Best public libraries in KL

In 2019, Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur aka Kuala Lumpur Library unveiled its new look after a RM34 million refurbishment. Administered by the city hall since ’88, Kuala Lumpur’s flagship library building now boasts new books in addition to its 50,000-strong titles, digital content such as audio and video materials, e-books, e-magazines and e-newspapers, computers and private rooms, workspaces (hey, it’s like a free co-working space!), and even interactive play areas for children. Tip: Located right next to the historic Dataran Merdeka in the heart of the city, it’s easily accessible via bus, LRT and MRT. 

Free membership.

Founded in 2017 by Amateur, Au Sow Yee Studio and In Between Cultura, Rumah Attap Library & Collective is set up in a restored shophouse at The Zhongshan Building in Kampung Attap. It serves many functions: as a library and a space for reading, forums, and discussions, where artists, researchers and like-minded intellects are able to come together and exchange books and ideas on the arts, cultural studies, literature, philosophy, and social sciences. It regularly plays host to book readings, film screenings and cultural talks.

Despite its small size, it houses over 5,000 books: some inherited from a now-defunct humanities library run by the alumni of USM, and more by public donation; two-thirds of the library’s collection are Chinese-language books and journals, the remaining one-third is in English and Malay. As it is an independent non-profit collectively maintained with the help of volunteers, donations are welcome to sustain the operations of the space. 

Membership fee RM100 first year, RM50 every subsequent year. For students, houseworkers, senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (OKU), membership fee is RM50 first year, RM25 every subsequent year.

Little Giraffe Story House isn’t like most children’s libraries. For one thing, it’s established in a kampung house in a Chinese kampung baru, after outgrowing its modest set-up in a shipping container. The pink-and-green one-storey is a labour of love: following an initial funding of RM5,000, and a further RM40,000 worth of donations and materials pouring in from well-wishers, village residents and hardware shops, plus volunteers helping out with construction work, Little Giraffe was completed with a children’s library stacked with mostly Chinese-languge books, plus an art hall, outdoor theatre and stage, and commercial space with a café. Must-try while your kiddo reads: rojak and tauhu bakar, plus a homey platter of big breakfast like mum used to cook up, with eggs, hotdogs, and baked beans, plus toasted bread slices.

Free entry to the library and reading area.

As part of the Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia system, the library, also known as Bukit Damansara Community Library along Jalan Beringin was opened in 2013. The double-storey building, a welcome addition to the neighbourhood, offers books and reading materials on the arts, philosophy, social sciences and more, plus a solid selection of fiction and graphic novels for adults and children. The kid’s corner is separated by clear glass doors and walls, allowing parents to keep a close eye on their little ones. Plus, there are plenty of reading nooks and rooms, workspaces, and an adjoining no-frills café serving simple dishes where you can while away a few hours with a riveting read.

Free membership.

The Children’s Library at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia has a wide-ranging book collection consisting of a selection of fiction and non-fiction books, plus materials on Islamic art, science, architecture, history and more for curious minds. Every Saturday and Sunday at 3pm, the Children’s Library hosts free weekend activities, such as arts and crafts, storytelling and shadow puppet performances, for kids aged four to twelve years old. All books are available only for in-library reading.

Free entry for children under 6 years old. Ticketed entry with access to the museum for adults and non-Malaysian senior citizens, RM20; students and Malaysian senior citizens, RM10.

In 2022, the Malaysian Public Library, Research and Development Centre—er, or MPL for short—relocated to its new home at Wisma HELP after over six decades at Sam Mansion, behind the storied Chinese Assembly Hall. As one of the oldest libraries in Kuala Lumpur, it served as a centre for the Chinese community in the city to access Chinese books and reading materials on arts and culture, history, philosophy, and more. Today, it holds over 60,000 volumes of books in Chinese, plus English and Malay. There are even calligraphy and painting works, plus classical literature, comics, fiction, and Malaysian Chinese works. 

Registration fee RM10 for students; RM20 for non-students. Membership fee RM100 annually for adults; RM60 for students, senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (OKU).

The library strips away the seemingly frivolous (no kawaii café, unfortunately), celebrating books as passionately as the way the Japanese embraces their Zen lifestyle. And Zen is what you get here – a hushed tatami area that exhibits the casualness of a living room, comfy couches and reading spaces decked out in earthy tones. Fuel your interest in the Japanese culture with fiction, literature and magazines, but you can also do it the fun way through their enviable selection of mangas. The JFKL also hosts cultural activities every month so keep an eye out. 
Membership fee RM10 annually.

There’s something about browsing the towering shelves at this library that we love – the serendipity of chancing upon an interesting book we thought we wouldn’t like and picking up morsels of obscure knowledge along the way. The voracious reader will relish this treasure trove replete with encyclopaedias, dictionaries, fiction and even self-help books. There are long tables and cosy sofas to prolong your stay but we prefer the cosy nooks where you can hole up with a good read. Additionally, you will find fun things to do such as interactive tables, a games lounge, and even a movie room.

Free membership.

Sleek, modern and steely – this is one of the quietest libraries we’ve been with the loudest architectural design. Situated next to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf Club, this bibliotheca is pretty, yes, but wait until you venture inside where one can engage with literature, economics and culture in the luxury of private reading rooms, three gyms, a 3D and 6D theatre room and more. Don’t bother with study groups – with fast WiFi service and a cosy café overlooking a picturesque lake, you probably won’t get much reading done anyway. 
Free membership.

Our national library is one to bookmark. Even if you’re not here for the exhaustive choices of reading material, the suitably demure architecture, inspired by the intricate traditional Malay headgear tengkolok, often elicits admiration. Gaze up at the celestial ceilings and you’ll find books – ranging from literary works by Malaysia’s poets, such as A Samad Said and Pak Sako, to Harvard academic journals – crowding the shelves. In achieving a knowledge-based nation, the Samsung Smart Library is a noteworthy space for digital learning and reading.

Free membership.

Instead of wandering around hallowed library halls, borrow a book from a box in the Lucky Garden neighbourhood. An initiative of free library movement Pustaka Jalanan, the book box aims to cultivate the habit of reading via free and easy access to books. It’s located near Seksan Gallery in Bangsar, a spot specifically chosen because of the sizeable pockets of low-income migrants and their children in the area. Future plans include more boxes of books in more parks, and to make Pustaka Jalanan a meeting point for everyone to share books, or just chat. Pick up a book from the box (they’re mostly novels and children’s books, but donate a few if you can) and spend an hour or two reading under the leafy shade of trees.