At 90, Lee Kim Siew tends five mini libraries in Puchong, proving passion and generosity can create magic one book at a time.
Have you ever walked through a park, feeling the breeze rustle through the trees, and thought, This would be the perfect spot for a book? For most of us, that idea stays just that: a thought, a maybe someday whim. But for Lee Kim Siew, a retired Malaysian headmaster, that exact thought turned into five outdoor mini libraries nestled around Taman Wawasan Recreational Park in Puchong, Selangor, and they’re not just pretty little shelves. They’re a 30,000‑book literary haven for anyone and everyone.
From a Love of Books to a Park Full of Them
Lee is not your typical librarian; he’s 90 years old and walks with a stick, but that doesn’t stop him from spending hours every week tending to his mini libraries. He set them up about five years ago, inspired by his lifelong devotion to reading and sharing books with others.
Picture this: five cheerful little book nooks spread around a scenic lakeside park. Some look like they were crafted by an artist: neat wooden shelves with rustic charm. Others are delightfully improvised, with Styrofoam boxes stacked and covered with plastic sheets to keep books dry and protected.
There’s no formal registration, no membership card. Lee’s motto? “Take a book, read it, and return it whenever you can.” He even stamps each book with the label “Lee & Gan Library Kuala Lumpur” (Gan is his late wife’s name), so people remember they belong to this joyful little collection.
A Lifetime of Reading and Giving Back
Lee didn’t just wake up one day and decide parks needed libraries. This passion for books goes way back, so far back that his house used to be a personal library, filled with tens of thousands of books that needed a ladder to reach the highest shelves.
Unfortunately, after his wife passed away, keeping up that massive home library became too much for him alone. But rather than box the books up or sell them off, Lee had a heartwarming idea: share them with the world. That’s how the park libraries began, as an extension of his personal collection, now open to everyone.
And share he does. The collection boasts more than 30,000 books in English, Malay, and Chinese, covering everything from novels and comics to non‑fiction titles. Some came from his own shelves, others were donated by generous members of the community who believed in his mission.
A Librarian With a Personal Touch
What makes Lee’s mini libraries different from your typical community book exchange? It’s personal. He doesn’t just set it and forget it. Lee dedicates about three hours from Monday to Thursday tending his stations, organizing donated books, stamping new arrivals, and sometimes recommending his own favorites.
And he remembers the books. Lee can walk you through his collection, telling you about beloved titles like Outside the Window by Chiung Yao, The Legend of the Condor Heroes by Jin Yong, and novels by Yi Shu, all personal favorites that reflect his literary tastes.
For Lee, books are more than entertainment; they’re bridges to imagination, connection, and community. He reads every day for at least an hour, even at his age, a habit he says keeps his mind sharp and his spirit young.
More Than Just Books: A Community Oasis
Lee’s mini libraries have become a local fixture. Visitors don’t just borrow books; they chat with him, leave donations, and sometimes bring their own stories to share. According to friends and regulars, the park has become a magnetic spot for people to gather, read, and bond over shared interests.
But Lee doesn’t stop at books. He cares for the park itself. Before tending to his literary treasures, he often starts his mornings cleaning up litter, picking up takeaway boxes, beer cans, and other debris left behind by careless visitors. It’s like Lee is saying, “If you’re going to enjoy this space, let’s keep it nice for everyone.”
Friends admire him for his tireless work ethic. His long‑time friend Loo Ah Kaw, 76, praises his dedication, noting that Lee even used a hoe to clear drains when he was younger. But as age catches up, some have begun offering their help, worried that Lee’s aging body might one day struggle with the physical demands of caring for so many books.
Challenges and Community Support
Of course, a park library setup isn’t without its quirks. A few visitors have pointed out that the books aren’t always well protected from rain and harsh sun, and there’s limited shaded seating, so reading for long stretches during hot afternoons can be tricky.
Still, people come. They come to take books, give books, chat with Lee, and enjoy the unusual charm of this open‑air literary space. And many want to see it grow, suggesting upgrades to better protect the books and make the space even more inviting.
A Lasting Impression
Whether you’re a hardcore reader or someone who merely enjoys the occasional paperback by the pool, there’s something inspiring about Lee Kim Siew’s mini libraries. They’re a testament to how one person’s passion can transform community spaces, and perhaps even someone’s day, one borrowed book at a time.
In a leafy corner of Puchong, books whisper, pages turn, and an old headmaster still goes about his joyful work, proving that age is no barrier to impact. And that sometimes, the best libraries are the ones that invite you to read beneath the sky.
Lee Kim Siew’s quiet dedication has also been recognized beyond his neighbourhood. His story is featured in Protectors of the Written Word alongside 24 others who have devoted their lives to sharing the joy of reading.
The book brings together inspiring journeys from around the world, written as a heartfelt love letter to everyone who believes in the power of books. You can order your copy here.
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Millie Ramm
Millie has been writing since she was a child, and has spent more time with her nose in books than anywhere else. She has been ghostwriting novels and editing for the past few years, and when not working she is curled up with her cats, looking for her next read.
