The Precinct 9 PPK also has a braille centre.
THE Neighbourhood Learning Centre (PPK) project that was first started in Putrajaya 22 years ago has been a successful venture by the Putrajaya Corporation (PPj).
It has expanded over the years, with four centres established in Precinct 8, 9, 11 and 16 from 2001 to 2010.
The centres are so well received by the people that PPj is now building one in Precinct 18 too.
Students have to pay a nominal fee for membership to borrow books from the PPK libraries.
PPKs were established to provide a conducive environment for learning and skills training, as well as a place for social interaction for the Putrajaya community.
PPK senior assistant director (Library) Nornie Masiha Ab Manan said the centres were much more than just a library.
According to her, many students use the PPK as a transit place between school and home too.
The busiest are the centres in Precinct 11 and 16 which see many students whose schools are located nearby.
Hani Irdina (left) and Nur Jannah spend time after school at the learning centre to complete their school work or to read books.
The primary and secondary school students go to the PPK daily after school hours to read, play, surf the Internet or do their homework.
The centres have become somewhat a transit point between school and home for the youngsters.
“They have lunch in school or the nearby areas, and spend the rest of the day at the PPK.
“In the evening, their parents fetch them from here,” said Nornie.
Children love to use the computer tablets at the PPK.
She said the number of students in the PPK could get overwhelming at times, but she was more than happy to accommodate them as it was a safe environment.
“For those coming to read, we have a range of reading materials to choose from – 139,203 books, 26 magazines and six daily newspapers – and a quiet space to read,” she said, adding that the books were updated regularly based on demand and they could be borrowed.
“There are also Smartboard TVs and iPads, as well as free WiFi for all.
“We also provide computers, multipurpose rooms and meeting rooms for rent.
Students having fun playing a game of chess at the PPK in Precinct 9.
“Visitors are encouraged to use their own mobile devices,” she said, adding that adequate power points for charging mobile devices were provided.
Nornie said there was also an activity corner where visitors could play board games, traditional games and building blocks, among others.
“The comfortable corner has beanbags and is carpeted for visitors to sit on the floor.
“Since many children use this facility, it can get noisy sometimes. We receive complaints about the noise but we cannot do much unless they become unruly, which they don’t,” she said.
The PPK in Precinct 8 is a standalone building. The pilot project was launched in 2001.
She, however, agreed that it was impossible to keep absolutely quiet as it defeated the objective of encouraging social interaction.
To accommodate adults who would prefer a quiet environment, an area is dedicated for those aged 21 years and above.
Nornie said the PPK organised many skills training sessions and workshops, such as language, art and computer-related courses, with a nominal fee.
She said most of the facilities were available in all four PPKs but the layout and theme would be different.
Some of the new services include the Online Public Access Catalogue for visitors to easily search for reading materials, and a 24-hour book drop-off box kiosk for convenience.
Two special features can be found at the Precinct 9 and 11 centres.
Nornie showing the latest book collections at the Precinct 16 PPK.
There is a Braille Library set up with KL Braille Resources in 2015 at the Precinct 9 PPK, while at the Precinct 11 centre, there is the Putrajaya Multicultural Children’s Library built in 2019, which has a collection of children’s books from countries like South Korea, India, China, Thailand and Japan.
“The children’s library is the result of a collaboration with the Malaysian Board on Books for Young People,” said Nornie.
Seri Dewi regularly borrows books from the centre in Precinct 16.
Thumbs up from visitors
Among the regulars at Precinct 11 PPK are friends, Hani Irdina Shamsul Radzi and Nur Jannah Mohamad Rizal, both 15.
The duo said they would go to the PPK almost every day when there were no activities after school.
Hani said she spent her time there while waiting for her parents to pick her up after work in the evening.
“I like it here. I can do my school work or read novels, while I wait for my parents to pick me up,” she said.
Nur Jannah said she preferred to do school work at the PPK because of less distractions compared to her home.
“I have two siblings and the house can get noisy sometimes. At the PPK, it is quiet and more conducive for learning,” she said.
Afif Wajdi Afdhol Rhozi, 13, from Precinct 14 would go to the centre with his friends for the free WiFi.
“We surf the Internet, play games and look through the social media,” he said.
Adult students also find the PPK to be a good place to do their work, and gave suggestions to improve the place.
Muhammad Sufian often visits the PPK to study and complete his work.
Muhammad Sufian Omar, 29, from Sepang said he often went to the centre to study and complete his work.
“The WiFi connection is good. The place is clean and comfortable.
“The only complaint is that some school students hang out in groups and make a lot of noise,” he said.
Insurance agent Muhammad Asyraf Mohd Tarmizi, 29, from Bangi who frequented the PPK to do his work, also complained about the noise made by students.
“Perhaps the management can control the students who enter the PPK without a purpose.
Muhammad Asyraf complains about the noise made by students.
“Otherwise, it is a good place to work. There is WiFi, parking is free and food outlets are nearby,” he said.
Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute researcher Rafidah Badrun, 42, from Precinct 17, said the PPK had a conducive environment to study and complete her work.
“I often go to the PPK to study and write my thesis.
“I suggest that the centre open at an earlier time, maybe by 9am,” she said.
Parents also find the PPK to be a convenient place to spend quality time.
Rafidah says the PPK has a conducive environment to study and to complete her work.
Seri Dewi Samin, 40, from Bangi was spotted at Precinct 11 PPK with her two young children.
“I have five children. One of them goes for squash training nearby and I always bring the other children with me to the PPK while waiting for the squash training to finish.
“I often borrow books and will always look through their latest arrivals.
“Each person can borrow up to five books, so I often have many latest books in my home at no cost,” she said.
Information on centre
Everyone is allowed free entrance to the centres to use the facilities.
However, an annual membership fee is charged for those wanting to borrow books or rent the facilities such as the meeting rooms.
First-time members will be charged RM1 while the annual fee is RM5 for children between the ages of five and 12, RM10 for those between the ages of 13 and 20, and RM15 for those above 21 years old.
The rates for the disabled and senior citizens are lower. Membership fees for disabled children and teenagers are RM5 and RM10 annually while disabled adults and senior citizens need to pay RM7.50.
A total of 17,813 people are now PPK members.
The centres are open from Tuesday to Sunday. Operating hours are 10am-6pm (Precinct 8 and 11) and 9pm (Precinct 9 and 16). On Saturdays and Sundays, it will be open from 10am to 4pm. The centres are closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Visitors must be clean and dressed in decent attire to be allowed entry.
For more information, call 03-8887 7667/ 7670/7671/7681 or visit https://ppk.ppj.gov.my/ follow Facebook/Instagramperpustakaan putrajayarasmi
