Basic Bibliotherapy Workshop
10 FEBRUARY 2025
KOTA KINABALU (MONDAY): The Malaysia Board on Books for Young People (MBBY) and the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah),(IDS) successfully organized a Basic Bibliotherapy Workshop, attracting 50 enthusiastic participants from various backgrounds. The workshop brought together teachers, librarians,volunteers, researchers, and students from various esteemed institutions, including the Sabah State Library, Persatuan Tadika Sabah, ABIM Sabah, Cyberjaya College Kota Kinabalu, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS),and IDS.
The event was held over the weekend on 8 and 9 February 2025, the workshop aimed to introduce the fundamental concepts and practices of bibliotherapy,emphasizing its potential to enhance mental and emotional well-being through the use of literature. Expert facilitators led engaging sessions that covered a range of topics, from selecting appropriate reading materials to implementing bibliotherapy techniques in different settings.
Participants actively engaged in discussions and hands-on activities, exploring how books can be used as therapeutic tools to support personal growth and emotional resilience. A teacher from Persatuan Tadika Sabah shared, " This workshop has provided me with valuable insights and practical skills that I can use to support my students' emotional development."
The event also highlighted the collaborative efforts of various organizations in promoting mental health and well-being within the community. "We are thrilled to see such a diverse group of participants coming together to learn about bibliotherapy. This workshop is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing mental health challenges," said a representative from IDS.
The workshop received positive feedback from attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to network and share experiences with peers from different backgrounds. A librarian from the Sabah State Library commented, "The knowledge and skills gained from this workshop will be instrumental in enhancing our library's programs and services."
Overall, the Basic Bibliotherapy Workshop was a resounding success, demonstrating the potential of literature to heal and inspire. The organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants and supporting organizations for their commitment, enthusiastic involvement and contributions.
