George Town

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Libraries

Sections

Overview of Libraries in George Town, Malaysia

George Town, the capital of the state of Penang, is home to a variety of libraries that cater to different needs, including public libraries, private libraries, and specialized collections.

1. Public Libraries

a. Penang State Library (Perpustakaan Negeri Pulau Pinang)

  • Location: 1, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, 10200 George Town, Penang.
  • Membership Options: Open to residents and non-residents. Membership is free for Malaysian citizens; a nominal fee may apply for foreigners.
  • Costs: Free for Malaysian citizens; typically around RM 10-20 for foreigners (subject to change).
  • Operating Hours:
    • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
  • Facilities:
    • Reading rooms
    • Computer access
    • Wi-Fi
    • Childrenโ€™s section
    • Study areas
  • Borrowing Procedures:
    • Present identification (MyKad for Malaysians, passport for foreigners).
    • Fill out a membership application form.
    • Borrowing limit: usually up to 5 books for a period of 2-3 weeks, renewable if no holds are placed on the items.

b. Kedah State Library (Perpustakaan Awam Kedah)

  • Location: 1, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 10000 George Town, Penang.
  • Membership Options: Similar to the Penang State Library.
  • Costs: Free for locals; nominal fee for foreigners.
  • Operating Hours: Same as Penang State Library.
  • Facilities: Similar offerings, with a focus on local history and culture.
  • Borrowing Procedures: Same as Penang State Library.

2. Private Libraries

a. The Book Sandwich

  • Location: 1, Lebuh Campbell, 10200 George Town, Penang.
  • Membership Options: Open to all; no formal membership required.
  • Costs: Pay-per-visit or purchase books; prices vary.
  • Operating Hours:
    • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Closed on Sundays.
  • Facilities:
    • Cozy reading area
    • Cafรฉ
    • Book sales
  • Borrowing Procedures: No borrowing; books must be purchased.

b. The Hive

  • Location: 1, Jalan Phee Boon Lye, 10400 George Town, Penang.
  • Membership Options: Open to all; no formal membership required.
  • Costs: Pay-per-visit or purchase books; prices vary.
  • Operating Hours:
    • Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Closed on Sundays.
  • Facilities:
    • Reading area
    • Community events
    • Book sales
  • Borrowing Procedures: No borrowing; books must be purchased.

3. Cultural and Local Considerations

  • Language: Most libraries have materials in Malay and English. Some may offer resources in Chinese and Tamil, reflecting the multicultural nature of Penang.
  • Cultural Events: Libraries often host cultural events, workshops, and reading sessions. Check their websites or social media for updates.
  • Etiquette: Libraries are generally quiet spaces. Visitors are expected to maintain a respectful atmosphere. Food and drinks are usually not allowed in reading areas.
  • Local Resources: Many libraries provide access to local history archives, which can be particularly interesting for those wanting to learn more about Penangโ€™s rich heritage.

Conclusion

George Town offers a variety of library options that cater to different needs, whether you are looking for a quiet place to read, access to local history, or a community space to engage with others. Be sure to check the specific libraryโ€™s website or contact them directly for the most current information regarding membership, costs, and events. Enjoy your exploration of the literary resources available in this vibrant city!