Oldest Public Library in the Heartlands of Singapore Celebrated Its 40th Anniversary Today!

Release Date : 30 Apr 2010

A series of programmes are organised to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Queenstown Public Library, the first public library built in the heartlands of Singapore.

SINGAPORE, 30 April 2010 – Queenstown Public Library (QUPL), the first public library built in the heartlands of Singapore, celebrated its 40th anniversary today. Graced by Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, the celebration saw members of the Queenstown community gathering together to relive memories of QUPL over the past 40 years.

The celebration included performances by schools in the vicinity, a photo exhibition of QUPL over the years, a showcase of artwork by the students of Queenstown Primary School and a hands-on exhibition by the students of Crescent Girls' School featuring games that were played from the 1970s to the 1990s.

 

Celebrating 40 years of bonding in the community

QUPL was opened on 30 April 1970 by then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. It underwent a major renovation and was re-opened in 2003 by Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, then-Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of National Development, and Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC.

The theme of QUPL is iGEN@Queenstown (inter-generation at Queenstown), which aims to bring together all members of the community, from children, youths, adults to seniors, with opportunities to read, learn and interact with one another through activities organised by the library. QUPL serves the informational and recreational needs of the residents in the Tanjong Pagar GRC, including Queenstown, Commonwealth, Tanglin Halt, Holland, Alexandra, Buona Vista, Dover, Bukit Timah and Ghim Moh.

 

Exciting line-up of programmes to inspire both the young and old

In line with the theme of the library, iGEN@Queenstown, a series of special programmes will be organised from May to June 2010 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of QUPL. They include craft workshops for children, reading activities for youths, as well as health talks for adults and seniors. There is also a loan promotion for patrons.

Said Ms Ngian Lek Choh, Deputy Chief Executive, National Library Board, “We would like to take this opportunity to show our appreciation to our patrons, volunteers and partners of the library who have been supporting us all these years. We would like to encourage them to continue to embark on a lifelong learning journey by making use of our library resources and participating in our library programmes to spark their imagination and discover new possibilities in their lives.”

For more information on the anniversary programmes, please refer to the Annex.

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Annex

Celebration Programmes on 30 April 2010

1) Performances

A) Dance Performance by Cherie Hearts Tree House

Children will be dressed in ethnic attire and dance to the song, Freeze. The dance will incorporate elements from Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian dance forms.

B) Dance Performance by Crescent Girls' School

Crescent Girls' School will present a dance performance featuring songs from the musical, Grease.

C) Musical Performance, Together We Grow, by Queenstown Primary School

This performance will showcase Queenstown as a special place that never fails to bring forth fond memories.

2) Exhibitions

A) Photo Gallery of Queenstown Public Library

Photos of the library and its programmes, taken in the 1980s and 1990s, are displayed.

B) Artwork from Queenstown Primary School

The exhibits from Queenstown Primary School include Batik paintings, Chinese brush paintings, ceramic pieces and seal carvings.

C) Games of the Past by Crescent Girls' School

Crescent Girls' School brings you back to the past with a hands-on exhibition featuring games that were played from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Celebration Programmes from May to June 2010

1) Queenstown Public Library Celebrates!

Borrow 16 items from Queenstown Public Library to redeem a library bag!

Terms and conditions for redemption

  • Combined receipts of 16 loans must be issued by Queenstown Public Librar
  • The receipts must belong to the same library user
  • Loan receipts must be dated from 30 April to 30 June 2010
  • Loan receipts cannot be re-used for other promotions
  • This redemption is while stocks last

2) Anniversary Special: Origami Craft

Learn to make origami in an hour! This activity is opened to all ages.

Date: 8 May 2010

Time: 2:30 – 3:30pm

Venue: Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library

Registration: Register at the library e-kiosk at any Public Library

3) Serial Readers Club: The Witches by Roald Dahl

This book discussion session for youths is conducted by students from St Margaret's Secondary School.

Date: 14 May 2010

Time: 3.00 – 4.00pm

Venue: Multi-Purpose Room, Queenstown Public Library

Registration: Not required.

4) 40th Anniversary Special: Happy Birthday Queenstown Public Library!

Participate in this craft workshop! Join us in making some crafts and getting your hands dirty. This programme is opened to children aged 6-8 years old. Limited to 25 children.

Date: 22 May 2010

Time: 2.30 – 3.30pm

Venue: Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library

Registration: Register at the library e-kiosk at any Public Library

5) The Colourful World of Butterflies

Explore the colourful world of butterflies! Tell us about the butterflies you have seen, listen to exciting stories on butterflies and have fun creating butterfly crafts. This programme is for children aged 4-6 years old. There will be a $2 admission fee and all materials will be provided.

Date: 3 June 2010

Time: 3.00 – 4.00pm

Venue: Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library

Registration Fee: $2. Register at the library e-kiosk at any Public Library.

6) Creative Hands

This event will help to unleash the creativity in the young ones as they join in for an hour of hands-on fun with plasticine. This programme is for children aged 7-10 years old. There will be a $2 admission fee and all materials will be provided.

Date: 10 June 2010

Time: 3.00 – 4.00pm

Venue: Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library

Registration Fee: $2. Register at the library e-kiosk at any Public Library.

7) Health Talks:

Talk 1: Pain Management Using Traditional Chinese Medicine (in Mandarin)

Talk 2: Mental Health and Optimism (in English)

Date: 19 June 2010

Time: 1.00 – 4.00pm

Venue: Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library

Registration: Register at the library e-kiosk at any Public Library.

8) From Tales to Board Games

Children will have a chance to create their own board game using well-known fairytale characters. This programme is suitable for children aged 7-12 years old. There will be a $2 admission fee and all materials will be provided.

Date: 24 June 2010

Time: 3.00 – 4.00pm

Venue: Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library

Registration Fee: $2. Register at the library e-kiosk at any Public Library