The Penang Digital Library (Phase 1 & 2) was initiated by the Penang State Government. It provides various gadgets and tools to help students and the public turn their ideas into reality.
Even though there are several public libraries in Penang with physical books, the Penang Digital Library has helped both adult and school-going students find a quiet place to study.
This fruition of how information is curated and consumed has birthed the Penang Digital Library.
The tech-savvy youngster consumes curated information differently from their forefathers in a digitally-driven world.
Both buildings (Phase 1 and Phase 2) are modern spaces without physical books.
It offers similarities to a co-working space where you can use the work desks with Wi-Fi.
Contents
The Penang Digital Library (Phase 1)
Penang’s student community is familiar with the Penang Digital Library, which has received a favorable response since its opening.
The Penang Digital Library, launched in October 2016, is a 24-hour facility offering students a safe space to study.
Supported by the Penang State Government, Keysight Technologies, Eastern & Oriental Berhad, and TIME dotcom, it provides access to over 3,000 curated e-books, reference journals, and e-magazines via iPads, focusing on enhancing digital connectivity and human communication.
Penang Digital Library (Phase 1 & 2)
The Spaces at Phase 1
The Love A Loaf Bakery & Cafe is located on the ground floor.
There is a dining area and a small area for workspaces. Even though it is a shared space, you can find your corner if you go early.
There are desks near the window and against the wall.
Or, if you prefer, you could share the long table in the middle of the space.
The upper floor is clean, spacious, and categorized, with several interconnecting rooms without doors.
If you enjoy lounging around, you will enjoy the amphitheater-like structure where you can sit on the floor.
Every workspace comes with an individual power socket.
A study nook in Phase 1 upper floor
Penang Digital Library (Phase 2) – Library in the Park
The impressive addition of Phase 2 cost over RM10.8 million, which restaurants, cafes, digital infrastructure, and information technology.
They locate the new building just opposite the current one.
It comprises two double-story buildings with a comfortable reading space that can accommodate up to 540 users at any time.
The upper floor offers meeting rooms, work corners, and cubicles.
There are the Reading Zone, Brainstorm Rooms, and Virtual Rooms.
The design is modern, with splashes of colors.
The chairs and work desk are at a comfortable height.
If you want peace without going to cafes or Co-working spaces, you can opt for the Penang Digital Library.
The Penang Digital Library is fully equipped with a comfortable reading space.
At Mansion Library, a learning and discussion space, and a children’s zone to complete both phases.
Cabin in the Park has a dining space, with open compartment for reading activities and recreational learning in Wisdom Street.
Location
Penang Digital Library is next to Penang Free School on Jalan Masjid Negeri, Green Lane.
Entry/Exit
There are separate entries and exits. They lock the entry gate at night, and you use the exit gate to enter and leave.
Car Parking
Limited free parking is available. Most students get their family members to drop them off, and you could also take a GrabCar there.
Going by Bus
No public buses are plying Jalan Masjid Negeri next to Penang Free School.
Rapid Penang Bus 206 stops at Jalan Terengganu.
Jalan Terengganu bus stop via Jalan Free School to the Penang Digital Library 13 min (1.0 km)
Love A Loaf Bakery & Cafe
You can get a decent coffee in a paper cup and some pastries.
They allow food and drinks within the café, inside Cabin in the Park, and on the grounds where tables and chairs are located.
Love A Loaf Bakery & Cafe
What to eat – Bread and Bake?
The croissandwich and toasty breakfast/ set lunch with different fillings are simple, tasty, and right.
The most tempting is the oven-fresh signature croissant lava series.
It has fillings of Salted, Chocolate, Matcha Green Tea, and even salted egg golden lava!
I tried the Salted Egg Croissant, and the runny salted egg yolk lava is the most popular.
Love A Loaf Bakery & Cafe
Opening hours: 8 AM till 10 PM
Salted Egg Croissant
Readcasa App
The Readcasa App is a good platform for e-learning materials related to STEM titles.
The app store says you can “bookmark articles effortlessly and customize your reading list.”
You can download the Readcasa App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Some FAQs about the Penang Digital Library (Phase 1 & 2)
Where is Penang Digital Library Phase 2?
Both libraries are opposite each other.
Do I need to be a member to enter?
No
Do I need to be a Malaysian to enter?
No
Can international students enter?
Yes
Can adult students use the Penang Digital Library?
Yes
Is it open every day?
Yes
Is it open on public holidays?
Yes
What are the opening hours for the Phase 1 Library?
24 Hours
What are the opening hours for the Phase 2 Library?
8 am – 10 pm
Can I use the Wi-Fi for free?
Wi-Fi is free and unlocked; you can directly connect to it, and it will work.
How much do I need to pay?
Free
Can I use a computer there?
There is no computer, only an iPad for reading digital mags.
Is it full on weekends?
Yes
Do I need to bring my MyKad or IC?
Yes, for Phase 1, but not for Phase 2
How do I gain access to the brainstorming room?
Just ask the staff at the counter on the ground floor.
Can I borrow books?
Penang Digital Library does not own any physical books.
Is there any dress code?
There is no strict dress code as long as you are fully clothed.
Do I need to remove my shoes?
Yes, do look for a shoe rack to store your shoes.
There are shoe racks here.
I have books to donate. Can I drop it here?
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Pulau Pinang (Penang Library) – Public library.
The Penang Digital Library does not have physical books.
Can I bring my device?
Yes
Are there any lockers?
There are open shelves but no lockable locker. Please ask the staff at the helpdesk.
What can I do here?
Study and do your homework or research here.
Read an e-mag.
Dine at the immensely popular Love a Loaf cafe and indulge in cakes and pastries.
Hang out with friends and use the internet.
Is the toilet clean?
Yes, the toilets are spacious and clean.
Remember to visit the library if you are in Penang!
Penang Digital Library
Address: 135, Jalan Masjid Negeri, George Town, Penang
Phone: 04-3708715
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Email: [email protected].
List of Public Libraries in Penang
Penang Digital Library has changed the library landscape in Malaysia.
Check out the list of public libraries in Penang.
Penang Digital Library (Phase 1 & 2) – Public library
135, Jalan Masjid Negeri, Taman Guan Joo Seng, 11600 George Town, Penang
Phone: 04-370 8687
Open Wed to Sun – 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM
George Town Library – Public library
JKR 2936, Jalan Scotland, Pulau Pinang, 10450
Phone: 04-229 3555
Open Wed to Sat 9:45 AM – 6.00 PM
Closed Mon and Tues
Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Pulau Pinang – Public library
2118, Jalan Perpustakaan, Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Pulau Pinang
Phone: 04-390 2387
Open Tues to Sat 9:45 AM – 6.00 PM
Closed Mon
Bukit Mertajam Branch Library – Public library
29, Jalan Pegawai, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Phone: 04-539 2619
Open Tues to Sat 9:45 AM – 6.00 PM
Closed Mon
Balik Pulau Branch Library – Public library
Jalan Balik Pulau, Kampung Permatang Tengah, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang
Phone: 04-866 5689
Open Wed to Sat 9:45 AM – 6.00 PM
Closed Mon and Tues
Facebook: Penang Digital Library
