SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: The public think that the proposal by the Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) to reactivate mobile libraries is at the right time when the people are thirsty for various facilities in pursuit of knowledge.
A survey by Selangor Kini found that many people are of the opinion that the role of libraries can cultivate interest in reading among the people and it should be expanded to not just rural areas or villages only.
The Senior Assistant Director of the Humanities Development Unit, Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), Kahpi Ngiso, said that the proposal by PPAS should be supported because mobile libraries can help the public obtain services easily.
“Mobile libraries in the past were active and good. Many used these services, especially in rural areas. However, in keeping with the current times, its services should be expanded to not only rural areas.
“It should focus on dense settlements in cities because many people need this service,” he said.
Najamuddin Mohd Nor, 34, said that mobile libraries that are popular in rural areas can encourage and cultivate interest in reading among the people, especially the young people and students.
“It is particularly important for rural communities. I hope that after this, its services will be more active and that they will often go to certain areas so that this facility was be returned to the people,” he said.
A student at the University of Selangor (Unisel), Alyannur Azizan, 18, said that the re-branding of these libraries would be able to meet the needs of the people who use its services.
“It must provide many facilities, including providing a collection of new and current books that meets the public’s taste, especially the young people. The goal is to encourage the people to read.
“The borrowing period may also be extended from the usual,” said the Diploma in Communications and Media student who said that he would be happy if the service is also held at Unisel.
Recently, the Director of PPAS, Mastura Muhammad, said that they are committed to re-activate mobile libraries following the high demand for the service.
She said that it is the dream of PPAS to provide the facilities involved, in accordance with the state government’s effort of prioritising education for the community.
NS
