To be entertained, to collect interesting facts for quiz nights, or to escape reality just for awhile – we all read for different reasons. While we do not discriminate between reading physical or e-books, there’s just something extra special about holding a real book in your hands. The feel of the spine, the smell of its pages; they contribute to the whole reading experience, to us at least. Because we can’t recall the last time we stepped into a physical library, here’s a list of public libraries in KL and Selangor that you can visit, if this article tugs on your inner bookworm’s heartstrings.

Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur

Majestic and inviting, the Kuala Lumpur Library is a sight to behold. There is plenty of space indoors for those who want to use their laptops, besides there also being computers available for public use. Parents and children alike will enjoy the section dedicated to those between four and twelve years old.

Note: The library is currently undergoing upgrading works that are scheduled to be completed by 4 February 2019. Check out these other branches of government-run public libraries you can visit in the meantime. 

Hours: 2pm – 6.45pm on Mondays, 10am – 6.45pm from Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am – 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, closed on every first weekend of the month
Address: Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur, 1, Jalan Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 2612 3500
Website: Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur

Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (JFKL) Library

To learn about all things Japanese, the JFKL Library is your best bet in KL. There are plenty of resources on Japanese culture including books, magazines, comics, music CD’s, and DVD’s. If you are self-learning the language, they have some great educational materials too. The JFKL Library is open to all. They also organise special workshops and events from time to time, which you can check out here.

Hours: 10.30am – 6.30pm from Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am – 6pm on Saturdays, closed on Mondays, Sundays, and public holidays
Address: Japan Foundation KL, 18th Floor, Block B, Northpoint, No. 1 Medan Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 2284 6228 (ext. 401/ 402/ 403)
Website: jfkl.org.my

Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia (National Library of Malaysia)

The National Library of Malaysia is filled with plenty of resources about the country, its history, and its people. There is an auditorium, cafeteria, prayer rooms, children’s theatre, carrel rooms, locker facilities, exhibition hall, and a multi-purpose hall. Parking is free, and there are also specially-allocated parking spots for female visitors.

Hours: 10am – 7pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9am – 6pm on Sundays, closed on Mondays and public holidays
Address: National Library of Malaysia, 232, Jalan Tun Razak, Titiwangsa, 50572 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 2687 1700
Website: pnm.gov.my

Playcentre Library

It might not look like much, but this humble bungalow of a library has plenty of storybooks and reading materials for children. They even have old copies of Kuntum magazines, if you’ve ever heard of them. Playcentre Library is all for early childhood education, and there are resources for parents on how to get your child to read from an early age.

Hours: 9.30am – 4.30pm from Tuesdays, 9.30am – 12.30pm on Thursdays, 2.30pm – 4.30pm on Saturdays, closed on national public holidays
Address: Playcentre Library, 18, Jalan 6/6, Seksyen 6, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: +603 7781 7813
Website: Playcentre Library Association

TTDI Library

I once visited this library for a spot of studying. It was a weekday morning, so there weren’t many people. There was ample space and desks near electrical points, perfect for laptop users like myself. It was nice and quiet, as a library should be. Recent reviews on Facebook suggest that the opening hours are not followed, however. If possible, give them a call before making your way there, just to make sure the library staff are already in.

Hours: 2pm – 6.45pm on Mondays, 10am – 6.54pm from Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am – 5pm on weekends
Address: TTDI Library, 31204, Jalan Athinapan, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 7726 6310

Raja Tun Uda Library

This beautiful library overlooks a lake and green lawns, perfect for refreshing the eyes after a long day of reading. Facilities at the Raja Tun Uda include a gym, 6D theatre, VR room, buggy services for visitors who parked further away, and a children’s section. It sounds like a great place to explore, especially if you have little ones.

Hours: 10am – 7pm on Mondays, 9.30am – 7pm from Tuesdays to Fridays, 9.30am – 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays (except the Creative Zone and children’s area, which is open until 7pm on weekends)
Address: Raja Tun Uda Library, Jalan Kelab Golf 13/6, Seksyen 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor
Tel: +603 5519 7667
Website: Selangor Public Library Corporation