programmes this year, with the hope of surpassing last year's visitor record of 2.1 million.
The corporation has 16 branches and 38 community libraries throughout Johor.
'The main library, where many people visit to read and do work, also serves as a transit point for pupils from schools nearby.
'We allow them to play and spend time at the library while waiting for classes or for their parents to pick them up, as this keeps them close to the centre of resources,' said Aznan.
PPAJ is also the first library to collaborate with Petrosains where visitors can touch, feel and experience science through interactive exhibits.