This library is building memories and spreading stories

2026-03-12 - 01:04

The Playcentre Library in Petaling Jaya hopes to be a comfortable and welcoming space for readers of all ages. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA: Since its humble beginnings in the late 1980s, the sunny rooms at the Playcentre Library have welcomed readers of all ages, inviting them to explore the wonder tucked within the pages of every book. Forty years is a long time for any institution to survive, more so a modest library. Yet the Playcentre Library has done just that. What began as a small initiative by a group of mothers has grown into a beloved community hub, containing over 35,000 books. The library is run by a small but dedicated team of volunteers and helpers. Many started by bringing their children here, only to fall in love with the place and continue helping to this day. “This library is more than just a building with books in it. We call it our small curated library, but it’s filled with so many memories,” said volunteer Esther Chew Ker Yng. “Nowadays, in a world that’s dominated by virtual screens, it’s nice to have a place where kids can still discover the joy of turning pages.” Another volunteer, Chuah Sze Ping, shared Chew’s sentiments. “If you visit on weekends, you can see the place filled with families. Many of them first came here when they were young and then returned with their children, which is always heartwarming to see.” (From left) Volunteers Chuah Sze Ping, Judy Shaik and Esther Chew Ker Yng share the same passion for the library. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) The titles of the English and Bahasa Malaysia books here are arranged by levels of reading ability: first-time readers, toddlers, children, and older readers. Having been around since the 1980s, the library also holds several rare, out-of-print titles that are increasingly hard to find. Books are lent through a deposit system, with no due dates or overdue fines – even though readers are, of course, encouraged to return them within a reasonable period! According to Chew, this helps those who live far away and can’t visit regularly. True to its name, children are encouraged to play here: you don’t have to worry about being shushed by anyone! Judy Shaik, a retired Australian teacher who has lived in Malaysia for decades, helps curate the extensive selection. Shaik has been with the library since the beginning, and often hosts storytelling sessions here. “We look for good writers and prizewinning authors. We also look for what’s popular, and we try to complete those series if we can. It’s very difficult, but we try,” Shaik shared with a laugh. The library is located in a cosy bungalow in Petaling Jaya’s Seksyen 6. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) “When people return books, I make a note of the authors they like in my little diary. Then I try to look for more of them when I go out,” she added. According to her, the idea for the library was sparked by a group of young mothers, who used to socialise at the now-defunct Family Centre in PJ. Two of them, Judy Ong and Karen Iqbal, organised a fundraising event assisted by Shaik, the proceeds of which went towards purchasing their first 100 books. This library became so successful that it began attracting readers from outside the group. A committee was formed to manage the growing collection, and the library was formally registered in 1988. After moving location two or three times, the Playcentre Library finally settled into its present home, a cosy bungalow. The library contains over 35,000 books arranged by reading ability. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) While the library remains a labour of love, Chew and Chuah admit that running it can be challenging at times because their team is small. They welcome more volunteers, and hope to partner with corporate bodies to help fund the purchase of more books and future programmes. The library was recently refurbished with additional fans, comfy beanbags and better lighting. A mural was also painted at the entrance. But the team has bigger dreams: Chew hopes to add an F&B corner and digitise the library’s system, among other things. “The heart and soul of the volunteers lie in this library. No one is paid to be here, everything is out of the passion we have for this place,” Chew concluded. “We hope to create the most comfortable spot for everyone to discover the joy of reading.” Playcentre Library 18, Jalan 6/6, Seksyen 6, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Opening hours: 10am-12pm (Thursdays) 2.30pm-4.30pm (Saturdays) Follow the Playcentre Library on Instagram.