Libraries serve as treasure troves of knowledge, beckoning readers to embark on journeys of exploration. They are not merely repositories for stories; they are centers where communities converge, exchanging ideas and nurturing development.

Nestled in the heart of Taman Wawasan, Puchong, lies a modest yet impactful library managed by Uncle Lee, a retired headmaster. What sets it apart is not only its collection of 10,000 books or its cozy location within a public playground. It's the narrative behind it all—a tale of Uncle Lee's passion for books and his eagerness to share that passion with others.

Meet Uncle Lee, an 89-year-old whose affinity for books spans decades. Since the 1950s, he has been amassing literary treasures, adorning his home with volumes of knowledge.

Rather than hoarding these treasures for himself, Uncle Lee conceived a brilliant notion: "Why not share them with the public?" With enthusiasm and benevolence, he transformed his personal collection into a library for the enjoyment of all.

In a heartwarming TikTok video shared by Zestie Malaysia, Uncle Lee recounts his journey, from the early days of book collecting to the delight of witnessing families flock to his miniature library in search of their next literary escapade.

From folklore to fiction, from IT-related subjects to educational references, Uncle Lee's collection caters to a diverse array of tastes and interests, ensuring no reader is left unsatisfied.

Yet, Uncle Lee's altruism extends beyond his local community. Inspired by the success of his library, he initiated similar projects in Thailand and China. His books have made a significant impact there, aiding individuals in their learning endeavors and unlocking new opportunities for many.

"I toured China in my 70s, and while visiting a small village, I was dismayed to find it lacking a library. There were 1,700 middle school students with no library," he recalled.

"In a rural setting, I pledged to donate a library. I provided them with 6,000 books. Years later, several children from that village went on to attend prestigious universities across China," he added.

As we delve deeper into Uncle Lee's narrative, we encounter both triumphs and challenges. Some borrowers fail to return the books they borrow, and there are hurdles in maintaining the library's operations smoothly.

."I don't dwell on that. If they return the books, I'm delighted. If not, there's little I can do. It's permissible to borrow books without stamps. However, please return those stamped," he expressed.

Despite obstacles, Uncle Lee perseveres, steadfast in his dedication to ensuring the success of his library.

His vision for the future is straightforward: to witness his libraries thrive under the stewardship of volunteers, ensuring the flame of knowledge continues to illuminate minds for generations to come.

"Anyone willing can volunteer to maintain the library. Just lend a hand in organizing things," he concluded.

Watch here:

@zestie.my Retired headmaster opens mini-libraries in a park 👴📚🏞 📍Taman Wawasan Puchong 🕑 9:00am - 12:00pm (Monday - Thursday) #library #park #retired #volunteer #education #interview #tamanwawasanpuchong #puchong #malaysia #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound - Zestie Malaysia