Sultan Ismail Library provides comfortable spaces for families to play and read. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
BOOKS are the gateway to some of the greatest minds on earth and they can carry the reader to the furthest reaches of the world.
No matter how young or old, it is never too late to pick up a book to read and that is what Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) wants its residents to cultivate.
Mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said MBJB aims to instil good habits among the public, especially reading.
He said that during the recent week-long school holiday, the city council held daily events at Sultan Ismail Library on Jalan Datin Halimah in Larkin to draw children and their families to spend time there.
“The programmes at the library were made to be enjoyed not only by children but their parents too,” he said.
Mohd Noorazam said the programmes included craftmaking, upcycling, arts, storytelling, paint workshop and chocolate-making.
He said the city council also launched a community reading kiosk at Perumahan Pangsapuri Zone 1 in Permas Jaya.
Teaching children the joy and reverence that may be found in books
“The community reading kiosk, which is an open library or a free library, is a new concept in which reading corners are set up in areas such as parks, bus stops, public spaces and around residential areas to encourage a reading culture among the people.
“People are encouraged to make full use of this kiosk where they can borrow, exchange or donate new books.
“This is the second such kiosk set up following an MoU with Rotary Club of Johor Baru Sentral and Happy Riders Connect for the community to have greater accessibility to books,” he added. Families gather at the Sultan Ismail Library in Larkin to play and read. (Right) Teaching children the joy and reverence that may be found in books. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
