KUALA LUMPUR: "A candle gives light but is itself consumed as it gives this light." This probably best describes a retired headmaster who started and managed a mini public library in Taman Wawasan in Puchong.
The retiree known as Uncle Lee, 89, has been collecting books since the 1950s. As he finds himself running out of space to keep his beloved books, an idea strikes him: "Why not share them with the public?"
The retiree known as Uncle Lee, 89, said he had been collecting books since the 1950s, and as he runs out of place to keep his beloved books, an idea comes to mind: "Why not share it with the public?"
In a TikTok video posted by Zestie Malaysia, Uncle Lee said he had donated over 10,000 books.
While each family can borrow up to 30 books at one time, Uncle Lee said the rules remained flexible here.
Located in a public playground area, the books are in pristine condition. Some of the books were even stamped with his name.
The books come in a variety of subjects and languages, which cater to everyone from all walks of life.
There are also a mix of books from folklore, fiction, IT-related topics to reference books for primary and secondary school students.
Uncle Lee added that there were some who borrowed the books but never returned them.
"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.
Uncle Lee said there were families who borrowed two books but donated at least five to help populate the mini library.
Uncle Lee's enthusiasm also caught the attention of the local council, which helped build a roof over the mini library to provide a shed from the sun and rain.
As for the book shelves, Uncle Lee upcycled the polystyrene boxes, which he stacked on top of one another.
Besides the one in Taman Wawasan Puchong, Uncle Lee has also donated books and helped set up a mini library at the community hall in Kampung Baru Salak South.
The Kuala Lumpur City Hall contributed RM70,000 to support Uncle Lee's initiative.
He has also donated books and set up small communal libraries in Thailand and China.
"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.
"Knowing that my books had helped the children, the principal was elated. The books I donated became invaluable to these villagers," he said.
He said that the country would progress faster if every small village was equipped with a library, where people could go and read and expand their knowledge.
As for his plans for the future, Uncle Lee said he hoped someone could take over the libraries.
"Anyone can come and volunteer to take care of the library. Just help to put things in order," he said.