6 public libraries in the Klang Valley to visit for Ramadan-friendly work-from-home days
Peace and quiet
Finding yourself getting distracted at home or focused on snacking instead of working while at a café? Parking yourself at a local public library might be the best solution to your work-from-home (WFH) problems. Comfortable and (mostly) quiet, these libraries offer a break from the mundane of your work-from-home setup or the oft-busy bookstores in the Klang Valley. These locations are also especially useful during Ramadan as they provide a work- and study-friendly space for those who are fasting and prefer to avoid cafés and restaurants. Here are our six favourite spots to camp out in on your WFH days or lengthy study sessions.
Note: Some libraries may have differing operating hours during the month of Ramadan.
RAJA TUN UDA LIBRARY
Located right beside the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf & Country Club, the modern Raja Tun Uda Library spans 203,600 square feet and is open to students, researchers, workers, and educators alike. Named after Raja Tun Uda bin Raja Muhammad, the first Governor of Penang, the library has over 400,000 books in its inventory and can host up to 2,500 visitors at a time. The six-storey building boasts comfortable workstations, a lounge, discussion rooms, a dedicated reading area, a cafeteria, an auditorium, and more within its large space. There is also a jogging track around the library, so you can get in some movement between your work or study sessions.
Address: Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda, Jalan Kelab Golf 13/6, Seksyen 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: 8.30am-5pm (Tuesday to Sunday) | 9am to 6pm (Monday)
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MALAYSIA
The National Library of Malaysia—or Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia—is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, along the bustling Jalan Tun Razak. Recognisable by its distinctive songket-inspired roof, it houses a wealth of resources with over 4.5 million printed materials, including rare periodicals and documents from centuries ago. Its space consists of an array of study and reading areas that you can get cosy in, alongside other facilities such as multi-purpose rooms and a surau.
Address: 232, Jalan Tun Razak, 50572 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm | closed on Mondays
THE KUALA LUMPUR LIBRARY
Operating under the administration of Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the Kuala Lumpur Library is the flagship building of the city’s library system. Recently refurbished, the modern space was originally constructed in the late 1980s and is located near Dataran Merdeka in the city centre. In addition to housing a wide range of literary resources and documents, the library also has an auditorium, children’s library, galleries, and more on site.
Address: No. 1 Jalan Raja, 50050 Kuala lumpur
Opening hours: 10am to 6.45pm (Tuesday to Friday) | 10am to 5pm (Saturday to Sunday) | closed on Mondays, public holidays, and the first weekend of every month
THE KUALA LUMPUR LIBRARY – TTDI BRANCH
Also part of the city’s public library system, The KL Library’s Taman Tun Dr Ismail branch is located within the neighbourhood’s community centre. The library underwent major modernisation works from 2017 to 2019 and features a children’s section, computer room, meeting rooms, and a TV room. Its interiors are bright and colourful, making for a fun space to settle down in for a day with your laptop and books.
Address: Pusat Komuniti TTDI, Lot 31204, Jalan Athinahapan, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 6000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am to 6.45pm (Tuesday and Friday) | 10am to 6.30pm (Wednesday and Thursday) | 10am to 5pm (Saturday and Sunday) | closed on Mondays
THE JAPAN FOUNDATION KUALA LUMPUR LIBRARY
Whether you’re looking to bury yourself in your favourite mangas or spend a quiet afternoon working in a more intimate space, The Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur’s (JFKL) welcoming library space would be the ideal destination for you. Tucked within the JFKL headquarters in Mid Valley City, the public library has a curated collection of books in both English and Japanese, comics, Japanese language study guides, magazines, and more. Its smaller space means seats may be limited, but if you’re early, you can choose from regular study tables, couches, or its tatami area for your day in the books.
Note: While the library is open to the public, a membership is required with an annual fee of RM10.
Address: 18th Floor, Northpoint Block B, Mid Valley City, No. 1, Medan Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am to 5.30pm (Tuesday to Saturday) | closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays
BUKIT DAMANSARA COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Located steps away from the National Science Centre, the Bukit Damansara Community Library—established in 2013—is a lovely space for a quiet work-from-home day or study session. There are work tables around the library alongside a children’s area, private reading rooms, and a meeting room. Its lending services are open to those with a valid MyKad.
Address: No. 9, Unit 9, Jalan Beringin, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm (Tuesday to Sunday) | closed on Mondays and public holidays
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