Singapore, 5 November 2014 – Sembawang Public Library is now opened with a fresh design and spaces to promote intergenerational reading. This morning, Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Transport, and Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC, officially re-opened the library in Sun Plaza Shopping Mall.
Developed with community feedback
When the library closed temporarily for upgrading in March this year, the National Library Board (NLB) consulted library users and gathered valuable feedback and suggestions on how it could better cater to their needs. The newly refurbished library also took into consideration Sembawang’s demographics. To cater to the needs of young families in Sembawang, the NLB incorporated the “Reading Deck”, a conducive seating area for both parents and their children to read and learn together.
New design and concept
Sembawang Public Library's design was inspired by Sembawang’s rich shipyard and shipbuilding history. Arranged throughout the library are spaces modelled after shipping containers, where users can sit and read.
Mrs Elaine Ng, Chief Executive Officer, NLB said, "By involving our regular visitors in the redevelopment, we hope it brings the library closer to their hearts. We have tapped on the heritage of Sembawang for our design and also listened to our users in creating a unique library experience for the community."
Following the success of the Early Literacy Library at Jurong Regional Library, the NLB has created an early literacy corner in the new Sembawang Public Library. It is the second public library in Singapore to have a designated area for the Early Literacy Collection, which caters to children six and below. Parents can find books, focusing on five key areas – playing, talking, singing, reading and writing, which will help in the children’s learning and development. The books are available in the four official languages.
Users can access digital newspapers and magazines on eReading devices. Library visitors can enjoy browsing through six local newspapers on these large-screened tablets. The devices are easy to use and can be adjusted to suit individual’s comfort level. Seniors can adjust the print size for easy reading.
Among the features of Sembawang Public Library is the Library Guide where library users can find out more about the programmes and happenings. Located near the entrance of the library, visitors can find out more about its features, learn how to navigate around the library and reach customer service staff. Sembawang Public Library is also the first library in the heartlands where library users can conveniently collect their reserved titles from designated lockers beyond its opening hours.
The library also welcomes volunteers. They can assist other library users in getting general information on the library and provide hands-on guidance for the eReading devices. This enables the library and community to build closer ties.
The library will be opened to the public daily from 11am to 9pm except on Public Holidays. More information on the library can be found at here and the library’s programmes are listed at GoLibrary.