Go Green Initiatives - Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri

Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri is the branch for the northern node for Pustaka Negeri Sarawak (Sarawak State Library), catering for information and research needs of Miri’s population, as well as neighboring towns and districts around Sarawak’s northern region. Formerly known as Pustaka Miri, it is linked to Sarawak State Library, Kuching using ICT infrastructure and has the concept of a hybrid library, a combination of print as well as electronic and digital information resources.

The library is located in the Miri City Fan area and surrounded by 5 main gardens called Garden of Vision, Islamic Garden, Chinese Garden, Formal Garden and Botanical Garden. The total ground area is 2,390 m2 and total floor space is 4,927 m2. These gardens are close to each other and the scenery that it creates through the different types of plants planted in each garden contributes to the astonishing beauty of the library and creating its green environment. The library itself started with the green environment initiative since its official operation in 2003. In the library, there is the Fragrance Garden planted with various species of fragrant plants. Likewise, many of the things we use come from our recycling initiatives through various 3R (reuse, reduce, recycle) activities conducted throughout the year. In this case, going green is about what and how we produce, use, and dispose of our products, meaning caring for the environment by making a deliberate effort to be part of the change. Pustaka, Miri is part of sub-working group committee in the LA21 under Miri City Council, being given the responsibility on matter regarding Cleanliness and Solid Waste in the northern region of the State.

Various initiatives efforts to sustain this awareness amongst the staff and general public like organizing various recycle competitions, organizing photo exhibitions with themes that encourages people to support go green environment and at the same time raising awareness. The objective of the photo exhibition was to instill the value of awareness towards the environment and quality environment practices for the public in making sure local community practices reuse, reduce and recycle. The photo exhibition was a collaboration of Pustaka, Miri with smart partners like Curtin University Sarawak Photography Club, Curtin Media Association, Miri City Council (Local Agenda 21), JCI Volunteers and lots more. The emphasis of Green Environment by Pustaka relates to the concerns for environmental conservation and improved health of the environment. This includes supporting practices like informed consumption, conservation practices and investment in reusable items.

The programme Saya Sayang Miri (I Love Miri) is one of the 5S activities at Pustaka, Miri held every year. It started since year 2003. The program was held on collaborative effort concept to clean up around the Miri City Fan area, holding talks on the awareness of green environment and purchases of environmental books as part of our library collections. A total of 13,272 books on environment available in the library as at March 2019 with 11,608 titles. Pustaka, Miri collaborated with Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Miri in holding public talk on ‘Green Technology: Cleaner Production for Greener World’ on 23rd September 2010. It was delivered by Curtin University Sarawak Campus’ chemical engineering lecturer who has vast knowledge and experience in green technology. The objective of the program was to create public awareness on green technology, its relevant subject areas as well as its applications and implications for cleaner production from the chemical engineering point of view.

Pustaka Negeri Sarawak,Miri actively provide speakers conducting talks on these subject areas of green technology in terms of energy, green building, green chemistry, green nanotechnology and other related matters. As one of the 5S initiatives towards enhancing green environment at the library, every staff is encouraged to take care a minimum of one potted or non-potted plant. There is assessment to plant owners on the livelihood of their plant and due recognition will be given to the highest achievers.