Image Credit: Little Giraffe Story House community library @littlegiraffe_sh11 (Instagram)
As the years pass, children have increasingly turned to technological devices for their entertainment and learning, often at the expense of traditional storybooks and television cartoons. The rise of YouTube bedtime stories and digital cartoons has raised concerns among parents worldwide about the short attention spans of young readers.
In response to this trend, a group of passionate kindergarten teachers took matters into their own hands. They established a small book club inside a shipping container, creating a cozy reading nook that gradually blossomed into a bustling library, drawing families from near and far. However, the growing popularity of this initiative soon became too overwhelming for the teachers to manage alongside their full-time jobs.
This dilemma sparked the interest of Lee Soon Yong, an aspiring architecture graduate who just returned to Malaysia from Taiwan. He decided to take over and create a new space for this library, with a cause. With some renovation he transformed an old kampung house in Batu 11 Cheras, into a community library.
Building Little Giraffe Story House
Discussions about creating this new space began in late 2016, and the idea was warmly embraced by the local community. Just a few months later, the team laid the groundwork for what would become Little Giraffe Story House.
Construction officially began in February 2017, with an initial capital of RM5,000 that was raised by the architects and residents. Though the funds were barely enough to cover basic materials and tools, the community’s support soon turned the tide. Donations poured in, totalling RM40,000, allowing the team to push forward with the project.
Image Credit: Sky (Google Reviews)
Transforming the old kampung house was a struggle. From termite infestations to decaying floors and limited working space, it might have even made more sense demolishing the old house to start afresh. However, the founders wanted to preserve its original structure as a tribute to the community and its history.
The renovation included installing new windows and ventilation, replacing walls and flooring, and more. After six months of tireless effort, the library, with its distinctive pink and green walls, was ready to welcome the public.
The library, and community art gallery
The new Little Giraffe Story House introduced a fresh concept that expanded upon the original shipping container book club. The founders and their team created three distinct sections within the community space, each designed to foster a love for reading and creativity among children and their families.
Image Credit: Kee Fui Chin on Google Reviews and @littlegiraffe_sh11 (Instagram)
At the heart of the space is the library, a warm and inviting area where over 3,000 books line the wooden shelves. The collection primarily features Chinese-language books, with a selection of English and Malay titles. The library also hosts weekly storytelling sessions on an elevated platform, making it a centre of literary activity for the community every weekend.
Image Credit: Yuenmei Wong and Jonathan Foo (Google Reviews)
Adjacent to the library is the community art gallery, a vibrant space for creatives to find inspiration. This section includes a rentable art studio, allowing artists to contribute to the library’s sustainability. The gallery is adorned with artwork that adds to the tranquil atmosphere, making it a haven for both artists and visitors alike.
Sustaining the library with F&B
The third section, the commercial space, operates as an F&B eatery and acts as the library’s financial backbone. Initially, this area housed a cafe and a rojak stall, serving coffee and the famous Rojak Wan TTDI.
In May 2024, the Always Lapar team took over the spot, transforming it into an eatery that offers classic Malaysian dishes like nasi lemak, prawn mee, and asam laksa. This culinary venture helps to sustain the library financially, and allows families to enjoy good food while immersing themselves in the world of books.
Image Credit: @alwayslapar.my (Instagram)
The dream of bringing knowledge to children
The founders of Little Giraffe Story House liken their mission to that of a giraffe, whose long neck allows it to see far into the distance. Their vision is similarly far-sighted: to create a safe space where children can expand their knowledge and imagination. The “Little” in the library’s name represents the young visitors who come to explore the wonders of literature.
Image Credit: Cheexin Ng and Design Inn Home (Google Reviews)
Driven by a humble dream, the dedicated team behind Little Giraffe Story House has built a space that enriches the lives of many. Their efforts have turned a simple idea into a cherished community treasure, embodying the power of knowledge and the joy of giving back.
Little Giraffe Story House
Address: 114, Jalan 15, Batu 11 Cheras, 43200 Cheras, Selangor
Operating Hours: 10am – 6pm (Mon – Tue, Thur – Sun)
Contact: 012-632 2955
Food Status: Pork Free
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