21 Oct 2021
Reignite the joy of learning and discovery in simple and surprising ways. From an audio-visual carousel ride that takes you to Korea, to nature-themed sculptures, new installations by the National Library Board (NLB) await the public at selected shopping malls across Singapore. This is part of a collaboration between NLB and mall partners CapitaLand malls, Lendlease, SingPost Centre Mall, Frasers and JTC to bring learning and discovery into everyday spaces.
The installations, also known as nodes, are a key highlight of LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025), and serve as new entry points into NLB’s wide array of content. Central to LAB25 is the vision to build a vibrant Learning Marketplace, where NLB’s physical and digital libraries and archives are the hubs of rich content, with services being extended through nodes.
From 21 October 2021, the public can look forward to the rollout of immersive wallpapers and lift decals featuring NLB’s eResources in 12 malls such as Bedok Mall, IMM, Junction 8, Parkway Parade and PLQ Mall. This will be followed by the launch of The Experience Lab – a journey into NLB’s rich collections through larger-than-life installations which will rove between 10 malls from 28 October 2021 to 19 December 2021.
There will be five types of nodes for the public to enjoy:
Wan Wee Pin, Director, Planning & Development, NLB, said, “Through interactive and novel ways of engagement, the nodes aim to reach and attract people who typically do not access NLB’s physical and digital hubs. In this way, they can learn more about what the libraries and archives have to offer and reconnect with the joy of reading and learning.”
Under LAB25, a five-year journey in its next phase of transformation, NLB is inviting partners and the community to collaborate with NLB to reimagine libraries and archives. The nodes are an example of such partnerships which seek to serve and support the public, as we navigate an evolving social, cultural and economic landscape together.
“We are pleased to collaborate with NLB to create novel and immersive experiences that will delight our shoppers across seven CapitaLand malls. We look forward to engaging the community with the educational and interactive installations, which makes for special photos moments with the family," said Teresa Teow, Head, Retail Management, Retail & Workspace, CapitaLand Investment.
“SingPost is proud to partner NLB in creating a new experience for visitors coming to SingPost Centre Mall and the Paya Lebar precinct. With the introduction of nodes, our visitors will be able to seamlessly borrow books at their convenience without needing to visit a physical library. The availability of new eReads each week and the exclusive Mr Kiasu eComics will also entice more readers to discover NLB’s offerings at our mall and drive footfall,” Mr Richard Lai, Group Chief Financial Officer, Singapore Post Limited.
“one-north is where we curate unique experiences for our community to learn and be inspired. We constantly aim to offer visitors a fun and innovative experience and are excited to be the first business park to showcase this experience lab. We hope that this installation catalyses meaningful engagements in our community,” said Ms Yap Eai-Sy, Director, JTC New Estate Division.
Through LAB25, NLB will continue to work with the community to test and deliver innovative products and services to shape the next generation of libraries and archives. Come 2022, the public can look out for even more nodes in everyday locations, and can follow NLB’s social media pages for updates.
Please refer to Annex A for images and details of the nodes, and Annex B for the location schedule.
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About National Library Board
The National Library Board (NLB) nurtures Readers for Life, Learning Communities and a Knowledgeable Nation by promoting reading, learning and history through its network of 27 public libraries, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore. NLB also forges strategic partnerships that encourage awareness, appreciation and greater discovery of Singapore’s history through its rich collections on Singapore and the region.
NLB achieves excellence through innovation, focusing on citizen engagement and co-creation, resource and digital innovation. This creates learning opportunities, greater access to library resources, services, and archival collections, as well as a continual development of innovative library spaces. Established on 1 September 1995 as a statutory board, NLB is under the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI).
For more information, please visit the NLB website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.