The history of PPM dates back to 1955 in Singapore. Mrs. Hedwig Anuar and Mr. Wilfred J. Plumbe first conceived the idea of the setting up of a library association covering Malaya and Singapore. Using the name of the University of Malaya Library, they sent out circulars to all librarians and interested persons inviting them to attend a preliminary meeting to discuss the possibility of the formation of a library group or association. The circular was sent out towards the end of 1954. About 47 persons responded by attending the meeting held at the University of Malaya Library, Singapore on Friday, 7 January 1955 at 8.30 p.m. These 47 people came from both Malaya and Singapore, the largest number coming from the University of Malaya Library, Singapore. The meeting chaired by Mr. E. H. Clark unanimously agreed that there should be a library organization to unite all who are interested in library work. A subsequent meeting held at the Raffles Library on Friday, 25 March 1955 and attended by 36 members agreed to the formation of an association named the Malayan Library Group (MLG).

The objectives of MLG, as laid down in its constitution were to:

1. Unite all persons engaged in library work or interested in libraries in Malaya,

2. Promote a better administration of libraries,

3. Encourage the establishment and development of libraries in Malaya,

4. Encourage professional education and training for librarianship, and

5. Undertake such activities, including the holding of meetings and conferences.

The Group was registered by the Registrar of Societies in Singapore on 6 June 1955. The first Chairman was Mr. L. M. Harrod, Vice-Chairman was Mr. Wilfred J. Plumbe and the Secretary was Mrs. Hedwig Anuar. The University of Malaya Library Singapore became the MLG’s Secretariat.

At the Annual General Meeting in November 1958, the MLG changed its name to Persatuan Perpustakaan Tanah Melayu dan Singapura (Library Association of Malaya and Singapore). However, the Association was unable to re-register in Malaya because of the then Government’s policy of not granting registration to societies covering both Malaya and Singapore.

An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Library Association of Malaya and Singapore was held in Singapore on 27 February 1960 and agreed that the Association be formally dissolved, followed immediately by the inauguration of the Persatuan Perpustakaan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu (Library Association of the Federation of Malaya) and the Library Association of Singapore (LAS). Mr. Wilfred J. Plumbe was elected as the first President of Persatuan Perpustakaan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu and Mrs. Hedwig Anuar was elected as the President of LAS.

With the formation of Malaysia in 1963, the name of the Library Association of the Federation of Malaya was changed to Persatuan Perpustakaan Malaysia (PPM) or the Library Association of Malaysia (LAM). The PPM Constitution was amended in 1998 to change the name to Persatuan Pustakawan Malaysia (PPM) or Librarians Association of Malaysia. In the same year, the PPM North, East, South, Sabah and Sarawak Groups were established to further strengthen the activities of PPM throughout Malaysia.

Since its establishment, PPM has played an important role in the development of libraries and librarianship in Malaysia. PPM has been involved in the following:

1. Blueprint for Public Library Development in Malaysia, 1968 that provides a development plan for public libraries and outlined the role of a national library.

2. Blueprint for School Library Development in Malaysia, 1979 that emphasises on the use of libraries, the need to change the curriculum and teaching methods as well as the establishment of resource centres in schools and teacher training colleges.

3. Development of university libraries and special libraries.

4. Development of the library and information science studies.

5. Publications.

6. Regional and international cooperation.

The Annual General Meeting for 2014/2015 that was held at the National Library of Malaysia agreed to recognise 6 June of every year as Hari Pustakawan Kebangsaan or the National Librarian’s Day. To commemorate the day, librarians were advised to organise various activities that would create an awareness of the role played by librarians to the community.