KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will consider extending the operating hours of libraries should the number of visitors increase.
Sabah state library director, Fatimah Abdillah, said prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, some libraries were open until night.
"Since the implementation of the Movement Control Order (two years ago), the number of visitors was low as the libraries were opened based on the standard operating procedures (SOP).
"Since the libraries reopened early this year, we have yet to operate beyond the office hours as there are fewer visitors around 5pm.
"However, if the number of visitors increases, we will reopen as usual up to 9pm," she told reporters after the launch of the State Library's 50th anniversary celebrations at its headquarters here.
Present were Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Yakub Khan and his permanent secretary Zainudin Aman.
Fatimah said there were about 120,000 active library members, comprising mostly students and researchers.
Earlier, Yakub said libraries were still relevant in these modern times, especially for students to do revision and find reference.
"In the last 50 years, the Sabah State Library has seen many achievements in terms of providing public services, technological development, increase in staff members and upgrading of facilities.
"The library also faces great challenges as information services continue to evolve in line with modern technology and the digital era.
"To promote a reading culture, the Sabah State Library provides physical, as well as online reading materials and services."
In conjunction with its anniversary celebrations, the library has organised a month-long programme that includes activities, especially for youth, such as cosplay, TikTok and E-Sport.