RURAL LIBRARIES TO OFFER DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- The rural folk may soon get a knock on
their door and find themselves being offered reading materials for loan when the
rural libraries implement the door-to-door service.

National Library Director-General Raslin Abu Bakar said a trial run of the
service was currently being implemented by selected libraries before it is
extended to the 1,089 rural libraries nationwide.

"So far the response has been encouraging, especially among the Orang Asli
community," he told reporters after launching the Biotechnology Week organised
by the Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation at the National Library here Tuesday.

He said each of the rural libraries nationwide now had at least 5,000 books
suitable for the local community.

"This is a part of our aggressive campaign to inculcate the reading culture
in the society, he said, adding that Malaysians now read eight to 12 books a
year compared with only two in 2005.

Nine government agencies are participating in the Biotechnology Week which
ends on Saturday and which includes an exhibition, science demonstration, career
forum, talks on DNA Forensic and halal cosmetics as well as a colouring
competition and quiz.
-- BERNAMA