Public Libraries in Malaysia
(Kuala Lumpur and Surrounding Areas)
‘Perpustakaan’ means library in Malay. The word may be different in various countries but the love for libraries is universal. It is the house of knowledge and for many, a place of comfort and gateways to wonderlands. Sometimes, the weekend is just better when surrounded by stories and wisdom.
If you are studying in Malaysia, it is good to know that there are several libraries in the city of KL and surrounding areas worth visiting, namely:
KUALA LUMPUR LIBRARY (Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur)
Situated next to the Historical Museum is the Kuala Lumpur Library. Originally built as the Government Printing Offices in 1899, the KL Library offers more than 50,000 titles on various subjects, which include fiction books, architecture, children books, reference, and computers, among others. A large collection of audio and video materials as well as eBooks are available here. The KL library also houses a mini-auditorium, conference hall, training room and two gallery exhibition halls.
Hours of Service:
Monday:
2:00pm – 6:45pm
Tuesday – Friday:
10:00am – 6:45pm
Saturday & Sunday:
10:00am – 5:00pm
Public Holiday/First Saturday & Sunday:
Closed
Kuala Lumpur Library (Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur)
No. 1, Jalan Raja, 50050 KL.
Tel: 03-2692 6204
JFKL LIBRARY (Japan Foundation)
Open to members and non-members, this quaint library offers approximately 20,000 volumes of books and audio-visual materials. Reading materials are in English, Japanese and Malay. Here, librarians are able to assist in English, Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil, Korean or Japanese. Other than books, visitors can also choose to watch Japanese anime or movie in the Audio Visual Corner or read manga comics in the Tatami Open Space.
Hours of Service:
Tuesday – Friday:
10:30am – 6:30pm
Saturday
10:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday, Monday & Public Holidays:
Closed
JFK Library (Japan Foundation)
18th Floor, Northpoint, Block B,
Mid-Valley City, No. 1, Medan Syed Putra,
59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: 03-2284 6228
Near to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf Club is the Selangor Public Library, it is a RM70mil library designed with the ‘library in a park’ concept. A high-tech and well-equipped modern facility, this library offers a wide range of collection, Wi-Fi ready, free-use of its 100 personal computers and 3 gymnasiums. Movie buffs can also enjoy 3D movies at the facility.
Hours of Service:
Monday:
10:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday – Friday:
9:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday and Sunday:
9:30am – 5:00pm
Selangor Public Library
Golf Club Road 13/6,
Section 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor.
Tel: 03-5519 7667
Some Other Libraries:
1. National Library (Perpustakaan Negara)
232 Jalan Tun Razak, 50572 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2687 1700
2. The British Council Library
Ground Floor, West Block,
Wisma Selangor Dredging,
142C Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2723 7900
3. The Lincoln Resource Centre
376, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2168 5000
4. Klang Public Library
Jalan Tengku Kelana Klang, 41100 Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Tel: 03-3371 9429
5. KL Library (TTDI Branch)
31204 Jalan Athinapan, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-7726 6310
Some Quotes:
“That perfect tranquillity of life, which is nowhere to be found but in retreat, a faithful friend and a good library.”
- Aphra Behn
“People can lose their lives in libraries. They ought to be warned”.
- Saul Bellow
“My alma mater was books, a good library…I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.”
-Malcolm X
