Little Giraffe House in Cheras
There is a small lane in Batu 11 Cheras where time seems to slow itself. If you wander along it, you will notice a kampung house with wide windows and the soft rumble of chatter drifting from inside. It does not look like a grand attraction at first glance, but many describe it as a place where stories breathe.
This is Little Giraffe House, a reading sanctuary that makes you feel far away from the city.
A kampung-house turned library
Cheras is constantly jammed, and it’s a surprise to know that there is a quiet charm of slow living tucked right here. Nestled within a narrow row of houses at Batu 11, where some homes are cemented, and others still carry the kampung spirit, one of them stands out: Little Giraffe House.
The story of this reading sanctuary began with a modest dream. Founded by Lee Soon Yong, the idea came about when a group of teachers started a small reading club inside a container, because they wanted children to have a warm and friendly place to read.
The club grew steadily, and in 2017, the founders stumbled upon this rustic house to make it a home for readers and a community to grow with. With time, the house transformed into a haven filled with pre-loved books where people of all ages come to read away from the city noise.
Over 3,000 books to browse through
Stepping inside Little Giraffe House feels like entering an ancestral home. Look around, and you will notice wooden chairs and tables inviting you to sit cross-legged. The high ceiling and clear windows pull in natural light as if lifting the entire space away from the bustle of the city.
The beauty of this house lies in its dedication to children and the importance of reading. You will notice around 3,000 books, most of which cater to young minds, from Enid Blyton adventures to folklore tales that awaken something screens cannot replicate.
But adults are not forgotten. As you explore the shelves, you will spot classics, including works by Shakespeare. And if books are not your thing, you can simply enjoy the slow living atmosphere and catch up with work at the Always Lapar cafe inside the house.
Decorated with batik-like curtains and open windows, the other side of this little library often has visitors working quietly. Some even bring their furry friends, so you may spot a few wandering about.
The menu is simple with familiar Penang favourites such as Prawn Noodles (RM15) and Asam Laksa (RM14), both prepared by the founder himself in a humble outdoor kitchen. To accompany your meal, drinks like refreshing Asam Boi (RM5) will keep you lingering for hours.
Storytelling events by volunteers
To preserve the richness of this space, it requires constant effort and care. Thankfully, the local community plays an important role. Volunteers drop by on weekends to bring more life into the house, where storytelling sessions take place with free admission.
Children gather close and journey through stories that encourage them to set aside digital distractions and rediscover the joy of simple things like a tale read aloud.
To keep the place alive, pre-loved books are welcome here, making every donation part of a growing circle of generosity. So if you happen to have some lingering at home, a child somewhere in the community will read it next and imagine something new because of it.
For visitors who wish to become familiar faces, there is a membership priced at RM12/year. Members may borrow up to five books, and the small fee helps sustain this haven for children and for anyone seeking a gentle escape from the city.
A serene haven away from the city
Little Giraffe Story House is more than just a place to visit. Stepping inside even once will make you want to return, simply for the energy it exudes, whether you are a book lover or not.
So if you find yourself near Cheras, consider stopping by. You might walk out feeling as if the world has quietly reminded you that kindness and imagination still have room to flourish in a world so caught up in the material and the digital.
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Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photograph by: Yusintha Kumar