Kanowit Public Library started out with a single room, known as the Kanowit Reading Room in the early 70's. In July, 1973 the name changed and is known as Kanowit Public Library. There are at present six mini branch Libraries known as Perpustakaan Desa operating in rural community and up-to-date there are 8,685 registered members, 74,179 Collection of books, 54 different types of magazines. The objectives of Kanowit Public Library are:-
          i) To extend the Library services to the rural community
          ii) To promote the learning, use and advancement of Bahasa Melayu and English
          iii) To foster an interest in reading habit and literary skills amongst children.
          iv) To promote the learning of ICT the usage of Internet and assisting the beginners how to use the computer.

The Library belongs to the Public and as such it has to be efficiently service-oriented. To serve and to satisfy the enquiring mind of the public, counter services are vital. In this respect Kanowit Public Library was equipped to deal with anyone who walks through the opening door. Other services provided are books lending, reading material, printed and non-printed (material) such as books, periodical newspaper, computers, audio-visual and upgrading of library infrastructures and services to the public.


Kanowit Public Library membership in year 2005

Category	No. of Membership
Adult	3823
Junior	4862
Total	8685

Books Collection / Multi Media (AV) as for the year 2005

Category	Malay	English	Chinese	Other(Iban)	Total
No. of Books	63,656	34,358	21,009	223	119,246
Computer	-	-	-	-	5
Non printed material	-	-	-	-	28

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