Whether you’re a parent who wants to teach their child to read, a student looking for more study materials, or even a bookworm interested in finding something new, public libraries are a great resource. While e-books have been gaining popularity lately, nothing is quite the same as holding a real book in your hands.

To help you find the best places to read, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 best public children’s libraries in KL and Selangor.

Perpustakaan Negara

Located on Jalan Tun Razak, Perpustakaan Negara is one of the oldest libraries in Malaysia. Its doors were first opened back in 1956 – one year before the declaration of Independence!

Today, Perpustakaan Negara is known for its historical collections, with books that date back to the 50s and 60s. Aside from that, the library’s archive is full of books from local poets and novelists. As the National Library of Malaysia, Perpustakaan Negara is filled with plenty of facilities such as a cafeteria, auditorium, children’s theater, exhibition hall, and more. Parking is free, with several special spots reserved only for female visitors.

Website: Perpustakaan Negara

Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (JFKL) Library

Interested in learning more about Japanese history or culture? The JFKL Library contains a wide range of materials on Japan including books, magazines, comics, musical CD’s, and DVD’s. With such extensive resources at your fingertips, even the most enthusiastic Japanophile is sure to be satisfied.

And yes, they do have a manga section.

Open to members and non-members alike, the JFKL Library offers a comfy environment that’s perfect for studying and quiet reading. They also host special workshops and events every month or so, so keep an eye out.

Website: JFKL Library

Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda

Located in Seksyen 13, Shah Alam, Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda was based on the idea of a ‘library in a park’. With a breathtaking view of a lake and green lawns, this library is the perfect place to relax and curl up with a good book after a long week.

Inside Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda you can find the Children’s Creative Zone – a reading area specially designed for younger kids. Children can sit under the ‘Reading Tree’ or read their books on the plush and comfy bean bags. There are also a number of other facilities including 6D movie theaters, gymnasiums, and a cafeteria.

Website: Perspustakaan Raja Tun Uda

Islamic Arts Museum Children’s Library

As Southeast Asia’s largest museum on Islamic art, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is well known for its educational galleries and exhibitions. But did you know that they also have a children’s library?

Aside from books on Islam and Islamic arts, the Children’s Library also has books on other interesting subjects such as science, art, and history as well as more traditional children’s books from authors such as Eric Carle and Dr Seuss.

Parents may be interested to know that the Children’s Library organizes a weekly storytelling and arts & crafts workshop for children between 4 to 12 years old. Check out their schedule to discover their weekly themes or register and become a member of CLiP (Children’s Library Passport) today!

Website: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Playcenter Library

Based in a humble bungalow house, the Playcenter Library can be considered a hidden gem for book loving parents. It may not look too fancy from the outside, but the shelves here are filled with storybooks and reading materials meant for young children. They even have old copies of Kuntum magazines!

With more than 26, 000 titles in both English and Bahasa Malaysia, Playcenter Library is the perfect place to instill a love of reading into your toddlers or pre-school aged children. They also have weekly playgroups where little ones can learn through sensory play, craft work, and storytelling.

Website: Playcenter Library