I'm a member of the National Library!

I finally joined the National Library of Malaysia. My colleague actually pumped that idea into me and indirectly reminded me about its existence. Before that I had no desire to become a member, but when the National Library was mentioned by him in our casual conversation, I reevaluated my stand. I would join it for this reason and I did: I have always wanted to read Malay literature and by joining the library, I would have access to many, many, many Malay books!

So I applied online and a day later, received this email reply:

PENDAFTARAN AHLI PERPUSTAKAAN NEGARA MALAYSIA

Tuan/Puan

Sukacita dimaklumkan bahawa permohonan anda untuk menjadi ahli Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia telah diterima. Sila datang ke Kaunter Pendaftaran Aras 1, Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia dengan membawa satu salinan kad pengenalan untuk mengaktifkan Kad Pembaca anda.

Terima kasih kerana menggunakan perkhidmatan kami.

Sekian terima kasih

Unit Pendaftaran, Penerangan dan Aduan Awam
Bahagian Khidmat Pelanggan
Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia

My translation:

NATIONAL LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION

Sir/Madam

We are pleased to inform that your application for the National Library membership has been accepted. Please visit the Registration Counter at Level 1, National Library of Malaysia, with a copy of your identity card to activate your Reader's Card.

Thank you for using our service.

Registration, Information and Public Complaint Unit
Customer Service Department
National Library of Malaysia

I plan to visit the library this Sunday to activate my Card. I can't wait to dig into books in the Malay language! More updates coming soon!

And here's another thing that I'm waiting in anticipation for tomorrow: The MPH Warehouse Sale!

Updated @ 9.00 AM on May 1: Please do not get me wrong that the National Library only has books in Malay. Other languages are available too but my focus is to obtain access to Malay books for FREE. The best way I could think of (short of robbing a bookstore) is to become a member and get quality literature there. I love the Malay language and it's my favourite since I was a young kid. So there you go. There are books of other languages there.