Mini Library at a Park

 

Foto ihsan TikTok/@zestie.my

Retired M’sian Headmaster Transforms Personal Book Collection Into Mini Library At A Park

A real legacy 

WeirdKaya – 5 April 2024

Libraries are like treasure troves of knowledge, inviting readers on journeys of discovery. They’re not just places for stories; they’re hubs where communities come together, sharing ideas and fostering growth.

In the heart of Taman Wawasan, Puchong, there’s a small but mighty library run by Uncle Lee, a retired headmaster. What makes it special isn’t just its 10,000 books or its cozy spot in a public playground. It’s the story behind it all—a story of Uncle Lee’s love for books and his desire to share that love with others.

Meet Uncle Lee, an 89-year-old who’s loved books for as long as he can remember. Since the 1950s, he’s been collecting them, filling his home with literary treasures.

But instead of keeping them all to himself, Uncle Lee had a brilliant idea: “Why not share them with the public?” With excitement and kindness, he turned his private collection into a library for everyone to enjoy.

In a heartwarming TikTok video shared by Zestie Malaysia, Uncle Lee recounts his journey, from the early days of collecting books to the joy of seeing families flock to his mini library in search of their next literary adventure.

From folklore to fiction, IT-related topics to reference books for students, Uncle Lee’s collection caters to every taste and interest, ensuring that no reader is left wanting.

But Uncle Lee doesn’t stop at his own community. Inspired by the success of his library, he’s started similar projects in Thailand and China. His books are making a big difference there, helping people learn and grow, and opening doors to new opportunities for many.

“I went on a tour in China in my 70s, and during a visit to a small village, I couldn’t accept that it did not have a library. There were 1,700 middle schoolers in a school and no library,” he said.

 

“It was in a rural area, so I told the principal that I would donate a library. I gave them 6,000 books. A few years later, that village sent a few of their children to prestigious universities all over China,” he added.

As we learn more about Uncle Lee’s story, we see both the good times and the tough times. Some people don’t return the books they borrow, and there are challenges with keeping the library running smoothly.

“I couldn’t be bothered with that. If they return the books, I’ll be happy. If they don’t, I can’t do anything. It’s okay to take the books without the stamp. But please return those with the stamp,” he said.

But through it all, Uncle Lee stays strong and keeps working hard to make his library a success. His hope for the future is simple: to see his libraries continue to flourish under the care of volunteers, ensuring that the flame of knowledge burns bright for generations to come.

“Anyone can come and volunteer to take care of the library. Just help to put things in order,” he concluded.

Source: https://weirdkaya.com/retired-msian-headmaster-transforms-personal-book-collection-into-mini-library-at-a-park/