Release Date : 24 Feb 2012
Singapore, 24 February 2012 – Today, the National Library Board (NLB) launched its newly enhanced “Molly-reloaded”, a retrofitted Mobile Library bus to extend NLB's reach to those who are unable to visit our libraries regularly. Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts and the Environment and Water Resources, the Guest-of-Honour, will be launching this meaningful initiative at Fernvale Gardens School.
The National Library Board has 25 libraries located across Singapore. Each library is comprehensively stocked with a wide array of books, audio-visual materials and online resources, including eBooks. NLB recognises that despite this wide network of libraries, some Singaporeans may not be able to make regular visits to the libraries. Molly brings library resources closer to their doorstep. This is part of NLB's ongoing efforts to make library services more inclusive and accessible.
At the end of 2011, Molly reached out to more than 400 organisations, including special education schools, volunteer welfare organisations and homes, and served more than 230,000 users. Close to half a million loans were made.
“Molly has a special place in the hearts of many. This mobile library service, which began in the 1960s, has kept pace with readers' needs and technological advancement. From here on, it aims to serve a wider community. We hope to make library services more inclusive and accessible,” said Mrs Elaine Ng, Chief Executive Officer, NLB.
Molly is “reloaded” with new technological features to enhance the reading and learning experience of its visitors. Molly comes equipped with eight iPads for easy access to NLB's eResources. Children can have fun with interactive applications that involve art, songs, rhymes and interactive books. Molly also comes packed with a carefully-selected collection of 3,000 books and audio-visual materials.
Molly now has an internal bookdrop built into the side of the bus to replace the previous portable book-drop. One can also save time by checking out multiple loan items simultaneously using the upgraded borrowing stations. Molly is also equipped with a built-in ramp for the wheelchair-bound. Furnished with a comfortable interior, Molly provides a cosy setting for students to read, enjoy storytelling, puppetry and other activities.
“Molly has increased my students' interest in reading. The mobile library service has provided them with a world of possibilities and imagination through reading. We look forward to more visits by Molly,” said Mr Anthony Tan, principal of Fernvale Gardens School.
The new Molly is supported by sponsors comprising SBS Transit, which provided the bus. Computer equipment and systems are sponsored by NEC Asia, Advance Technologies and Tagsys Asia, and Singapore Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.
NLB plans to launch a mini Mobile Library to boost our reach to more Singaporeans. Funds will be raised for this mini Molly bus at NLB's “10,000 and More Fathers Reading” events. The first two events as follows: