THE Butterworth Digital Library (BDL) which is the first digital library in Seberang Perai and the fourth of its kind in Penang, is now becoming more popular, especially with young people.
Located in Kampung Benggali, the double-storey building is equipped with a community hall, a digital library, conference and seminar rooms, teleconference room, indoor playground for kids and cafeteria.
The digital library project was announced in 2018 and is fully funded by the Penang government and managed by the Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI).
The other digital libraries are located in the island, namely Penang Digital Library 1 and Penang Digital Library 2 in Jalan Masjid Negeri, and Penang Digital Library @ Batu Maung at Southbay Plaza in Batu Maung.
BDL assistant information technology officer Nor Fazira Md Salleh said the new facility already had its soft opening on July 15 and its official launching is expected to be held this weekend.
“Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is expected to officiate the new digital library on Aug 8.
“The Butterworth Digital Library now opens every day with the operating hours from 8am to 10pm and there is no entrance fee,” she told Buletin Mutiara today.
Although the facility has been opened less than a month ago, Nor Fazira said it has received an overwhelming response from the local community.
“During the weekends, we usually receive about 350 visitors while on weekdays, we record an average of about 200 visitors.
“This shows that the local community is aware of such facility in their place and we expect the number to continue to rise after the official launching,” she added.
According to Nor Fazira, Butterworth Digital Library currently offers a 50% discount for its e-book membership for students.
“The membership is for a one-year period and the fee for adults is RM60 and RM30 for student after discount.
“Those who subscribe to our package can have an unlimited access to our e-book database that has over 5,400 e-books with different genres.
“They can also have access to our e-book database anywhere they want without having to come here,” she said.
Nor Fazira said the BDL management also has taken some preventive measures to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in the facility.
“This includes a body temperature check on each visitor before they enter the facility.
“It is also compulsory for them to wear face mask all the time in the facility.
“Apart from that, we have also placed markers on the floor and chairs to remind our visitors of the 1m physical distancing rule.
“So, the public should not be worry about coming in here as we have already taken the necessary measures to contain the virus,” said Nor Fazira.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis