A NEW library in Petaling Jaya’s Kg Lindungan has been credited with “saving” the community as it becomes a gathering place for local children after school.

Residents said the library, built on what a vacant lot and building site, has helped address a rise in youth delinquency in the neighbourhood, as it now provides a safe place for the children to head to after school, when many of their parents are still working and unable to keep a watch on them.

Zahir Awang, 50, said he noticed an increasing number of pupils using the library’s facilities after school.

“They go there to read, do their homework and have discussions with their peers.

“It is equipped with computers that most households might not be able to afford, so pupils love going there to do their research,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Zahir has been living in Kg Lindungan for 25 years and said he had witnessed positive changes since the library was built last year, saying that its former site used to be meeting place for teenagers to smoke and drink alcohol.

“But now, I find the place much safer and it feels good knowing that I can find my children there doing their schoolwork. It’s good to know their whereabouts.”

The library is situated next to an open car park at the PKNS Minangkabau flats and has been in operation since early this year. It was officiated by Selangor Menteri Besar Amiruddin Shari on July 28.

Another local, who only wanted to be named as Sofea, said the schoolchildren now have options as to how to spend their free time.

“It is safe for children to go there and it is highly positive. Instead of staying at home and playing games, they can gain knowledge as so many books are provided there,” she said.

Social issues are evidently reduced since teenagers no longer have an empty site to loiter at in the evenings, she said.

“They don’t make noise at night and it is a lot of peaceful now,” she said.

The library, which is a state government initiative and joint venture with the Petaling Jaya City Council, logs up to 60 visitors daily.

Its supervisor, Asri Atan, 48, said it was built in Kg Lindungan specifically to tackle problems in the area.

“We did some research and found out that most children here do not know where to go to spend their time.

“So we thought it would be a great idea to build a library here where they can come and enjoy the facilities,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Many older folk nearby are also using the facilities there, coming over to watch television, read some books or catch up with friends.

The library also has an edible garden which produces fresh herbs and vegetables, which are given to locals.

 “We are planning to have a committee for the garden made up of locals to ensure it is well taken care of,” he said.

The library holds events, such as traditional puppet shows (wayang pacak) on school holidays and children are also taught entrepreneurial skills by being tasked with manning mini-food stalls during the events.

“Our aim is definitely for low-income earners as this initiative would greatly benefit them.” – September 10, 2018.