LETTERS: There are many facilities for residents in a residential area, such as, playground, barbecue area, cafeteria, covered parking, gymnasium, jogging track, playground, swimming pool, wading pool and tennis court.
The only thing that's missing is a little library. If medium- and low-cost flats have a mini library, the community could borrow more books.
Many prefer to get information using search engines such as Google.
The data we obtain is not always relevant and some of the information might not be correct. That's why libraries are necessary.
A 2019 study by the International Islamic University and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia showed that Malaysians read only two books a year.
Based on the study, most youngsters chose to surf the Internet and visit social media sites.
Therefore, libraries play an important role by providing not only for those looking for information, but also, for residents to be more sociable as a community.
If a library were set up in flats or apartments, senior citizens could read for leisure, mothers can set up baby storytime clubs, and teenagers can form study groups.
In short, libraries serve as community centres by helping residents integrate into the community.
Having a mini library helps to inculcate a positive attitude in people and aids in the formation of new perspectives and ideas.
DR RAHIDA AINI MOHD ISMAIL
Penang
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times