Release Date : 09 Dec 2010
Marriage Central unveiled its work plans for its new term
Singapore, 9 December 2010 – Marriage Central today launched their second resource point at Woodlands Regional Library. This strategic partnership with the National Library Board (NLB) will serve as a useful and convenient resource hub for soon-to-wed and married couples. In celebration of the move into Woodlands, key stakeholders in the area were invited to pledge a concerted commitment to work together to promote strong, healthy and happy marriages in the community.
Marriage Central Resource Point at Woodlands Regional Library
The Marriage Central Resource Point at Woodlands Regional Library is the second of three to be opened in regional libraries across the island, following the successful launch of the first Marriage Central Resource Point at Jurong Regional Library in December 2009.
In addition to a wide range of marriage-related resources available for loan at the library, the resource point will also have Marriage Central staff on hand to answer any marriage-related queries couples may have, provide recommendations for marriage education programmes, and make referrals to marriage counselors. NLB librarians will also be compiling a resource list which offers recommended reads on subjects ranging from wedding preparations to how overworked couples can de-stress together. Thematic programmes focusing on different aspects of married life such as communication skills and conflict resolution will also be organised at Woodlands Regional Library in the coming months.
The first Marriage Central Resource Point at Jurong Regional Library has been well-received, with more than 1,500 visitors to date. The monthly marriage enrichment talks held at the library are also well attended, with more than 480 participants to date. In a recent survey conducted by Marriage Central, the findings revealed that among those who were aware of Marriage Central, 1 in 3 were aware of Marriage Central Resource Point at Jurong Regional Library. Those who visited the resource point also gave feedback that they found the resources useful in enriching their marriage, and would recommend their family members and friends to the resource point.Following the launch of the first Marriage Central Resource Point, there has been an increase of about 20 percent in loans for family and parenting books at Jurong Regional Library from December 2009 to October 2010 as compared to the same period last year.
Ms Tay Ai Cheng, Senior Director, Public Library Services Group, National Library Board said: "NLB is continuously reinventing its library services to create new value for Singaporeans through strategic partnerships with partners such as Marriage Central. The libraries provide easy access to diverse collections of resources that will complement Marriage Central's services. We are encouraged by the success of the first Marriage Central Resource Point at Jurong Regional Library and look forward to more couples visiting and using our libraries, especially, with the launch of the second Marriage Central Resource Point at Woodlands Regional Library."
Marriage Central's Workplans for 2011-2012
The launch of the second Marriage Central Resource Point at Woodlands Regional Library is in line with Marriage Central's workplans for 2011-2012. In the next two years, Marriage Central hopes to further strengthen and expand its existing online and ground initiatives to reach out to couples. In addition, Marriage Central will embark on the development of research and resources for couples and community partners such as the Voluntary Welfare Organisation, marriage counselors/professionals, Deputy Registrars of Marriages and family lawyers. New and upcoming workplans include the development of an online marriage self-assessment tool that will allow soon-to-wed and married couples to gain insights on the strength and growth areas in their relationship. Marriage Central also hopes to empower more community partners to organise programmes for couples through the development and provision of resources that partners can adopt in their communities.
Ms Anita Fam, Chairperson of Marriage Central shared: “Our workplan for the next two years will take a new direction with a more focused approach. While we will continue to engage couples and further develop our online and physical resource points, Marriage Central will also look into providing more value add to other key marriage stakeholders in the community through identifying research gaps and initiating research and studies that can be relevant for partners and stakeholders.”
A commitment towards strengthening marriages in North West district
To kickoff Marriage Central's workplans for 2011-2012, Marriage Central touched based with various key community marriage stakeholders in Woodlands to foster stronger partnership ties. In celebration of the move into Woodlands, the North West Community Development Council (CDC), National Library Board, Deputy Registrars of Marriages/Licensed Solemnisers in the Sembawang GRC and Family Service Centres in the area came together to signify their commitment to work together with each other to promote strong, healthy and happy marriages in the North West district
Marriage Central will be organising a session in 2011 for all relevant stakeholders to share views and resources, as well as explore specific areas of partnerships in reaching out to soon-to-wed and married couples in Woodlands.