Library Guide

Foreword by Dr N Varaprasad
Chief Executive
National Library Board

Dear readers,

The transformation of our public libraries today is nothing short of radical.

When the National Library Board (NLB) was established in 1995, our immediate task was to create a world-class library system to meet the information needs of our customers. Indeed, several innovations that you see in the library today - lifestyle libraries complete with cafes, music and rich multimedia IT- enabled innovations such as 24-hour bookdrop service, and groundbreaking concept libraries, like the self-service library, have all played a part in redefining the learning experience of Singaporeans.

With a move towards a knowledge based economy, there is an increasing need to expand the learning capacity of both the young and old. Besides infrastructure, NLB will continually support and build upon this foundation with better facilities, services and programmes. It is our wish that no one be left behind in the new economy. Through the various facilities and programme available for you, we want the libraries to remain relevant to you in your quest for knowledge and ultimately, success.

Your Library Guide's an easy- to- use handbook which outlines the various facilities and services available for you. We hope that you will find it useful on this journey of discovery into the world of information.

Thank you.




  1. Policies for Members
    1. Basic Membership for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents
    2. Membership Card Fee
    3. Borrowing Privileges
    4. Premium Membership
    5. Premium Plus Membership
    6. Membership for Foreigners
    7. Audio-Visual Materials
    8. Mode of Membership Registration
    9. Cashless payment
    10. Renewal
    11. Fees and Charges
      1. Reservation
      2. Overdue Books/Magazines/Audio-Visual Items
      3. Lost/Damaged Library Items
      4. Loss of Library Membership Card
    12. Change of Address
    13. Reminder Service
    14. Resignation
  2. Library Etiquette
  3. Services
    1. Books and Special Collections
    2. Bulk Loans
    3. Colour Coding
    4. Customer Feedback
    5. Multimedia Services
      1. NLB Digital Library
      2. Public Libraries
      3. Reference Libraries
      4. Resources
    6. Jurong Regional Library (JRL)
      1. Teens Library Service
      2. Children Advisory & Resource Centre
      3. Self Service Lobby
    7. Tampines Regional Library (TRL)
      1. Children Services
      2. Arts Works
    8. Woodlands Regional Library (WRL)
      1. Children Services
      2. Arts Works
    9. Public Library Reference & Advisory Services
    10. library@esplanade
    11. Photocopying Services
    12. Programmes
    13. Microfilm and Reprographic Services
    14. Reservation of Repository Used Reference Materials
  4. Facilities Booking


  1. Policies for Members

    1. Basic Membership for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents
      • Singaporeans aged 15 and above need to produce their NRIC. Those below the age of 7 need to produce one parent's NRIC for verification. Those aged 7 to 14 need to produce their MOE School SmartCard AND one parent's NRIC. Annual Membership is free.

      • Permanent Residents aged 15 and above need to produce their Singapore Blue NRIC. Those below the age of 7 are to produce one parent's NRIC for verification. Those aged 7 to 14 need to produce their MOE School SmartCard AND one parent's NRIC. A one-time non-refundable registration fee of $10.50 is charged. Annual membership is free.

    2. Membership Card Fee
      • Applicants under the age of 7 are given free membership cards.

      • School-going children (Singaporeans and PRs), aged 7-14 years can use their School Smart Card as a membership card to borrow library items after registration. If they wish to have a membership card as well, they need to pay a fee of $1.00 for it.

      • Applicants aged 15 and above can use their NRIC / NTUC Link Card / SAF11B / School Smart Card / Singapore Mint Personalised ez-link Card/ Personal CashCard as a membership card to borrow library items after registration. If they wish to have a membership card as well, they need to pay a fee of $5.00 for it.
    3. Borrowing Privileges
      • As a basic member, you are entitled to borrow SIX library items inclusive of a maximum of TWO music scores/audio-visual materials from the lending section of the libraries.
      • The loan period for books/music scores is 21 days, while loan period for magazines/audio-visual materials is 14 days. No renewal is allowed for audio-visual materials.
      • Any book or magazine with an accompanying CD-ROM, when borrowed, will be considered as two loaned items. They are to be borrowed and returned together on the same membership card.
      • CD-ROMs accompanying magazines are to be requested from the Customer Service Counter.
    4. Premium Membership
      • All NLB basic members can register for the Premium Membership, which entitles them to borrow EIGHT library items, comprising a maximum of FOUR music scores/audio-visual materials from the lending section of the libraries.
      • The annual non-refundable membership fee for the Premium Membership is $21.00. Discounted non-refundable membership fee for 2 years is $39.00, and for 3 years is $56.00.

    5. Premium Plus Membership
      • All NLB basic members can register for the Premium Plus Membership, which entitles them to borrow SIXTEEN library items, inclusive of up to EIGHT music scores/audio-visual materials from the lending section of the libraries.
      • The annual non-refundable membership fee for the Premium Plus Membership is $42.00. Discounted non-refundable membership fee for 2 years is $78.00, and for 3 years is $112.00.

    6. Membership for Foreigners

      • Foreigners need to produce their passport AND employment pass/work permit/student pass /dependant's pass (with a remaining validity of at least 3 months, except for the student pass). A registration fee of $10.50 as well as an annual foreign membership fee of $42.80 are charged. The registration fee of $10.50 will again be charged when a membership has expired for more than 6 months or when a member changes his status to PR before the expiration of his foreign membership. All fees paid are non-refundable.
      • Foreign Members are entitled to borrow FOUR library items from the lending section of the libraries. In addition, they can borrow another FOUR additional items comprising books/ magazines/music scores/audio-visual materials. Loan period for books and music scores is 21 days while loan period for audio-visual materials and magazines is 14 days.

    7. Audio-Visual Materials
      • Library members can borrow DVDs, VCDs, audio books, Video Tapes and CD-ROMs from the public libraries, music CDs and Music Scores are only available at library@esplanade.
      • The loan period for audio-visual materials is 14 days (excluding the day of borrowing). The loan period for music scores is 21 days.
      • No renewal is allowed for audio-visual materials.
      • The AV lending items borrowed are strictly for private home viewing/listening. Duplication, circulation and renting out of the AV items are not allowed.
      • Parental guidance is required for Child members to borrow/view AV items classified as G, PG and these items are to be checked out at the Customer Service Counter.
      • Members who misuse the service will have their membership suspended. No refund of membership fee will be made.
      • Members are responsible for taking proper care of the AV items and any multiple parts accompanying the items, borrowing and returning them together as a set as indicated on the item.
      • Members are responsible for any damage to or loss of the AV items borrowed. You are advised to do a quick check of up to 5 minutes on the quality and condition of the item(s) at the Testing Station before borrowing it/them. Please refer to Section 1.k. iii for charges of lost/damaged AV items.
      • NLB will not be responsible for any virus infection / damage to borrowers' players resulting from the loan of the AV items.

      Membership Registration:
      Documentation and Fees


        Singaporeans & Permanent Residents Foreigners
      0 - 7 years 8 � 14 years 15 years & above All ages
      Birth Certificate Yes Yes - Passport + Employment Pass or Work Permit or Student Pass or Dependant's Pass or Special/Visitor's Pass (with a remaining validity of at least 3 months, except for the Student Pass)
      One Parent's NRIC Yes Yes -
      Own NRIC
      (Pink / Blue)
      - - Yes
      Membership Card Fee Free $1 $5


        Singaporeans Permanent Residents Foreigners
      Registration Free $10.50 $10.50 (payable again upon renewal, if membership has expired for more than 6 months)
      Basic Membership Annual Fee Free Free -
      Foreign Membership Annual Fee - - $42.80
      Premium Membership Annual Fee $21 (for 1 year)
      $39 (discount of $3 for 2 years)
      $56 (discount of $7 for 3 years)
      -
      Premium Plus Membership Annual Fee $42 (for 1 year)
      $78 (discount of $6 for 2 years)
      $112 (discount of $14 for 3 years)
      -

      All fees are inclusive of GST. Payment must be made by CashCard, ezlink card and NETS at the libraries, or th rough Pre-paid Account, CashCard and Credit Card for registration via www.nlb.gov.sg or www.pl.sg. Payment for foreign membership is to be made at the Customer Service Counter (excluding Sengkang Public Library).

      * Applicants aged 7 and above can use their School Smart Card/NRIC as a membership card to borrow library items after registration.

      Borrowing Privileges

        Loan Items Loan Period Free One-Time Loan Renewal
      Basic Membership 6 library items (4 books / magazines & 2 additional audio-visual materials / books / magazines / music scores) 21 days for books / music scores

      14 days for magazines / audio-visual materials
      21 days for books / music scores

      14 days for magazines

      No renewal for audiovisual materials

      Items must be renewed before or on due date
      Premium Membership 8 library items (4 books / magazines & 4 additional audio-visual materials / books / magazines / music scores)
      Premium Plus Membership 16 library items (8 books / magazines & 8 additional audio-visual materials / books / magazines / music scores)
      Foreign Membership 8 library items (4 books / magazines & 4 additional audio-visual materials / books / magazines / music scores)


    8. Mode of Membership Registration
    9. Applicants can register for basic, premium, premium plus and foreign membership at:

      • Customer Service Counter at all public libraries (except Sengkang Public Library)
      • NLB website at www.nlb.gov.sg or PL website at www.pl.sg (for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents)
      • Library e-Kiosk at all libraries (for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents)

    10. Cashless payment
      • The introduction of the cashless payment at the libraries is part of NLB's efforts to automate payment processing to serve our customers better and faster.
      • The CashCard and ezlink card with their limited stored value are safe for students to carry. They provide fast, easy and convenient way to pay for library transactions.
      • In addition, payment by NETS is also available at all libraries.
      • All transactions at the library are by CashCard, ezlink card or NETS. These include:
        • Reservation of items;
        • Renewal of items;
        • Fines for overdue items;
        • Fines for loss/damaged library items;
        • Replacement of lost membership card;
        • Membership and Registration fees;
        • Use of multimedia services; and
        • Admission fee for programmes
        • Transactions for photocopying and printing service is by CashCard only.
      • CashCards are available for sale at selected:
        • Branches of DBS, OCBC and UOB;
        • Petrol Stations of Esso and Mobile;
        • Photocopying Service Counters of Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bishan, Bukit Merah, Geylang East, Marine Parade, Queenstown, Toa Payoh Public Libraries, Central Lending Library, Jurong, Tampines and Woodlands Regional Libraries, Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and library@esplanade.
      • Where to top-up your CashCard:
        • ATMs
        • CashCard Top-up Terminal at all libraries;
        • Library e-kiosks at all libraries;
        • CashCard Service Terminals located at some banks, IRAS Building, Robinson Road Post Office and tertiary institutions;
        • NETS Kiosks located at selected petrol stations, shopping centres and branches of the shareholder banks;
        • AXS station; and
        • Major petrol stations.
      • Where to top-up your CashCard using cash:
        • BP station; and
        • 7-Eleven convenience store.

    11. Renewal
      • Books can be renewed for free for another 21 days and magazines can be renewed for free for another 14 days (audio-visual items cannot be renewed). You may renew an item if:
        • the item has not been reserved by another member; or
        • the item has not been renewed before.
        • the item is not overdue.
      • Each item can only be renewed once.
      • You can renew an item:
        • in person with your NRIC or membership card;
        • via NLB website at www.nlb.gov.sg; or PL web at www.pl.sg
        • via fax (of any library branch), sent at least one day before the due date;
        • via mail at least one week before the due date; or
        • via the Catalogue Station
      • For renewals made via fax and mail, please indicate the following particulars:
        • Name of borrower
        • NRIC or Membership Card No.
        • Title or Accession No. of the item
        • Contact number
    12. Fees and Charges
      1. Reservation
        • Members can make reservation for books/magazines/audio-visual materials on-line via NLB website or the Catalogue Station. A maximum of six items can be reserved at any one time for Basic Members, eight items for Premium Members and Foreign Members, and sixteen items for Premium Plus Members.
        • A reservation fee of $1.55 is charged per item and must be paid before or on collection of the reserved item. You will be notified by post or e-mail (if you have signed up for e-mail notification when the item is available for collection.
        • Your reservation will expire and be removed from the reservation queue if it remains unfulfilled after 90 days. You will be notified by mail or e-mail accordingly. Please inform the library of any change of address.
        • Items set aside for collection at branches on the request of users are also charged the reservation fee of $1.55 per item.
        • Library Members can collect and return audio-visual items to any library.
        • Please collect the reserved item within the time stated on the notification slip and pay the reservation fee before or upon collection. The reservation fee will still be charged for uncollected items.
        • Please ensure that you have not exceeded your maximum loan quota before collecting and paying for the reserved item.
      2. Overdue Books/Magazines/Audio-Visual Items
        • Overdue fines are charged at $0.15 per book/magazine/CD-ROM with accompanying book per day and $0.50 per audio-visual item per day.

        • Items should be returned before 12.00am for the stated due date, due items returned after 12.00am will incur overdue charges.

        • Your borrowing privileges will be suspended once charges are incurred in your library account. They will be restored once the outstanding fines are settled.

      3. Lost / Damaged Library Items
        • For every item lost/damaged, the member will have to pay the cost of the item lost/damaged, administrative fee of $7.15 per item, and $1.05 for lost/damaged video tape and CD-ROM casing.

        • Replacements for lost/damaged items will not be accepted.

        • There will be no refund once payment is made even if the lost item is found later.
      4. Loss of Library Membership Card
      5. If you lose your library membership card or any of these cards used for library transactions:
        • NRIC
        • NTUC Link Card
        • SAF11B
        • School Smart Card
        • Singapore Mint Personalised ez-link Card
        • Personal CashCard

        Please inform the library immediately by phone, fax or in person. If the loss is not reported, any charges incurred on the lost card, such as fines incurred on loans, lost items and reservations, will be charged to you.

        NLB only notes the loss in its system. Members have to make separate report to the issuing organisation of the other above-mentioned cards.

      Summary of section
      (Applicable for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and Foreigners)
      Description Fees and Charges
      Reservation $1.55 per book/magazine/ audio-visual item
      Overdue Fines - $0.15 per book/magazine per day
      - $0.50 per audio-visual item per day
      Lost/Damaged Library Items Charges include:
      - cost of the item lost/ damaged
      - administrative fee of $7.15 per item lost/ damaged
      - $1.05 for each lost/ damaged video tape/CD- ROM casing
      Replacement of Lost Membership Cards- $1.00 for children below the age of 15
      - $5.00 for those aged 15 and above

    13. Change of Address
      • Notify the library immediately in person, in writing or via the online Report Change of Address form on NLB website, of any change of address. Notification by telephone will not be accepted.

      • If you are notifying the library by post, a photocopy of the relevant documents (e.g. NRIC) should be enclosed together with your library membership card number or NRIC number.

      • If you are reporting the change of address via the online form, you will need to bring your NRIC or parent's NRIC (for children below 15 years old) or other official documents which bear the new address, on your next visit to the library.
    14. Reminder service
      • Library members can sign up for e-mail reminders via the Public Libraries website at www.pl.sg.

      • This exclusive service reminds you to return borrowed items on time.

        Conditions for using this service.
        1. You need an Internet Email account, a Fax machine, or a Mobile Phone number to use this service.
        2. You will not receive any reminder if:
          • You provide an invalid mobile phone number, email address or fax number.
          • Your mobile phone number is not within Singapore Mobile coverage
          • You have changed your email address. (Please sign up again for the reminder service.)
        3. The Reminder Service is an additional benefit to NLB members. Absence of a reminder is not a valid reason for a waiver of fines.
    15. Resignation
      • Resignation can be made in person, in writing, by fax or email. Copies of valid cards for borrowing (e.g. library membership card, NRIC, etc.) or official identification documents (e.g. NRIC, passport, etc.) must be presented or enclosed for verification purposes.

      • All outstanding loans and charges should be cleared before resignation.

      • For foreign members and Premium members, there shall be no refund of membership fees should you resign before the expiry of your subscription period.

  2. Library Etiquette

  3. The NLB aims to promote the love for reading and learning through providing a comfortable and conducive environment for such pursuits. The library is a public place and to make the libraries a quiet and pleasant environment, we need the cooperation of our customers to observe the following library etiquette within the library premises:
    1. Switch off/put to silent mode your handphones and pagers.
    2. Speak softly at all times within the library premises. Do not group around tables/pull up chairs from other tables.
    3. Walk, do not run.
    4. Handle all library materials and facilities with care. Do not mess up books on the shelves or climb on furniture.
    5. Queue for services.
    6. Take only a few books from the shelves at a time and return them to the book bins/shelves after you have read them.
    7. Observe that library reading areas are only for the reading of or reference to library materials.
    8. Limit your reading of newspapers to 30 minutes per newspaper (one at a time) to give others a chance to read them.
    9. Avoid crowding round the Catalogue Stations and Multimedia Stations.
    10. Limit the use of the Catalogue Station to 10 minutes at a time to give others a chance to use them.
    11. Food and drinks purchased from the cafe in the library must be consumed at the cafe premises only.
    12. Sit at tables/chairs and designated areas. Do not sit on the floor among shelves, in the aisles and block other people.
    13. Safeguard your belongings.
    14. Do not pile books etc., on tables, or scatter them on the floor.
    15. Parents, please supervise your children to observe the library etiquette.
    16. No photographs or filming may be taken/or surveys carried out in the libraries without authorised permission.
    17. No sleeping in the library.
    18. No moving of library furniture from where it is placed by Library staff.

  4. Services

  5. The innovative use of information technology in NLB's processes has made the public library system more convenient, accessible and useful to our customers. The following services are available in the reference, regional and public libraries unless otherwise stated.

    1. Books and Special Collections

    2. In general, the library has a collection of English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil books, magazines and other materials such as:
      • Reference Collection;
      • Singapore Collection;
      • Dictionaries;
      • Encyclopaedia;
      • Almanacs;
      • Factbooks;
      • Biographies;
      • Atlases;
      • Music scores; and
      • Audio-visual Collection.
    3. Bulk Loans

    4. The NLB welcomes schools and learning centres, social, welfare, and community organisations which are embarking on the promotion of reading initiatives to borrow books in bulk for their members' use. This service, called DEAR@Schools and DEAR@Community, is provided free of charge and subjected for renewal on a yearly basis.

      All DEAR@Schools and DEAR@Community members are entitled to borrow up to a maximum of 2,000 books for a loan period of 63 days (9 weeks).

    5. Colour Coding
      • Colour Coding is a system whereby a unique colour band is assigned to each letter of the alphabet or to the digits 0 to 9, on the label pasted on the spine of the book
      • The label of the book also comes with several other useful elements such as the call number, the barcode of the book and a subject category symbol (e.g. [RO] for Romance, [COM] for Computer/IT). This makes shelving, locating and borrowing books easier.
    6. Customer Feedback
      • In an effort to serve all our customers better, customers can submit their feedback and suggestions to the Quality Service Manager (QSM) via the following channels:

        QSM Line : 1800-332 3370
        Fax : 6547 1975
        E-mail : qsm@nlb.gov.sg
        Mail : National Library Board
        50, Geylang East Avenue 1
        Singapore 389777
      • Service Quality Feedback forms are readily available at the reference, regional and public libraries.
      • Customers can also recommend a book or audio-visual item using the Service Quality Feedback Form or online via NLB's website: www.nlb.gov.sg, www.pl.sg and www.nl.sg.
    7. Multimedia Services
      • The multimedia stations at the library make use of a broadband network to offer information electronically.
      • The charge for using the multimedia station is $0.03 per minute and payment is made through the customer's Pre-paid account.
      • Customers can top-up their Pre-paid Account at the Library e-Kiosks using a CashCard, NETS or ez-link Card or via the Public Libraries website (www.pl.sg) using their Credit Card.
      • Customers can also print documents from the multimedia stations (if the station permits) at a charge of $0.30 per A4 page. Print-outs are to be collected at the self-service printers located near the multimedia stations.
      1. NLB Digital Library
      2. NLB Digital Library offers a full range of library and multimedia services to extend your library experience. It also has up-to-date news on NLB corporate events, promotions and comprehensive information about its libraries. You can access NLB Digital Library either at the multimedia stations at libraries or from home via www.nlb.gov.sg.

      3. Public Libraries
      4. Besides our popular account services, the Public Libraries online now offer exciting new services. Be you a child, a student, a concerned parent, an educator, or simply an avid reader, there will definitely be something that you can partake in to make your library experience informative, interesting and worthwhile. Go ahead and start clicking!

        • Advisory & Enquiry
        • Library Enrichment Activities
        • Outreach Activities
        • Storytelling
        • Verging All Teens
        • Reading Groups
        • Programmes
        • Community Partnership & Outreach
      5. Reference Libraries
      6. Lee Kong Chian Reference Library

        The brand new Digital Library is where you will find the online services and collections of Lee Kong Chian Reference Library. It has comprehensive digital reference and research collections designed to address the needs of customers with diverse interests. Collections include:

        • Arts
        • Asian Children's
        • Check My Account
        • Business
        • Chinese, Malay and Tamil
        • Donors'
        • Science and Technology
        • Singapore and Southeast Asian
        • Social Sciences and Humanities
      7. Resources
      8. Extensive databases are available for research and recreational purposes. They are based on a wide range of subject categories:

        • Arts
        • Business, Finance, Industry
        • Chinese, Malay, Tamil
        • Computers and Information Technology
        • Education
        • Health and Medicine
        • History
        • Language and Literature
        • Law and Government
        • News
        • Philosophy, Psychology and Religion
        • Reference
        • Science and Technology
        • Singapore and Southeast Asia
        • Social Sciences and Humanities
        • Sports, Recreation and Travel

        Popular databases such as Proquest, EBSCO Host, xreferplus and Grolier Online are part of the digital resources customers can make use of.

    8. Jurong Regional Library (JRL)
    9. JRL is the third and largest regional library to be launched by the National Library Board. Strategically located in the Jurong East Industrial and Business Hub, the library offers an enlarged collection of 507,000 volumes, 2,433 magazine titles, 12,000 volumes of audio-visual materials, 22,000 reels of microfilm, 64 newspaper titles and 311,000 volumes of lending books. It also has a range of new services such as the Teens Library Service and the Self-Service Lobby.

      1. Teens Library Service
      2. JRL is the first library in Singapore to offer a dedicated Teens Library service called 'Verging All Teens (V.A.T.)', a library created for teens by teens, to inspire teens. V.A.T. aims to create a dynamic environment where teens are inspired to live their dreams, express themselves and explore opportunities. Taking up approximately 1,200 square metres of the fourth level, the Teens Library has a distinct collection of various genres of comics and graphic novels of mainly English and Chinese titles such as works of popular comic writers e.g. X-Men series and Marvel, as well as works by mainstream writers such as Neil Gaiman can be found here.

      3. Children Advisory & Resource Centre
      4. Children, parents, educators and caregivers can enlist help on the selection and borrowing of suitable reading materials and resources via the new Children Advisory & Information desk. They can also use a special Children's Resource Centre that offers school project resources, reference collection on Children's Literature and Child Development & Psychology.

        The children's collection features the best books in print for this age group, and includes the classics and favorites, a good representative collection of folktales, award winning titles, fairy tales and a special emphasis on children books with Asian content.

      5. Self Service Lobby
      6. JRL is also the first public library to introduce the 24-hour Self-Service Lobby with facilities such as the Library e-Kiosk, and automated returning services. Customers can conduct library transactions -- locate, check out and return library items, register as library and eLibraryHub members, subscribe or renew premium membership, issue membership cards and even make payments by Cash Card or ez-link cards - all at their own time and convenience.

    10. Tampines Regional Library (TRL)
    11. Tampines Regional Library was the first regional library under the National Library Board network of libraries. Situated close to the Tampines MRT station and bus interchange, the library covers a floor area of 6,208 square metres.

    12. Woodlands Regional Library (WRL)
    13. Woodlands Regional Library (WRL), the largest in the public library network with a floor space of 11,100 square metres, provides a full fledged Adult reference and Children advisory service. The regional library delights with an extensive collection of not only books and audio visuals, but also houses the largest number of enhanced multimedia stations. These multimedia stations integrate search engines, library catalogues, databases, videos, etc., encompassing a wide range of information resources from libraries and leading content providers. WRL not only caters to avid readers but also offers a wide range of multimedia services to meet the burgeoning needs of the public and other information seekers.

      1. Children Services
      2. Good reading habits start young. Our team of specialist is dedicated to offer parents, educators and caregivers advice on the selection of suitable reading materials and resources for kids. As a special tribute to children, the entire children's section is designed as a Reading Park to provide an environment conducive to reading for children and their caregivers.

      3. Arts Works
      4. Two prominent artists, Han Sai Por and Delia Prvacki have contributed significantly through the sculptures situated within the water feature and the extensive wall mural on the way down to the auditorium. Various other ceramic murals and paintings by local artists are placed around the library to create an awareness of the local arts scene in the community.

    14. Public Library Reference & Advisory Services
    15. Can't find the information you need or a good book to read? Need help in selecting appropriate reading materials and resources for your children or students?

      Adult & Young People's Reference & Advisory Services

      Our Adult & Young People's Librarians at the Regional Libraries (Woodlands, Jurong and Tampines) will assist you in getting the answers and books that you want, provide the instructions that you need to kick start your research or reading journey. Together with an extensive collection of reference and lending materials and electronic resources at your disposal, you are well on your way to fulfilling your informational and recreational needs at our regional libraries.

      Reference & Advisory Hours:
      - Mon to Sun: 1- 9 pm

      Location of Reference & Advisory Service Desks:
      - Woodlands Regional Library: 2nd Level
      - Jurong Regional Library: 3rd Level
      - Tampines Regional Library: 2nd Level

      Children's Advisory Services
      Our team of children's librarians and specialist at all the Regional Libraries (Woodlands, Jurong and Tampines) is dedicated to offer parents, caregivers and educators advice on selection of suitable reading materials and resources for children aged 0 to 12. In addition, Woodlands and Jurong Regional Libraries are each equipped with a Children Resource Center. Please consult the Children's Advisory Desk for access and use of the materials in the Resource Center.

      Children's Advisory Hours:
      - Mon to Sun: 1- 9 pm

      Location of Children's Advisory Service Desk & Children Resource Center:
      - Woodlands Regional Library: 4th Level
      - Jurong Regional Library: Basement
      - Tampines Regional Library: 1st Level

    16. library@esplanade
    17. The library@esplanade is Singapore's first dedicated library for the performing arts that offers information and services in the areas of music, dance, theatre and film. Serving as a hub for the performing arts in Singapore, the library has an extensive collection of print and non-print materials to both engage and help users discover the arts in an environment that encourages learning, creativity and innovation.

      In keeping with its theme, the library@esplanade has adopted the metaphor of a village to lay out the collection into four performing arts villages: music, dance, theatre and film. These villages are conveniently linked to Arts Central where common services and facilities are located.

    18. Photocopying Services
      • Self-service photocopying machines are available for library customers at a charge of:

        A4 size black & white per page : $0.08
        A3 size black & white per page : $0.16
        A4 size colour per page : $0.50
        A3 size colour per page : $1.00

        Colour and Black & White photocopying machines are available at Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Jurong West, Marine Parade and Toa Payoh Public Libraries, Central Lending Library, Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, and Jurong, Tampines and Woodlands Regional Libraries.

        Black & White photocopying machines are available at Bukit Merah, Geylang East, and Queenstown Public Libraries and library@esplanade.
      • Reprographic services are available at a charge of:
        A4 per page : $0.60
        A3 per page : $0.90

        It is available at Jurong Regional Library (for major newspapers from 1981), Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, Tampines Regional Library (for major newspapers from 1981) and Woodlands Regional Library (for major newspapers from 1996).
      • Please note that digital scanning of library materials is not permitted.
    19. Programmes
    20. Group activities like talks, forums, exhibitions and performances support learning through interaction. By being the centre for fun and life-long learning and playing an integral part in the life of the community, the library becomes a place where every visit is an enriching experience. To reach out to all, key programmes are conducted in the four main languages.

    21. Microfilm and Reprographic Services
    22. Microfilm Service

      This service provides a collection of archival records of past newspapers processed in a microfilm format for ease of access and longer retention.

      It is available in the 3 regional libraries (Jurong, Tampines, Woodlands).

      The newspapers include:

      • Straits Times
      • Sunday Times
      • LianHe ZaoBao
      • LianHe WanBao
      • Business Times
      • Berita Harian /Berita Minggu
      • Tamil Murasu

      Please approach our Librarian on duty at the Reference & Advisory Counter for more information on the use of this service. The access to microfilm records is free but the printing of articles (available at the Photocopying section) is fee-based and payable using CashCard.

      Reprographic Service
      You can request for reprints of materials stored on microfilm at a fee, subject to copyright law. Reprints can be in Positive Microfilm or Photoprints (plain paper or photographic). This service is available at the 3 regional libraries. Please approach our staff at the Reference & Advisory Counter for assistance.

    23. Repository Used Reference (RUR) Materials
    24. Reservation of Repository Used Reference Materials
      Repository Used Reference materials are marked in the catalogue with the status 'RUR'. RUR materials are not housed within the library as they comprise older editions and less frequently used titles from our collections. You may place a reservation for a RUR item to be retrieved for you to refer to at Lee Kong Chian Reference Library or at any of the 3 Regional Libraries.

      There is a charge of $1.55 for each reservation placed.

      How to Request for RUR Materials:

      • Search our catalogue to locate titles
      • For items with 'RUR', you can place a reservation at the Customer Service Counters of any NLB libraries.
      • While placing your reservation, indicate your preferred collection point. You can choose to collect your materials at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, Jurong Regional Library, Tampines Regional Library or Woodlands Regional Library.

      How to Collect Your Requested RUR Materials:

      • Once the materials arrive at your selected library, you will be notified by post.

        You need to produce this notification letter and your identification card to collect your materials.
      • Payment of the reservation fee must be made upon collection.

      Important:

      • Consultation of the materials is restricted to within the library and only for a period of 21 days.

        The materials cannot be taken out of the library.
      • The materials must be returned at the counter before the library closes each day.

  6. Facilities Booking

    The following facilities are available in the reference, regional and public libraries unless otherwise stated.
    1. Booking of Faclities

      Some libraries have lecture halls and project rooms. Activities and programmes organised by the NLB are held in these rooms/areas. These facilities can be rented for a nominal fee.

      National Library Building
      For booking of facilities in the National Library Building, 100 Victoria St, please download the following forms:
      - Application Form this launches the application form
      - Specifications of Venues this launches the application form
      - Terms and Conditions this launches the application form

      Other Libraries
      For booking of facilities in other libraries, please click here this launches an application form