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Public libraries are an integral part of any society as they provide free access to information, education, and entertainment. Libraries are essential in promoting reading culture and enhancing lifelong learning among individuals. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, has several public libraries that cater to its residents’ diverse needs. This article will highlight the top ten public libraries in Kuala Lumpur, their features, and services
1. National Library of Malaysia
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The National Library of Malaysia is a public lending library located in Kuala Lumpur that holds close to 5 million items, including books, publications, magazines, newspapers, and online materials. With over 500,000 books available for borrowing in multiple languages, including English, the library is a must-visit destination for book lovers. Visitors can access a good online catalogue of over 750,000 items and become members for free to borrow up to three books for a duration of three weeks.
Address: 232, Jln Tun Razak, Titiwangsa, 50572 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2687 1700
Operating Hours: 10am -5pm, closed on Mondays
2. Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur
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The Kuala Lumpur Library, also known as Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur, is a must-visit destination for book lovers in Kuala Lumpur. Managed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the library offers a comprehensive range of books for reference and borrowing, with separate buildings for the adult and children’s libraries. Membership is open to anyone aged four and above residing in Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas, with a small registration fee and annual fee for adults. Children can borrow books for free, and the library also hosts a variety of activities such as computer classes and puppet shows. The borrowing period is 14 days, and fines are imposed for late returns.
Address: 1, Jln Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2612 3500
Operating Hours:
- Tues – Fri: 10am – 6.45pm
- Sat – Sun: 10am – 5pm
- Closed on Monday
3. Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur Cawangan TTDI
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The Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur Cawangan TTDI is one of the branches of Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur, offering a diverse collection of books, magazines, and multimedia resources. With a comfortable and welcoming environment, the library is a great place to study, learn, and connect with others who share similar interests. Its extensive collection and helpful staff make it a go-to destination for book lovers and researchers alike.
Address: Perpustakaan, 31204, Jalan Athinapan, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-7726 6310
Operating Hours:
- Tues – Fri: 10am – 6.45pm
- Sat – Sun: 10am – 5pm
- Closed on Monday
4. Pustaka KL at Setiawangsa
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Pustaka KL at Setiawangsa is a public library located in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur. Despite its closure due to the pandemic, this library has received positive reviews for its comfortable and clean environment, as well as its wide range of book collections including newspapers like Sin Chew Jit Po and The Star. With air-conditioned rooms for group discussions and study, Pustaka KL @ Setiawangsa is a great place for reading, research, and learning.
Address: 1, Jalan Wangsa Delima 13, Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4143 8745
Operating Hours:
- Tue – Thu, Sun: 10am – 5pm
- Fri: 10am -12.15pm, 2.45pm – 5pm
- Closed on Monday and Saturday
5. Raja Tun Uda Public Library
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Raja Tun Uda Library, located in Shah Alam, is a unique public library that offers a “Library in the Garden” concept. Its strategic location next to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf Club was chosen by the Sultan of Selangor himself. The library is not only a place for education and research, but also a recreation spot for families and friends. Its tagline “My Second Home” reflects the cozy, comfortable, and harmonious atmosphere that visitors can enjoy. The library spans 6 floors with a total area of 203,600 square feet, accommodating up to 2,500 visitors and 400,000 copies of books.The library is equipped with modern equipment and a contemporary design, making it a popular destination for up to 8,000 visitors on weekends, public holidays, and school holidays.
Address: Jln Kelab Golf 13/6, Seksyen 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: 03-5519 7667
Operating Hours: 9am – 6pm daily
6. The Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur
Credit: https://www.jfkl.org.my/library/
The JFKL Library is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in Japanese culture and language. Their collection includes books, magazines, comics, music CDs, and DVDs related to Japan, as well as educational materials for those who are self-learning the Japanese language. The library also provides a range of services, including lending services for members, reference inquiry, photocopiers, audiovisual booths for viewing, and free Wi-Fi. If you want to explore Japan through literature, music, and other media, the JFKL Library is the perfect place to start.
Address: 18th Floor, Northpoint Block B, Mid-Valley City, No. 1, Medan Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 03-2284 6228
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Sunday, Monday and Public Holidays)
7. Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas Library, ISTAC
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The Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas Library is located at the International Islamic University Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. This six-floor library houses a vast collection of Islamic and Malay world materials, including rare manuscripts and maps. It offers study rooms, discussion rooms, audio-visual rooms, photocopying, printing and scanning services, interlibrary loan services, and online databases. The library is a must-visit for those interested in the Islamic and Malay world and offers information literacy programs and reference services to assist users in their research and learning.
Address: Kompleks Kerajaan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6207 3438
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Thu: 8.30am – 5pm
- Fri: 8.30am – 12.15pm, 2.45pm – 5pm
- Closed on Weekend
8. Damansara Community Library
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Damansara Community Library is a public library located in the Damansara area of Kuala Lumpur. The library was established in 2013 with the aim of providing a comfortable and conducive space for reading and learning for the community.The library’s collection includes a wide range of materials, including books, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual materials. It also has a special collection of materials in various languages, including Chinese, Tamil, and Arabic. The library’s collection is regularly updated to keep up with the latest trends and interests of its readers.
Address: No 9, Unit 9, Jalan Beringin, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2011 0811
Operating Hours:
- Tue-Thu: 9am – 5pm
- Fri: 9am – 12.15pm, 2.45pm – 5pm
- Closed on Monday and public holiday
9. Perpustakaan 1 Wilayah Persekutuan
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Perpustakaan 1 Wilayah Persekutuan is a clean, quiet, and cozy public library in Kuala Lumpur. The library is well-maintained, with new and interesting books to read. There is a special section for children and a mini library for them as well. The staff are friendly and helpful. The facilities, such as restrooms and prayer rooms, are clean and well-maintained. The library also offers a discussion room that can be booked for group discussions. The environment is calm and comfortable, making it a great place for studying or spending some me-time with books. Membership is free, and there are plenty of parking spaces available.
Address: Perpustakaan 1 Wilayah Perpustakaan No. 1, Jalan Jernai, 11, Medan Idaman, Danau Kota, 53100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Tue-Sun: 10am – 5pm
10. Perpustakaan Dr Abdul Latiff UKM
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Dr. Abdul Latiff Library (PDAL) is one of the best public libraries in Kuala Lumpur for read lovers. Established in 1974, PDAL serves the Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, and Faculty of Pharmacy at UKM Kuala Lumpur Campus. The library is spread across three floors, covering an area of 3716 square meters and provides around 400 reading places. PDAL has a collection of materials related to Medicine, Health Sciences, and Dentistry, in line with the teaching, learning, and research purposes of the university.
Address: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Kampus, 50586 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-9289 7475
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Thu: 8am – 6pm
- Fri: 8am – 12.15pm, 2.45pm – 6pm
- Closed on Weekend