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MIRI (July 17): The proposal to set up a street library here has received a nod from Mayor Adam Yii.
The idea is from the students of PACTS, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that focuses on partnering with parents towards achieving academic excellence.
The Miri Street Library, upon its commissioning, is touted as the first of such initiative in Malaysia that aims to get youths to read and write, while protecting the environment.
According to PACTS – the abbreviation of which stands for ‘Partnership with Parents (P)’, ‘Academic Excellence (A)’, ‘Character Development (C)’, ‘Technology-Driven (T)’ and ‘Service to the Community (S)’ – the library programme should be set up by the end of this month.
“In line with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this initiative would upcycle appliances such as refrigerators with glass doors, ovens, used bookshelves and other items that can be used as book-display shelves,” said the NGO in a statement yesterday.
PACTS founder Onny Maathai, who managed a private international school in Kuala Lumpur before setting up the non-profit in Sarawak, said the students in Miri were concerned about more and more youths and adults spending most of their time on digital devices instead of writing or reading.
“The mayor has instructed the deputy librarian of Miri City Council (MCC) to assist us in allocating books.
“He (Yii) also calls on her (deputy librarian) to work with other authorities in allocating equipment for upcycling such as fridges, ovens and bookshelves, as part of the SDG focus for the city.
“The senior students of PACTS Education Clubhouse have initiated the promotion of reading through the development of the street library in Miri, which emphasises on the importance of bringing back the reading culture in the community.
“In this regard, Miri Street Library programme is expected to help build a more literate society and reduce the dependency on digital media,” said Onny, reiterating that Yii had ‘given his blessings and approval for the project to go ahead’.
Moreover, the Malaysia Voluntary Welfare Society (NEEDS), which supports the PACTS Education Clubhouse, would provide access to books, programmes and services meant to promote literacy and lifelong learning opportunities for the communities in Miri.
“This is an innovative library aimed at engaging the communities and encouraging lifelong learning. It is expected to be launched by the end of July 2024.
It is also informed that the students of PACTS have also presented the street library idea to the management of Miri Hospital.
Onny said: “It can be set up in the children’s ward, and also the maternity ward.
“The general area is to encourage reading among people of all ages.
“The Miri Hospital has given us the approval to begin the setting-up process.”