Accessibility at NLB

Wheelchair-friendly Routes

There are barrier-free wheelchair-friendly routes to all our libraries for wheelchair users to experience easy travel.

Social Stories

Check out our Social Stories, which are step-by-step photograph guides, designed to help persons with disabilities understand what to expect and how to navigate the library environment, allowing them to prepare for their visit.

Find Wheelchair-friendly Routes and Social Stories in the respective library branch pages.

NLB is committed to creating inclusive experiences for all. We make our programmes accessible by adapting them to be suitable for persons with disabilities, such as by providing sign language interpretation for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. We also provide suitable resources such as screen reader-friendly documents and live captioning. In addition, NLB empowers persons with disabilities by providing them with opportunities to perform or conduct programmes at the libraries. Our accessible programmes also foster interactions between persons with disabilities and the wider public to further enhance inclusivity.

Check out our accessible programmes at Discover More Happenings. Under “Topics of Interest”, select “Accessible”.

• Accessible Membership provides an expanded scope of library services across all libraries for persons with disabilities, on top of basic library membership privileges.
• Accessible Membership is open to persons with disabilities who are beneficiaries of eligible disability schemes and services funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), or who had attended or are currently attending government-funded Special Education (SPED) schools.

An Accessible Member will get to enjoy:

1. A longer borrowing period (from 21 days to 42 days);
2. A longer renewal period (from 21 days to 42 days);
3. Free reservation of items (which costs $1.58 per item); and
4. Priority access to accessible features in Punggol Regional Library.

Find out more about the Accessible Membership and how to apply.

A step-by-step guide on applying for the Accessible Membership is also available here:

• For parents/caregivers to sign up for persons with disabilities who are below 15 years old
• For persons with disabilities who are above 15 years old

To explore more NLB resources, please click here.

• The Accessible Collection features more than 3,000 English books for children and adults with disabilities, their caregivers, and their communities. The topics selected were based on feedback from users in the disability community. These include Braille books with text for those with visual impairment, social stories that help persons with disabilities learn what to expect and how to react in specific situations or settings, phonics readers to help patrons with language difficulties, and touch and feel books for people to learn through the sense of touch. There are also books for caregivers who want to learn about specific disabilities.
• For those who are unable to physically visit the library, browse our eBooks from the Accessible Collection or the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped’s online catalogue for audio CDs, descriptive videos, and Braille books.
• There is also a wide collection of eBooks, audiobooks, eMagazines, and eNewspapers that users can access from home through the NLB Mobile app.
• eResources such as learning courseware, videos with closed captioning, databases, full-text journal articles, and indexes are also available for learning and research.

Assistive technology devices such as high contrast, large key keyboards are useful for individuals with visual impairment or low vision. Trackballs which are designed to minimise wrist and hand movements can assist persons with disabilities in their computer use.

We are working towards all public libraries being equipped with a set of assistive technology devices comprising a high contrast, large key keyboard and trackball.

Persons with disabilities may sometimes require a quiet and safe private space.

Punggol Regional Library

Calm pods are available at level 1 and level 2 of Punggol Regional Library for use by patrons with Accessible Membership. Other patrons who require usage can communicate with library staff via the intercom to gain access to the calm pods.

• The calm pod is partitioned into two areas: a waiting area and a more private area with padded walls and floor.
• A variety of sensory aids to support comfort, focus and emotional well-being are available. From earmuffs that minimise noise to fidget tools, stress balls, and sensory boards for emotional regulation, these sensory aids cater to diverse needs. A weighted blanket provides soothing relief from anxiety, while a vibrating cushion offers calming rhythmic sensations.
• Sensory toys that encourage exploration and a communication board to assist those with limited verbal skills are available as well.

With these resources, the library ensures accessibility and promotes an enriching experience for all library visitors.

Woodlands Regional Library

There is a calm area on level 4 of Woodlands Regional Library that is designed for children with autism and those with sensory needs. The area is equipped with semi-enclosed spaces and padded floors to create a sanctuary for children with autism.

Explore amazing products crafted by persons with disabilities (PwDs) at Punggol, Tampines, Jurong and Woodlands Regional Libraries. These libraries are proudly showcasing beautifully crafted products that celebrate creativity and craftsmanship. From colourful socks to stylish tote bags, scarves, journals, umbrellas, and water bottles - there's something for everyone.

By supporting these talented individuals, you are not just buying a product – you are empowering a community and making a meaningful difference.

Located in One Punggol, Punggol Regional Library is Singapore’s first inclusive library where there is something for everyone to read, learn, and discover. The library officially opened on 5 April 2023.

At Punggol Regional Library, you can look forward to:

• Friendly, approachable, and well-trained staff who can assist patrons, including persons with disabilities.
• Accessible physical infrastructure and services such as:
  • Accessible Collection features more than 3,000 English books for children and adults with disabilities, their caregivers, and their communities.
  • Borrow-n-Go book borrowing station which is a dedicated passageway which utilises Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable wheelchair users to easily borrow books by simply passing through with their books, without having to place the books on a table-top, as is the case at traditional borrowing kiosks.
  • Assistive technology devices such as trackballs, joysticks, black-white large key keyboards, high contrast large key keyboards, and colour contrast large key keyboards, and a magnifier.
  • Calm Pods for adults and children with disabilities who may require a quiet and safe private space. Patrons can communicate with staff via the intercom to gain access to the Calm Pods.
  • Stories Come Alive Room, which uses images, light, and sound effects to create an immersive and interactive experience for all.
  • Toy Library located at the Children’s Section for young children aged 0 to 6 years old, including those with disabilities, encourages children to learn through play. Children, parents and caregivers have access to a variety of developmentally appropriate toys, educational aids, puppets, and costumes.
  • Adult changing tables in the accessible toilets.

Find out more about Punggol Regional Library here:

• Punggol Regional Library
• Read, Discover and Learn at Punggol Regional Library

IRIS, which stands for “Inclusive LibRarIeS”, is a purple heart icon that represents accessible programmes and services for persons with disabilities and reflects the inclusive offerings available throughout NLB libraries.

Persons with disabilities, their caregivers, and the general public are encouraged to engage with IRIS activities to explore and learn more about the accessible services available in the libraries.

NLB launched a bimonthly accessibility newsletter titled “AccessABILITY” in October 2024. This newsletter serves as a valuable resource for persons with disabilities and their caregivers, providing updates on upcoming library programmes and events, recommended reads from the accessible collection, and features the experiences of the disability community in the libraries.

Subscribe to NLB’s Accessibility Mailing List for the newsletter.

Check out past issues here:
October – November 2024
December – January 2025
February – March 2025

Building a Library Where Everyone Is Welcome |The Library Report

Enhances Programmes and Services For Persons with Disabilities Across Public Libraries | Enabling Masterplan 2030 Yearly Updates

New Punggol library opens with special features for children, people with disabilities |CNA

New Punggol library encourages tinkering and storytelling, including for children with disabilities | Straits Times

People with disabilities can keep books for longer, reserve items for free under new NLB membership | Straits Times

Champions of Inclusive Spaces: Punggol Regional Library | Zero Project (Publication by the Essl Foundation in cooperation with SG Enable)

Please contact enquiry@nlb.gov.sg if you need further assistance.