Temporary Solutions for Library Patrons During Renovations
SINGAPORE: The National Library Board (NLB) announced on Tuesday (Apr 5) that both the Central Public Library and Marine Parade Public Library will undergo renovations.
The Central Public Library, located in the basement of the National Library building on Victoria Street, will close from June 13 until the first half of next year. This marks the library’s first comprehensive upgrade since its opening in 2005.
Meanwhile, the Marine Parade Public Library will close from May 9 until 2025 as part of the broader rejuvenation of the Marine Parade Community Building that houses it. This library has been in its current location since May 2000 and was last refurbished in March 2013.
These renovations are part of NLB’s Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025 (LAB25).
“We refresh our libraries to cater to the evolving learning and reading needs of our patrons. With each library revamp, we introduce new services to enhance the joy of learning,” said NLB CEO Ng Cher Pong. “Even during the temporary closure, we will continue to support the reading and learning needs of the community.”
New Services
During the renovations, patrons will have access to several alternative library services.
“Current patrons can look forward to new services that will enable them to continue their reading, discovery, and learning during this period,” the NLB stated in a media release. “These services will complement the extensive range of digital resources, including e-books, e-magazines, and e-newspapers, accessible through the NLB mobile app.”
A “Grab-n-Go” library featuring approximately 5,000 titles in English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil will open at the Study Lounge on Level 5 of the National Library building from May 18. Open from 9 am to 9 pm, the library will automatically record loans as patrons pass through a gantry.
Central Public Library users can continue to reserve items and collect them from reservation lockers located on the B1 level of the National Library Building. They can also return items using the 24-hour book-drop facility on the first floor.
For patrons of Marine Parade Public Library, a 24-hour book dispenser will be available outside the FairPrice Finest supermarket at 6 Marine Parade Central starting in May. This location was home to the old Marine Parade Community Library from 1978 to 2000.
“Patrons will be able to browse and borrow physical books, pick up reserved items, magazines, and audiovisual materials,” the NLB noted. “They can also use the interactive screen to browse, borrow, and download e-books for reading on their own devices via the Libby app.”
Additionally, the Marine Parade Public Library will donate 1,200 books to the People’s Association to establish a reading corner at the Marine Terrace Walk Residents’ Committee.
The Molly mobile library bus will also continue to operate in the neighborhood during this time.
