SHAH ALAM, Oct 18 — The Syed Mashor Library in Kuala Kubu Baharu, operated by the Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS), is truly unique. Established in 1984, it serves as more than just a place for reading; it has become a gathering hub for the local rural community.
Parents bring their children here to take advantage of the available amenities, such as computer games and a wide variety of reading materials. Even more remarkably, the library is recognised as a ‘Second Home’, a place where children can bathe and get ready for school.
Following a major transformation in 2022, it now welcomes over 500 visitors daily, with numbers reaching as high as 1,000 on weekends.
Some visitors even travel from Kuala Lumpur to use the library as a workspace, finding its atmosphere much quieter than their homes or local cafés.
Photographer Ahmad Zakki Jilan captured the scene at the library this past Friday afternoon, showing visitors making the most of the various facilities and amenities provided.
A staff member assists young visitors at the counter of the Syed Mashor Library in Kuala Kubu Baharu. Managed by the Selangor Public Library Corporation, the library provides reading materials and serves as a community space and a ‘second home,’ especially for local children.
A family spends time together playing carrom in the lounge area of the Syed Mashor Library in Kuala Kubu Baharu. With a variety of facilities and activities on offer, the library serves as a recreational space and a gathering spot for the local community and their families.
Visitors use the discussion rooms at the Syed Mashor Library in Kuala Kubu Baharu to study, hold discussions, and complete assignments in a comfortable, conducive environment. This facility is part of an effort to transform the library into a community space that caters to the diverse needs of its visitors.
Visitors chat while using the reading areas at the Syed Mashor Library in Kuala Kubu Baharu. With its diverse collection of reading materials and a calm, comfortable atmosphere, the library is more than a place to read — it is also a space for studying, working, and interacting.
Young visitors using the computer facilities provided at the Syed Mashor Library in Kuala Kubu Baharu. Beyond reading materials, digital resources, and computer games also attract the younger generation, establishing the library as a space for both learning and recreation for the local community.
Visitors make use of the reading area at the Syed Mashor Library in Kuala Kubu Baharu to read and study the reference materials provided. Its facilities and comfortable atmosphere make the library a preferred choice for the local community to acquire knowledge and engage in learning activities.
Young visitors read books in a specially designed, house-themed space at the Syed Mashor Library in Kuala Kubu Baharu. The ‘My Second Home’ concept creates a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, effectively turning the library into a second home where children can read, learn, and spend their leisure time.
Ahmad Farhan Izzat, 33 (left), teaches his two children how to read and engage in learning activities at the Syed Mashor Library in Kuala Kubu Baharu. The family-friendly atmosphere and comfortable facilities make the library an ideal space for parents and children to spend quality time together.
SMK Dato' Haji Kamaruddin student Muhammad Aiman Irsyaduddin, 14, voluntarily reshelves books used by visitors at the Syed Mashor Library in Kuala Kubu Baharu.
Visitors select and read materials at the Syed Mashor Library in Kuala Kubu Baharu. The book collection across various categories allows visitors to access reference materials and spend their leisure time in a comfortable environment.
Visitors enjoy the dining and café facilities provided at the Syed Mashor Library in Kuala Kubu Baharu. These amenities complement the library’s concept as a ‘second home’ — a space that offers not only areas for reading and study, but also a place for the community to relax and spend time with their families.
