Daw Chit Chit Myint education counsellor

LIBRARIES are repositories of knowledge and information. We can find out about anything we want to know at libraries. As well as providing a wide range of information that enable to expand their knowledge, libraries are also places where we can make friends and share what we learn. I use the United States Information Service library and the British Council library. I prefer the USIS library because it is open to people from all backgrounds and its membership fee is not expensive, only K500 a year. The library staff there are very helpful and attentive. I used to visit it every day but I only go now when I need to update information about overseas universities, which I need for my work counselling people who want to study abroad. I borrow academic books from the USIS library and novels and comics from the British Council library. My parents encouraged me to begin using libraries when I was young and I’m grateful to them because books have helped to expand my knowledge and have guided me to be a better person. That’s why I like to read. I would like to see more libraries in Yangon. The more libraries there are the more society can benefit from them.

Ko Phyo Lwin Aye computer technician

I RELY heavily on libraries which specialise in technical books that are not easily available at book shops. Even if such books are available, they are expensive. That’s why libraries are necessary, because they provide us with the information we need at a reasonable cost. The availability at libraries of books on a wide range of subjects encourages people to read more and expand their knowledge. I have appreciated the advantages of using libraries since I was at high school. Our teachers showed us how to use the library and encouraged us to make use of its resources. After I matriculated I began using the Sarpay Beikman library while I was waiting to begin studies at the Yangon University of Computer Studies. I used its library every day for research and to broaden my knowledge. It’s my favourite library because of its big collection of books on information technology. I also use the resource centre at MICT Park, which is free for people like me who are members of the Myanmar Computer Professionals Association, and the CTM private library, on Anawrahta Road, Lanmadaw township, which costs K1000 a month. I usually borrow IT books from libraries. I like to read because I enjoy learning. There is a need for more libraries in Yangon.

Ma Zin Mar Ei university student

LIBRARIES are places where we can find a wide range of sources that help to widen our knowledge. They are also places where we can meet friends and develop our social skills.
I am an English major student at the University of East Yangon, as well as a part-time tutor in English, and libraries are essential to supplement what I learn and to help prepare what I teach. Using libraries also helps to develop good reading and study habits. I usually use the British Council library from which I borrow novels and English language learning and teaching materials. I used private libraries in the past but now I rely only on the British Council library because of its big collection as well as its audio-visual equipment for learning English. I joined the library while I was attending English proficiency classes at the British Council. I visit it three days a week and spend at least three hours a day reading and using the audio-visual equipment. I like reading at the library because it has a pleasant, motivating environment and it is easy to concentrate. I usually borrow four books each time I visit. Using the library helps to develop my reading skills. Reading for the sake of acquiring knowledge is something I greatly enjoy.