Former SMJK Pei Yuan principal, Mok Soon Sang, took upon himself to create a conducive environment for the convenience of residents of the Anning Children Home in Ampang. He established a library – the Mok Soon Sang Library.
The idea came to fruition about eight years ago, when Mok, 75, visited the home to give away ‘ang pows’ in conjunction with Chinese New Year. He found that the existing library had insufficient reading materials and was poorly equipped.
He had a discussion with Master Shi Kong Chan, the abbot of Bao En Shi Temple, the founder of Anning Children’s Home and Old Folks Home. Master Shi was receptive of the idea and plans began soon after.
“Master Shi wanted a library that will benefit not only the residents but the local community as well. We then sought for donations,” said Mok to Ipoh Echo when met at the library.
Mok raised some RM200,000 from book sales while the temple received RM500,000 via public donations.
“It’s a memorable day for me when the foundation stone was laid in 2014. The library was completed in November 2015 and the opening ceremony was held on November 15, 2015,” recalled the former teacher.
Mok wanted the library to be named the Anning Library, but Master Shi insisted otherwise.
“Since I am the one who initiated the idea and had donated my own books, Master Shi suggested that the library to be named the Mok Soon Sang Library,” he said. The library began operation with 5000 books in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Chinese, ranging from kindergarten to university books.
With donations from well-wishers nationwide, the number of books has increased to 15,000 units today. The library has a section dedicated to Mok and the books he authored.
“Due to space constraints, we’ve put in place larger and taller book shelves and racks. I’m glad that the library has received encouraging responses from all parties, including the public,” said Mok.
The library can be used for various educational activities such as reading sessions, tuition classes, educational talks and others.
“The latest was a talk by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman lecturers. More activities are in the pipeline this year,” Mok added.
Staff from the Perak Social Welfare Department visited the library recently. The department plans to set up similar libraries in other orphanages.
“We still need donations to run the library and we welcome more books,” said Mok. Receipts will be issued for donation of RM50 and above.
The library is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9am and 5pm with an hour’s break in between. Registration is free and a card will be issued.
The library can be contacted at 05 311 9058.
Nabilah Hamudin
