Step into any of Singapore’s 28 public libraries, and it might just feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
With many major bookstore chains like MPH, Kinokuniya, Popular and Times that once dotted our malls, closing or significantly tightened their operations, there aren’t too many places where you can see walls lined with shelves of books.
But there are still things worth enjoying at the public libraries in Singapore, apart from the obvious treasure trove of hard-to-find books – and we’re not just talking about plush chairs to settle into, and free all-day air-conditioning to ward off the perpetually balmy weather.
No, we’re talking about educational programmes, free-to-join book clubs and spacious cafes to refuel when you fancy a pick-me-up or sustenance. Some of Singapore’s public libraries boast architectural flair like library@orchard to inspire you to more than read a book or two.
Read on for a list of activities and facilities now on offer at these cosy hangouts dotted around the island.
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1. Dive into niche topics
Plugging questions and topics into search engines – or worse, artificial intelligence platforms like ChatGPT – usually results in simplified answers that are, at best, condensed and lacking in context, or, at worst, inaccurate.
But public libraries in Singapore offer researchers a better way to delve deeper into arcane topics – just as long as you’re willing to invest the time to find the right tome.
The public library that is probably the best for general research in Singapore is the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library in the National Library Building, though you can also head to themed libraries for specialised research.
These include the Library of Botany & Horticulture at the Singapore Botanic Gardens for budding plant-lovers, the National Archives of Singapore (if your focus is on Singapore’s history); and the Library@Chinatown Point for all things Chinese arts and culture.
2. Check on crowd levels with NLB’s website
Public libraries in Singapore can get crowded, especially towards the year-end exam season. Rather than jostling for seats, head to the National Library Board’s website for real-time updates of the crowd levels at all public libraries in Singapore before leaving the house.
Of course, it won’t tell you whether the comfy cushioned chairs or the study desks are taken, but at least you’ll have an idea of what to expect before making the trip.
3. Take part in free educational workshops
Wellness talks for better sleep, nutrition workshops, visual journaling and fiction-writing masterclasses are just some of the topics covered at public libraries in Singapore, many of which have dedicated rooms and event halls for such programmes.
The kicker? They’re usually free, though registration is required to guarantee a seat. Head here for a list of upcoming events and workshops.
4. Enjoy the free WiFi
Singapore’s public libraries offer free wireless internet, just as long as you’ve installed the Wireless@SG app before heading down (here’s a guide on how to do that).
Apart from helping you to save some of that precious mobile data, there’s a second reason why you’d want to come to the library to use your phone – the NLB also offers some e-books and e-magazines only to readers that are physically on-site. Perfect if you just saw the last copy of that magazine you wanted being snatched off the shelf.
5. Find a book club
Looking for someone who’s on the same (literary) page as you are? You’d likely find a group of kindred spirits at various public libraries in Singapore, which offer book clubs catering to different languages (English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil) and age groups.
Many of these groups meet on an irregular schedule though, so it’s best to visit this NLB site and use the filter ‘Book Discussion’ or ‘LearnX Communities’ on the left to find out when’s the next meet-up.
There are also storytelling sessions and seniors-led community sharing sessions, where silvers gather to share tips and tricks on modern life.
6. Different public libraries in Singapore offer unique experiences
Don’t judge a book by its cover – the different public libraries in Singapore, though similar in terms of intent, can offer unique experiences.
The newly opened Punggol Regional Library, for example, offers a floor focused on learning about advancements in technology, while the revamped Yishun Public Library over Northpoint shopping centre encourages e-reading as an alternative to the physical book.
You can even work up a sweat as you browse while using Tampines Regional Library’s stationary exercise bikes, or recline on deck chairs overlooking Sentosa at the Library@Harbourfront.
