Rural Libraries Creating Community Learning Spaces: Mini Carnival Promotes Reading Culture

(Sibu, 29th) The Sibu Rural District Council is actively promoting the transformation of rural libraries, aiming to turn them into community spaces for children's learning, interaction, and creativity. Following the recent successful “Mini Community Library Carnival” held at the West Bank Bawang Assan Rural Library, the Council has further demonstrated its commitment to promoting a reading culture and lifelong learning.

The event was held on Saturday and was officiated by SUPP Youth Chief Lau Ko Kiet on behalf of Sibu Rural District Council Chairman Semple Petrus Englai. Many parents brought their children to actively participate, reflecting the increasing public support for reading and lifelong learning activities.

Lau Ko Kiet is also the Chairman of the Sibu Rural District Council Environmental & Public Health Committee. He thanked parents for actively bringing their children to the carnival and stated that their support is vital in cultivating a reading culture and enhancing community interaction.

This event is a continuation of last year's “Let's Go to the Library” (Jom Ke Perpustakaan) campaign launched by the Sibu Rural District Council, aiming to encourage more people to make good use of public libraries within their jurisdiction.

This year, the organizers further upgraded the event into a carnival format, using interactive games and edutainment activities to attract more children while encouraging parent-child experiences of the joy of reading together.

The new event format is designed to show the public that libraries are not just places to borrow books, but are also friendly spaces where children can learn through play, promote family interaction, and strengthen community ties.

Lau Ko Kiet said that the Sibu Rural District Council hopes rural libraries will not only serve as knowledge centers in the future but also develop into warm community hubs where students can gather, exchange ideas, spark creativity, and make good use of their free time participating in positive and healthy activities.

He said that such environments help cultivate young people's creativity, promote interpersonal communication, and establish good lifelong learning habits.

He also called on parents to continue encouraging their children to fully utilize library resources. As open public facilities, libraries not only help to enhance knowledge but also provide important platforms for children to build friendships and broaden their social circles.

The event featured a variety of activities, including music games, rubber band challenges, cup stacking competitions, crossword contests, Makerspace demonstrations, and e-wallet knowledge sharing. The day concluded with the prize-giving ceremony for the various competitions.