It has been a very long while, but I’m finally back to introduce you to another one of the public libraries in Singapore! This one is located on the 3rd level of the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, our “durians” and performing arts centre.

Opened in 2022, this library is the second specialised library in Singapore (after Library@Orchard) and is focused on the performing arts. I personally know this as the place to go to when looking for DVDs to borrow (there are a few only available here) but apart from a movie collection, the Library@Esplanade also has:

• Exhibition space, called “Innovation Gallery”
• Piano Practice Room
• Silent Studo
• e-Newspaper stations
• Screening rooms
• Cafe

When it opened, it used to have music posts for people to listen to CDs but I don’t think that’s needed anymore! I did see a place where we can test the DVDs we borrow, though I haven’t tried that.

When I visited the library, I also saw something that looked like an exhibition! There were also mini-book recommendation shelves, based on different aspects of performing arts: I saw one on Japanese animation. And while I associate this library with DVDs, it also has books, mostly biographies and other books associated with the arts.

If you’re visiting Singapore and want to add in a visit to a library, you’re in luck because the Esplanade is across the bridge from the Merlion and one MRT stop away from Marina Bay Sands hotel and shops. The library itself is divided into four zones: Music, Dance, Theatre, and Film and the items in the collections are organised by theme, with books and media items found alongside each other.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this library, I found the Infopedia article and the NLB page to be helpful.