PANDAN JAYA, 21 APRIL 2012 : RESIDENTS of Pandan, Ampang now have a place to go to indulge in some reading — the Pandan Jaya Community Library in Jalan Pandan 4 in Pandan Jaya.
The library, set up by the Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS), is equipped with books on a wide range of topics, touch-screen computers, Internet service, children's area, seminar room, hall, surau, lounge and even a cafe.
It will be officially opened by Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim next month.
The library building, formerly an operation centre for a political party, has been modified with modern facilities and facade.
Reading time: A little boy settling down with a book in a comfortable chair at the children's area.Upgrading works began in July last year at a cost of RM409,000 by PPAS. The library will be used to host activities, workshops and movie screenings.
State housing, building management and squatters committee chairman Iskandar A. Samad paid a visit to the centre recently.
He said the idea to set up the library at the present location was in view of the densely populated surrounding area.
"There are about 50 blocks of low-cost and medium-cost apartments here and the children need a place where they can spend quality time reading instead of just sitting idle.
"There are plans for PPAS to develop 20 more libraries at a cost of RM6mil. The idea is to move away from the city centre by bringing such amenities to the population," he said.
Iskandar said PPAS' next focus areas would be Klang and Kajang.
"We want to bring libraries to the people because those living in low-cost apartments lack space, so hopefully we can get more established in these residential areas.
"Prior to this, we had libraries in the villages, state and districts but not in the heart of residential areas. So this is a first especially for Chempaka constituency, where we are promoting the 'Jom Study' concept," he said.
Iskandar, who is also Chempaka assemblyman, contributed RM10,000 from his office to the library.
The library is open from Monday to Friday (9am to 6pm) and every second and fourth Saturdays (9am to 5.30pm). Membership is free and open to everyone.
For details, visit www.ppas.gov.my or call 03-9281 0414 - By FAZLEENA AZIZ, Photo by SAM THAM, STAR METRO ONLINE.