“Why a giraffe?” That’s the question Lee Soon Yong, curator of Little Giraffe Story House, likely hears often. Little Giraffe Story House isn’t like other libraries. This kampung house in Cheras is more than just a library. It’s a community space born from a simple idea. Children should have access to books.
Let’s step back six years. Four architecture graduates had a vision. Lee Soon Yong and his friends dreamed of a place where children could discover the joy of reading. It began in a container. Later it transformed a rundown building into what you see today.
Lee returned to Kuala Lumpur after studying in Taiwan. He saw old buildings being preserved and repurposed. He wanted to bring that idea to his own village. He found a house rented to foreign workers. It was the perfect spot for Little Giraffe Story House.
The name? Children love giraffes. Also giraffes are far sighted. Lee presented his plans to the community. At first people didn’t understand. A library? An old house? A project needing money?
Then came luck. A Malaysian insurance company held a contest. Lee submitted a video and won RM10,000. This money kickstarted the library. Lee approached former classmates for help. Loke Chee Yung, Joden Pu and Chua Ban Chuan quit their jobs. They spent six months rebuilding the house. They learned from YouTube. They obtained funding. A hardware shop sponsored materials.
Everyone in the village helped with the carpentry. The team kept some original panels. They added raised platforms and glass windows. No air conditioning here. Benches sit under a tree. People can read outside. Lee wanted to preserve the history of the building. He wanted to show how people lived.
Little Giraffe Story House is now a vibrant space. Half of it is books. The other half is a café named Always Lapar. The café helps pay the bills. The central area hosts events. Lee’s office is in the back. He does architectural work there.
Parents bring their children to read. They enjoy a bowl of laksa. Aunty Ya Ying, who lives across the street, serves them. The library has mostly Chinese books but also English titles. Lee’s wife, Emma, an English teacher, helps out. Volunteers assist during events. Everyone is welcome to read. Only members can borrow books.
Lee believes anyone can run a community space if they are willing. He designs posters and invites friends to share food. He has working partners. He sustains himself doing what he finds interesting.
Lee was inspired by people giving back to society. Little Giraffe Story House is not a charity. It’s a community library. Lee provides books and creates a space for everyone. He is happy knowing the villagers have a place to hang out. Visitors can get involved. That is the story of Little Giraffe Story House.