SIBU: The Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC), in collaboration with Big Bad Wolf Book Fair, has made a collection of approximately 100,000 books available to the public from September 19 to 29.
SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said that the initiative aims to inspire children to read, noting the rarity of book fairs being organised nowadays.
“When reading on devices, you often have to push yourself to stay focused, but reading physical books is far more comfortable for your eyes,” he said.
He stated during the book fair’s opening at SRDC’s public library in Sibu Jaya here yesterday (Sept 19).
He emphasised the importance of events such as this, which could contribute in cultivating a new generation of readers.
“In addition to our local library, we also have rural libraries, whereby we regularly distribute books to longhouses,” he added.
Sempurai stressed on the need to encourage children to read physical books.
“In this digital age, e-books are easily accessible through mobile phones and computers. While e-books offer a modern way to read, physical books still hold a unique and valuable experience, much like how we used to read in the past,” he said.
Reflecting on his own school and university days, Sempurai recalled relying on physical books to gain knowledge.
Meanwhile, Senior Business Development executive of Big Bad Wolf Books Jeremy Ooi said that this was their first book fair aimed at promoting the joy and love of reading within the community.
