Malaysia’s rural public libraries also known as Perpustakaan Desa, play an important role in promoting national unity by providing access to educational resources, information, and technology to individuals living in rural and remote areas.
These libraries serve as community hubs where people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds can come together to read, study, and engage in educational activities.
Through promoting reading and literacy, rural public libraries in Malaysia help to bridge the gap between different communities and cultures, fostering understanding and respect among Malaysians from diverse backgrounds.
These libraries also provide access to information about Malaysia’s history, culture, and traditions, which can help to promote national identity and a sense of pride in being Malaysian. Furthermore, rural public libraries often offer programs and events that celebrate Malaysia’s diversity and promote cultural understanding.
One way in which rural public libraries in Malaysia support national unity is by promoting reading and literacy. By providing access to traditional and electronic books, magazines, and other educational materials, these libraries help to bridge the gap between different communities and cultures, fostering understanding and respect among Malaysians from diverse backgrounds.
Reading and literacy also help to develop critical thinking skills and promote intellectual curiosity, which are important for building an empowered, strong, and informed citizenry. From time to time, Malaysia rural public libraries often offer programs and events that celebrate Malaysia’s diversity and promote cultural understanding.
These may include storytelling sessions, book clubs, and cultural festivals that showcase traditional music, dance, and food from different regions of the country. By highlighting the different languages and cultures present in Malaysia, these events help to promote a sense of shared identity and pride in being Malaysian.
Literacy plays important role in developing skills and promote intellectual curiousity among Malaysian, especially in young generations. Photo: PSAS
Finally, rural public libraries can serve as a platform for promoting social cohesion and civic engagement. These libraries can organize workshops and training programs that encourage community participation in local initiatives and development projects.
This can help to foster a sense of shared responsibility and ownership among Malaysians towards the development of their communities and the country as a whole.
Overall, rural public libraries in Malaysia play an important role in supporting national unity by promoting reading and literacy and encouraging lifelong learning, celebrating diversity, and reassuring civic engagement.
By providing access to educational resources, information, and technology, these libraries help to bridge the gap between different communities and foster a sense of shared identity and responsibility among Malaysians towards their communities and their country.
Roziya Abu is Associate Professor from School of Information Science, Universiti Teknologi Mara