WHEN it comes to various initiatives implemented for the betterment of the public, Penang will more often than not be at the forefront.
This was made evident with the launching of Hobby Mobile Library (MOBBY) by the Penang Public Library Corporation (PPAPP) in Seberang Jaya yesterday.
MOBBY is a pilot project introduced by PPAPP to provide opportunities for the community to share their hobbies and interests using the platform provided.
PPAPP director Sharimah Salleh said MOBBY, the first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, was to ensure that the community could be exposed to various materials instead of merely reading the books.
As a result, she said MOBBY was a transformation from the conventional library.
“In MOBBY, it helps to provide a necessary support and generate income to the people through various products that are marketed.
“The existence of this library aims to support the interest of certain quarters to obtain information related to their hobbies under the one-stop centre, also known as the mobile library.
“Compared to the usual activities of the conventional library, like reading books, MOBBY offers many activities to the community. It includes cooking, sewing, fish breeding and others that will receive an overwhelming response from community,” she said.
Sharimah added that MOBBY would be operating at 18 locations in the central Seberang Perai district and that PPAPP would welcome public feedback.
The launching ceremony was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy, who is also PPAPP chairman.
According to him, the MOBBY service would be open to all groups of society and cover all ages.
“This will be an attraction to the public as they can drop by to catch a glimpse of the many activities.
“We are thinking of expanding this new initiative,” he told reporters.
Also present was Telok Ayer Tawar assemblyman Datuk Mustafa Kamal Ahmad.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhammad Amir Irsyad Omar