Young bookworm devours 1,378 titles to bag award
Children's category winner Alif Zachary (second left) with fellow winner (from left) Nur Jamilatussyukriyyah Abdullah, 18 (teenagers' category), Mastura and adult category winner Nik Hasrol Hafiz Hashim, 39 (right). — Photos: ARIQ HIDAYAT/The Star
Klang food delivery rider's son developed reading passion after library visit at six
Winner of Selangor's Avid Reader award in the children's category who borrowed 1,378 books in 2024, shared that his passion for reading began at the age of six.
Alif Zachary Mohd Arif , 13, son of a food delivery rider, believes that those who do not read are missing out.
'My friend invited me to visit a library when I was six and the sight of countless books instantly caught my interest.
'Since then, I always join book events at school and visit the Sungai Udang public library in Klang, regularly.
'This is my first time receiving the Avid Reader award,' the student from SMK Telok Gadong in Klang told StarMetro at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda's 'Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit 2025' programme in Shah Alam.
The initiative by the state government was coordinated by Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS).
Those with the most number of books borrowed at public libraries, based on PPAS' database, were identified for the award.
Attendees reading during the 'Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit' programme at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda in Shah Alam.
Held to mark World Book Day and World Copyright Day, the event aimed to build a reading culture within the community.
PPAS director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad said the event was also aimed at encouraging the public to gain skills and knowledge through reading.
'In previous years, the programme was held for a day.
'This year, we held it over four days, from April 19,' she said.
'This marks our 11th year of organising the programme which was carried out not only in all 14 state public libraries but also in all schools in Selangor.
A leadership forum was also held as part of the event, with motivational speaker and opthalmologist Datuk Dr Muhaya Mohamad, Shariah-compliant stock investment mentor Datuk Mohd Asri Ahmad and celebrity chef Datuk Fazley Yaakob as panellists.
Attendee Nur Hidayah Nasarudin said the event was a good opportunity for her to hear from so many renowned individuals in one place.
'Having the opportunity to hear about the importance of reading from my idols made me even more enthusiastic about seeking knowledge.
'It reminded me that learning isn't confined, knowledge is limitless,' she said.
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The Star
18-05-2025
- The Star
Young bookworm devours 1,378 titles to bag award
Children's category winner Alif Zachary (second left) with fellow winner (from left) Nur Jamilatussyukriyyah Abdullah, 18 (teenagers' category), Mastura and adult category winner Nik Hasrol Hafiz Hashim, 39 (right). — Photos: ARIQ HIDAYAT/The Star Klang food delivery rider's son developed reading passion after library visit at six Winner of Selangor's Avid Reader award in the children's category who borrowed 1,378 books in 2024, shared that his passion for reading began at the age of six. Alif Zachary Mohd Arif , 13, son of a food delivery rider, believes that those who do not read are missing out. 'My friend invited me to visit a library when I was six and the sight of countless books instantly caught my interest. 'Since then, I always join book events at school and visit the Sungai Udang public library in Klang, regularly. 'This is my first time receiving the Avid Reader award,' the student from SMK Telok Gadong in Klang told StarMetro at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda's 'Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit 2025' programme in Shah Alam. The initiative by the state government was coordinated by Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS). Those with the most number of books borrowed at public libraries, based on PPAS' database, were identified for the award. Attendees reading during the 'Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit' programme at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda in Shah Alam. Held to mark World Book Day and World Copyright Day, the event aimed to build a reading culture within the community. PPAS director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad said the event was also aimed at encouraging the public to gain skills and knowledge through reading. 'In previous years, the programme was held for a day. 'This year, we held it over four days, from April 19,' she said. 'This marks our 11th year of organising the programme which was carried out not only in all 14 state public libraries but also in all schools in Selangor. A leadership forum was also held as part of the event, with motivational speaker and opthalmologist Datuk Dr Muhaya Mohamad, Shariah-compliant stock investment mentor Datuk Mohd Asri Ahmad and celebrity chef Datuk Fazley Yaakob as panellists. Attendee Nur Hidayah Nasarudin said the event was a good opportunity for her to hear from so many renowned individuals in one place. 'Having the opportunity to hear about the importance of reading from my idols made me even more enthusiastic about seeking knowledge. 'It reminded me that learning isn't confined, knowledge is limitless,' she said.
The Star
23-04-2025
- The Star
Feature: Birlin's largest sci-fi bookstore praised by celebrity Chinese writer on World Book Day
BERLIN, April 23 (Xinhua) -- World Book Day is always an important event for booksellers, but an unexpected message from Liu Cixin, a well-known Chinese science fiction writer, made this year's event very special for Otherland, a niche bookstore in Berlin that specializes in fantasy literature from all over the world. The Hugo Award-winning writer, best known for his book The Three-Body Problem, paid a poetic tribute to the shop, comparing it to "a steadfast beacon, guiding every soul who yearns to draw wisdom from the boundless sea of knowledge." Simon Weinert, one of Otherland's three owners, said he was surprised and deeply moved by the message marking World Book Day. "It's really heartwarming because we met him seven years ago ... and that he still remembers, that he knows Otherland still. That's really great," he said. Liu, who visited Otherland in 2018 and gave a lecture to a packed audience, expressed his hope that the bookstore "will continue to share the charm of reading with ever more people -- through inspiring events and exceptional books -- letting the light of knowledge illuminate the distant horizons of every seeking soul." Weinert also appreciated Liu's affection for printed books. "I think that's really beautiful ... I mean, (when he writes about) the 'rustling of turning pages,' that's what we're all excited about here and our customers." Liu's message also included a statement about the significance of the occasion: "On World Book Day, we gather to embrace this grand rendezvous with books. This special day pays tribute to the millennia-old tradition of human reading and offers a heartfelt salute to the legacy of knowledge passed from generation to generation." Wolfgang Tress, co-owner of Otherland, sees reading - particularly science fiction - as a way to expand the horizons of the mind. "Our brains are constantly dealing with the future, and books we read tell us that the future is not decided but consists of an immense space of possibilities with which we can interact and create a future we want to live in," he said in a written interview. Reflecting on Liu's message, he said it warmed his "bookshop-keeper-heart." "I couldn't agree more: books are able to change lives for everyone and all of us -- understanding, creating and entertaining by engaging with our imagination," he said. Carsta, a regular customer who only gave her first name, described Otherland as her favorite bookstore and a source of inspiration because it offers a mix of old rarities and new releases. She purchased a 1965 German edition of Dune, a world-famous science fiction book. Carsta noted a shift in reading habits. While many people still use smartphones in public spaces, she observed a renewed interest in books. "A lot of people join silent reading and go to places like museum shops, where they can regain good focus," she said. Thomas Spray, an English lecturer, became involved with Otherland after initially writing book reviews for its newsletter. Later, he joined the staff part-time at Tress's invitation. "I've noticed that while there was a time when reading dropped off, the idea of reading as a hobby is making a comeback. That's great to see," he told Xinhua. According to data released by the German Publishers and Booksellers Association (BDB), the number of bookstores in Germany increased from approximately 3,200 in 2015 to around 4,500 in 2025. In 2024, the German book industry reported a 0.8 percent increase in overall turnover compared to the previous year. The BDB described the sector as "a stable business in challenging economic times." Its chairwoman, Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, said that knowledge and inspiring stories are "essential tools for understanding and coping with a complex and crisis-ridden reality". "Books are still a particularly popular medium among young people," she said. According to Spray, while English-language science fiction continues to dominate the market, readers are increasingly exploring alternatives from other regions, including China. For example, many readers have discovered major works like the Three-Body Trilogy, with some even turning to fanfiction and spin-offs. "What can we read next?" is a frequent question, he said. "We're really waiting for the German and English translation industries to catch up because the interest is definitely there -- not just from typical sci-fi fans, but also from young people in general," Spray added. "They're looking for alternatives to mainstream Western sci-fi. We see the same trend with African futurism and the current Korean sci-fi wave." Otherland frequently hosts events for its community. Apart from Liu Cixin, it has welcomed other writers like Chen Qiufan, Baoshu, and Regina Kanyu Wang. Several of their works can be found on the store's shelves. Felix Meyer zu Venne, co-editor of Kapsel, a German-Chinese magazine focused on Chinese science fiction, described Otherland as the largest sci-fi bookstore in Berlin in terms of its inventory. Overall, it holds a collection of about 11,500 titles, with over one-third dedicated to science fiction in both English and German, according to Tress. He noted that while Otherland will not make the owners rich, their shop is doing well. "I think it's because of our specialization and a very strong community we have built throughout the years," Tress said.
Barnama
23-04-2025
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Food Delivery Worker's Son Tops Selangor's Library Charts With 1,378 Books Borrowed
GENERAL SHAH ALAM, April 23 (Bernama) -- A 13-year-old student from Klang has been named Selangor's most prolific book borrower, having checked out an extraordinary 1,378 books over the past year. Alif Zachary Mohd Arif, who studies at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Telok Gadong, received the accolade during the Jom Baca Bersama 10 Minit 2025 reading carnival at the Raja Tun Uda Library here today. The five-day event, which began on April 18 and concluded this week, celebrates and promotes reading culture throughout the state. The son of a food delivery rider, Alif has been a regular at the Sungai Udang Public Library in Klang since he was six, describing it as his 'second home'. Living just 30 metres away, he said his love of books started early and quickly became a daily habit. 'After school, I usually take a short rest and then read. At night, I continue after finishing my homework,' he told reporters at the event. His dedication earned him RM1,000 in prize money as the top borrower in the children's category. Alif, who hopes to become a science teacher one day, said he finds comfort and clarity in physical books. 'It's easier to absorb the information and share it with others. Being an only child, I spend more time with books than playing with friends,' he added. In the adult category, retail manager Nik Hasrol Hafiz Hashim, 39, was honoured after borrowing 674 books last year. He received RM1,500 and said reading is central to family life at home. 'We don't have a television and we limit screen time for our kids, who are five and two. Some of the books I borrow are for them,' he said.
