Local authors encouraged to donate books to Sibu Library

SIBU: Local authors are encouraged to donate their books to the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) Library if they have excess copies.

“In Sibu, we have many writers and authors. If they do not have a suitable place to keep their books and other materials, we welcome them to donate these items to the Sibu Library.

“This allows us to preserve them properly and maintain a record for future generations,” said SMC chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh on Friday (Oct 16).

Ting said this to reporters after receiving 10 titles of books donated by 86-year-old Ong Bee Leng, a former teacher at SJK (C) Chung Hua.

The Mandarin-language books were jointly written by Ong and her late husband, Chen Jing Chung.

There comprised between three and six copies of each title, with the books mainly focusing on art, particularly Chinese calligraphy.

Also present at the simple handover ceremony at Ting’s office was Ong’s son, Chen Rei Lin.

“That is our purpose, and we are very happy today to receive this donation, which she made on behalf of her family,” said Ting.

He said following Chen’s death about two years ago, his family wanted to preserve the materials as they were concerned that they might eventually be lost.

“They felt it would be better to place them in the library, where members of the public can have access to them and enjoy reading the books.

“I spoke to her about this, and I believe these materials are priceless. We are very grateful to the family for their generous donation,” said Ting.