01/09/2025

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MONDAY | SEP 1, 2025

Voices of Reason by Shaeiddah Akmar

A FEW weeks ago, my colleague casually asked me to share an article about boutique libraries. I happened to be holding a cup of coffee at the time, so naturally, I thought, “This must be the universe’s way of telling me to write something sustainable before my caffeine runs out”. As I sipped my coffee, careful not to spill, a quote from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim came to mind. During the 19th Southeast Asian Librarians Congress in Kuala Lumpur earlier this year, he said, “Libraries must not merely serve as book repositories or aesthetic spaces but rather as dynamic centres of knowledge, culture and intellectual engagement.” His words served as a powerful reminder of the role of libraries and how they were evolving, especially in Malaysia, and a growing part of that evolution is the rise of boutique libraries. And just like that – thanks to coffee, curiosity and a nudge from my colleague – the idea of boutique libraries leading the way in sustainable reading started brewing faster than my latte. Boutique libraries, while smaller in scale compared to national or state libraries, are often highly curated spaces designed for specific communities. They may serve a particular neighbourhood, cater to a niche interest or create a unique ambience that encourages slow, thoughtful engagement with books. Across Malaysia, such spaces are beginning to demonstrate that sustainability – social, environmental and cultural – can be seamlessly woven into their DNA. Green buildings for greener minds Malaysia’s first purpose-built “green library”, the Tanjung Aru Library in Sabah, opened in 2019. Its architectural design incorporates features that reduce heat in the central atrium, lowering the need for air conditioning. With wide open reading spaces, abundant natural light and strategic ventilation, it stands as a model of how environmental design can go hand-in-hand with public access

Shaping a sustainable future through boutique libraries

takeaway impactful sustainability work does not require expensive renovations. A simple, well-designed corner with informative displays can inspire conversations about climate action, responsible consumption and community resilience. Sustainability is not just an urban concern. Research into rural libraries in Malaysia has shown encouraging progress in incorporating environmental, economic and social elements into their operations. However, these efforts are still developing and some rural libraries face constraints in meeting international sustainability benchmarks. A case study in Langkawi underscored the importance of integrating the three pillars of sustainability, such as environment, economy and society, to ensure libraries remain vibrant hubs over the long term. Rural boutique libraries, in particular, can benefit from tailored strategies that match their unique local contexts. In urban Malaysia, innovation often comes from unconventional spaces. The Books on the Move initiative, for example, has transformed selected LRT stations in Kuala Lumpur into mini libraries. Constructed from upcycled materials, these pop-up reading spots were designed with input from local students and sustainability focused social enterprises. Though it is temporary and modest in scale, these installations are highly visible reminders that promoting a reading culture can be creative, interactive and environmentally responsible. They also make literature more accessible to commuters who may not otherwise set foot in a is clear:

traditional library.

Why does this matter for Malaysia? From Sabah’s green public library to Kuala Lumpur’s upcycled train station bookshelves, these Malaysian examples show that sustainability is not confined to large, well-funded institutions. Boutique libraries – whether in rural villages, university campuses or urban corners – can combine cultural enrichment with environmental responsibility in ways that resonate deeply with local communities. Our PM’s call to “inspire readers” is in line with the Malaysia Madani vision, which envisions a society that is knowledgeable, ethical and engaged. Libraries that integrate sustainability into their spaces and programmes can help achieve this vision while addressing broader national priorities, such as environmental protection and education equity. Embedding sustainability into boutique libraries will also ensure that the habit of reading will not be threatened by rising energy costs or changing environmental conditions. As Malaysia dives deeper into the world of boutique libraries, these real life efforts show that sustainability and literacy are not just distant cousins but are also best friends – from eco friendly architecture to quirky community projects and grassroots green education. The truth is that small libraries are proving they can punch above their weight. Who knew that a cosy corner filled with books could help save the planet as well as inspire readers at a time? Shaeiddah Akmar is the chief librarian at Berjaya University College. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

A simple, well-designed corner with informative displays can inspire conversations about climate action, responsible consumption and community resilience. – BERNAMAPIC

Challenge, inviting its campus community to join biodiversity recording activities. These efforts show that libraries – even without vast spaces or large budgets – can act as catalysts for environmental awareness, encouraging citizens to see themselves as active stewards of their environment. Leading the SDG agenda The Universiti Malaya Library (UMLib) has gained international recognition for integrating sustainability into its services. In 2023, UMLib won first place in the SDG Corner Competition organised by the International Federation of Library Associations. Their SDG Corner, built using recycled materials, offers interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. For boutique libraries, the

to knowledge. While Tanjung Aru is a large public library, the principles it embodies – thoughtful natural lighting, reduced energy consumption and reader-friendly layouts – can be applied to boutique libraries as well. For small community libraries, adopting even a fraction of these practices can result in lower operational costs and a more pleasant reading environment. In Pahang, the Al-Bukhari Library at Universiti Teknologi Mara launched the Biodiversity Beyond Books programme. This citizen science initiative engaged both students and residents to document flora and fauna in their surroundings. The project led to 997 recorded observations and 499 species identified. Similarly, USM Library introduced the USM Campus Nature

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