The Penang Public Library can trace its history to 1817, when a committee was formed to found a library. In those early days, the library was called the Prince of Wales Island Library. It was exclusively for the use of the British personnel living in Penang. R. Ibbetson was the librarian while David Brown acted as treasurer. To join the library, subscribers had to contribute a donation of $25.00 and provide a monthly subscription of $4.00. Needless to say, only the well-to-do is able to become subscribers - and in early 19th century Penang, the only group to be literate. As there was no clerical staff to man the library, the subscribers themselves are entrusted the duty to enter their name and title of the book they are borrowing into the register. The amount of time allowed for borrowing a book is dependent of its size and age. Older books can be borrowed for longer time while newer ones for shorter period.
On 1 January 1817, a new rule came into effect barring new subscribers unless he was proposed by three existing members, and subsequently balloted for. In the ballot, the proposed subscriber had to receive a two-third majority to qualify for admittance. There was also a proposal to increase the membership to a $50 donation, but that was not carried out, so the donation of $25 stayed. On 8 October 1819 another rule was introduced requiring subscribers to pay their subscriptions three months in advance. This was tightened on 25 September 1820 to make it eight months in advance. It is not know where the library was located in those early days. The earliest known venue for the library was at the old Chinese Protectorate Office in Downing Street. This before 1880, but could not have been there much too early, as Downing Street had just been created.
In 1883, with the completion of the Town Hall, the library - by then already known as the Penang Library - was moved there. It stayed at the Town Hall until it was shifted to the Penang Supreme Court building in 1905. The library remained at the Penang Supreme Court building until the Second World War broke out, causing much damage to the library and its collection.
In the 1970's, the Penang Public Library moved to Dewan Sri Pinang, where it stayed until the 1990's. Today, the library has expanded to include several branches. Its head office is at Jalan Perpustakaan, Seberang Jaya.
Locations of the Penang Public Library
Head Office:
Penang Public Library
Jalan Perpustakaan
Seberang Jaya, 13700 Prai
Tel : +604-3902387
Bukit Mertajam Branch Library
29, Jalan Pegawai,
14000 Bukit Mertajam
Tel : +604-5392619
Jawi Branch Library
14200 Sungai Jawi,
Seberang Perai Selatan
Tel : 04-5824224
George Town Branch Library
11, Scotland Road,
10450 Penang
Tel : +604-2293555
Balik Pulau Branch Library
Lot 162, Mukim G, Jalan Balik Pulau,
11000 Balik Pulau
Tel : +604-8665689
Getting there
The Penang Public Library (George Town Branch), which includes the children's library, is located at Scotland Road, and is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 9:45 am to 6:00 pm. The main gate of the library is at Piggot Road. Rapid Penang Buses No. 304 passes through Scotland Road.
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Penang Travel Tips is researched and written by Timothy Tye, universally known as Tim. The text is the copyright of Timothy Tye, and may not be copied for commercial use or re-published in another website without the author's permission. Information provided is in goodwill and is believed to be correct and up-to-date at time of writing. Photographs on this website are the copyright of the author and may not be reused without prior permission. For commercial licensing of photographs, read the licensing terms.
