The Power of Bar: Turning Pages, Transforming Lives

Abstract

Melaka Public Library Corporation (PERPUSTAM) helps Henry Gurney School (SHG), Melaka, Malaysia in shifting public perception of correctional centres from punishment to a successful learning institution. SHG was established under the Juvenile Courts Act 1947 to rehabilitate offenders age of 14 to 21. SHG library, officially launched on 25th February 2020, is the first correctional centre library managed by a state library in Malaysia.

Since May 2019, PERPUSTAM has provide advice, books and educational tools that comprise 3,612 books, 10 netbooks, 8 tables, 20 chairs and 10 bookshelves. Librarians collaborates with the correctional officers to manage services and activities, including two inmate volunteers to assist managing the library. Programmes organised include information literacy and bibliotherapy. Outcomes and impacts are evident, with 100% of inmates registered as users and 1,380 books borrowed within nine months. This contributing to 34 inmates obtaining 8As in the Sijil Penilaian Kelas Agama (SPKA) in 2025.

In 2025, 100% of the students passed the SPM national examination two scored 5As, one scored 4As and two scored 3As. Positive character and emotional changes are also observed. All inmates are prepared for reintegration as they are provided with appropriate knowledge and skills.