Because I’ve started writing about the libraries I frequent, I’ve started wondering about some of the changes that I’ve seen – for example, why are the information desks gone? The Remaking of Singapore’s Public Libraries provides an answer to that, and many other, questions as it tells the “story of how “Singapore’s public libraries have been reinvented by anticipating the needs of the communities they serve”.

Although Singapore has had a history of public libraries dating back to the 19th century, the modern Singapore library, helmed by the National Library Board (NLB), was only formed in 1995. Yes, the library is younger than me and it was quite a surprise since I’ve been visiting various libraries from childhood. Like with many other policies, the library was created to help Singapore stay competitive as a country.

The current masterplan that guides the direction of the NLB is the 2015 “Libraries of the Future” masterplan. In this stage, “public libraries aim to offer patrons opportunities to connect by providing platforms for sharing information, ideas, and experiences that support social, exploratory, and collaborative learning. This is coupled with a renewed focus on community partnerships, nurturing volunteers and exploring models of co-creation and co-ownership. The aim is to explore more participatory modes of engaging with the library.”

As such, The Remaking of Singapore’s Public Libraries is focused on the Libraries of the Future masterplan, taking a look at the seven libraries that have been rolled out under the plan and what makes them unique. The libraries are:

Library@Orchard – Singapore’s first design-centred library in the heart of the shopping district

Library@Chinatown – A library focusing on Chinese arts and culture with a very strong emphasis on community engagement. According to Tay Ai Cheng, NLB’s Deputy Chief Executive, this is the “first Singapore public library to be co-developed with the community, and also the first library to be run by volunteers”.

Bukit Panjang Public Library – The revamped library is divided into two separate spaces, with one dedicated to children. This allowed the library to explore ways in which they might better engage the youngest members of our society.

Sengkang Public Library – Due to the demographics of Sengkang, this library focuses more on tween and teens, including a pilot suite of services and programmes for tweens.

Pasir Ris Public Library – Due to its reputation as an area known for its seaside chalets, Pasir Ris Public Library was revamped with the goal of encouraging people to read for leisure. It has a 125,000-strong collection (for comparison, the Library@Orchard has a 100,000-strong collection) and different shelves for different age groups.

Additionally, it was noted there was a high number of students at the library due to its proximity to 14 schools (eight primary schools and six secondary schools). Hence, the revamped library also takes their needs and opinions into account, creating not just a space where students meet with each other, but where they also can meet with books.

Yishun Public Library – Feedback from the public before this library was revamped was that it was no longer relevant to their lives. As such, this library was revamped to increase its relevancy, including the addition of a digital learning zone. The labelling was also updated, although the library didn’t go as far as the classification by genre method discussed by Krysta at Pages Unbound. While the Dewey Decimal system is still used for cataloguing and shelving, the shelf signage has been divided into two tiers – the first tier for broad categories like nonfiction while the second tier is for popular subcategories e.g. poetry, craft, sport.

Bedok Public Library – I have never thought of this (and quite a few other libraries) because they are quite far from my place, but I definitely wanted to visit after learning that Alice in Wonderland was one of the inspirations for the redesign! Apart from the unique design features, Bedok Public Library also has a strong Malay collection and a STAR (Seniors Tech and Read) programme to help patrons with the digital changes happening.

Tampines Regional Library – This huge library occupies five floors within Tampines hub, with spaces for cooking classes and a volunteer-run floor and volunteer rest area. As you can imagine, the emphasis here is on community.

I thought it was pretty cool that all the libraries have a theme that’s based on the needs of the community they serve and the history of the community. While the physical changes are the most obvious, the library is also updating its programmes and collection to make sure that the library as a whole stays relevant to Singapore. Each revamp also learns from past libraries – the eight library rolled out under Libraries of the Future, Library@Harbourfront, draws on many of the innovations of earlier revamped libraries.

Speaking of changes, the lack of information counters appears to be something from this Library of the Future masterplan (along with an increased role for volunteers). The removal of information counters is part of the plan to shift staff from time-consuming transactional tasks to new areas like storytelling, library tours, creating book recommendations and displays. Additionally, it seems like people don’t really mind the lack of information counters – apparently, there hasn’t been that many complaints. Personally, I miss having an information counter, but I do see the value of moving the librarian’s time and attention to higher-value tasks.

Overall, it seems like this masterplan is working. The book says that three years into the masterplan, the revamped libraries “have seen visitor numbers as well as loans more than double on average”. A 2013 URA Lifestyle Survey put libraries as Singaporean’s third favourite leisure destination, behind shopping malls and cinemas. With all these innovations, I hope that the library continues to play a central role in Singapore. And of course, I’m now super excited to make the trip to libraries further from me, just to see what they’re like.

Featured Image: Photo by Me