New Sibu Library, a digital information services portal in central region

Hamid being briefed on the library's facilities by a staff.

SIBU, Sept 14: The new Sibu Library is expected to be able to function as a digital information services portal in the central region of the state, covering parts of Sibu, Mukah, Kapit and Sarikei.

Sarawak State Library Management Board chairman Tan Sri Hamid Bugo said it was hoped that the community in Sibu would take the benefit to experience and enjoy its services and facilities

“Sibu Library is a portal or gateway to a treasure trove of universal knowledge and information, locals will have the opportunity to improve their abilities and find out the latest developments in their respective fields through Pustaka Sibu,” he said when speaking at the opening of new Sibu Library today.

He added that the Sibu Library was designed with such surroundings that has high potential to build various leisure places such as those found in Kuching and Miri.

At the event, he also apologised to the people of Sibu “for making them waited for so long for the library”.

Hamid said the project was mooted 10 years ago but due to site problems, it was put off.

“Our idea of the library came out 10 years ago. The former building of Sibu Municipal Council was proposed,” he said, adding, however the small size of the land was not suitable for the library.

After a site had been identified at Jalan Tun Tuanku Bujang and the design for the project was almost completed, it hit another snag when the University College of Technology Sarawak was proposed instead.

On the site for the library, he said it was chosen due to ample space despite being a swampy land. -DayakDaily