Release Date : 19 Dec 2012
Singaporeans and Permanent Residents aged 50 years and above can now enjoy free one-hour Internet access at the libraries every day as well as bi-monthly reading kits. This new initiative was announced today during Bukit Merah Public Library's 30th anniversary celebration by Mr Sam Tan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Culture, Community and Youth, as well as Mayor of the Central Singapore District.
The National Library Board (NLB) has introduced the Silver Infocomm Hotspots at all 24 libraries across Singapore in a step to encourage active aging and lifelong learning among 50plus library users. Here, they can use the multimedia stations for free for an hour each day to access NLB's eResources, surf the internet or check emails. From end December, they will also enjoy a bi-monthly reading kit with a themed calendar of recommended reads on popular interests such as food, health and hobbies. These reading kits are designed to enhance their learning and cultivate a regular reading habit.
From tomorrow, 100 iPads will also be available for loan at Bukit Merah Public Library. This eDevice loan service is an extension of the pilot scheme which was launched earlier this year at Bedok Public Library. Library members can use the iPad to read eBooks, newspapers and magazines, and listen to music from NLB's rich eResources collection. Upon registration of the loan, members will also get to attend an introductory iPad workshop to learn basic IT skills and the use of the device.
Said Mrs Elaine Ng, Chief Executive Officer of NLB, “We have to transform our services so that library users remain interested in lifelong learning. We hope that the Silver Infocomm Hotspots and iPad loan service will help our customers benefit from the wide variety of learning resources available from our libraries and our digital platforms.”
As part of the anniversary celebration, visitors to Bukit Merah Public Library can enjoy an exciting line-up of activities which include workshops for beading and cookie decoration; fun reading session; and parenting talk. The public can also contribute their memories of growing up years in Bukit Merah to the Singapore Memory Project which aims to collect five million memories by 2015.
Please refer to the attached for information on the events for the anniversary celebrations.
Bukit Merah Public Library's 30th Anniversary Celebration Event Line-up
Date : 1 December 2012
Time : 11am to 1pm
Venue : Bukit Merah Public Library, Swordfish Room, Level 3
Title : Bedazzled With Beads!
Synopsis : Learn how to make your own bead bracelet! Borrow four books to take part in this activity for free! This programme is limited to 25 participants.
Date : 1 December 2012
Time : 3pm to 4pm
Venue : Bukit Merah Public Library, Swordfish Room, Level 3
Title : Champion Parenting Talk
Synopsis : Don't miss this free talk for parents who would like to understand how to better communicate with your children.
Date : 2 December 2012
Time : 2pm to 3pm
Venue : Bukit Merah Public Library, Radin Mas Hall, Level 3
Title : Ronald MacDonald Fun With Reading
Synopsis : Join Ronald MacDonald for a session of fun! Find out how reading can be cool and enjoyable!
Date : 21 December 2012
Time : 3pm to 4pm
Venue : Bukit Merah Public Library, Radin Mas Hall, Level 3
Title : Big Bang Birthday Bash!
Synopsis : Children can come dressed in their party clothes and take part in a wide array of birthday activities such as decorating cookies and presents. Please register at our eKiosks at $2 per child. This invitation is limited to 30 children, aged between 5 and12 years old.