A library like no other
Published on: Sunday, March 03, 2019
By: Jeremy S Zabala
Text Size:
Sitting on three acres, all seven storeys provide 62,000 square feet of space that would interest all ages.
State Library Director Wong Vui Yin said it was designed for more than having books, shelves, chairs and tables.
“Even the façade on the front side of the building reflects the existing culture found in Sabah.
The octopus book shelves that will be placed at the children’s library on the first floor.
“The façade fixed in front of the building is from the Rungus community. It is an image of two men and woman which defines a meeting. The library also serves as a meeting place,” he said.
Adapting the idea of the traditional multipurpose bamboo basket, Wakid, which originates from the districts of Ranau and Tambunan, the design of the basket form part of the information counter at the entrance, he said.
Book cabinet and workstation at the children’s library on the first floor.
While Sabah is synonymous with forests, the sea, islands and beaches are equally significant and were not left out of the library.
“Circling the information counter, on the floor is a groove filled with sand from Kota Belud beach and sea shells.
“There is high durable glass covering the groove so visitors will be able to see another significant interior design,” Wong said. The ground floor also offers places to hold meetings and sick bays.
The octopus book shelves that will be placed at the children’s library on the first floor.
The first floor has been designed for children and is a library for kids like no other. With Sabah marine wildlife as its main theme, the floor is not just for reading but also a “playground” for the young to run around and interact.
They can run around and make as much noise as they want as the walls are sound-proofed.
Architect’s impression of the entrance of the children library on the first floor.
“We want this place to be attractive not just for children but also adults. They would be able to enjoy their time in the children’s section where they could carry out reading and playing at the same time,” said Wong.
Small nursery room has been equipped on this level for the comfort of breastfeeding mothers and babies that needs diaper changing in private.
Book collection area at the Teens section on the second floor.
The Petrosains area is designed to cultivate an interest in science among the young.
What’s more – there’s even a jamming studio for teens to produce the next crop of artistes.
He said this is not only to encourage teenagers to use their free time reading and learning but also in understanding and enjoying their passion as well as interest in music.
Mini exhibition area on the third floor.
“The jamming area is open to the public,” Wong said.
Recognising innovation and smart partnership department involved agencies such as Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Telekom Malaysia.
The rest of the would have the usual books, shelves, tables and chairs for visitors to read or carry out their studies.
Wong said many of the features would be extended to libraries in other districts.
Computer and book collection area on the third floor.
“If the government supports this, then we are going to change and transform our existing libraries in Sandakan, Tawau and Keningau.
“At the moment, we are building a library in Kinabatangan and Kunak. Not the ‘old fashioned’ way but like it is in Tanjung Aru,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
