Singapore, 16 August 2021 – Following the announcement of the mid-point review and easing of the Phase 2 Heightened Alert measures, we will increase our operating capacity in the National Library, our 26 public libraries[1], the National Archives of Singapore and the Former Ford Factory from the current 25 per cent to 50 per cent. This will take effect from Thursday, 19 August 2021.
2 To allow patrons to spend more time reading and learning at our facilities, dwell time limits will be removed for weekdays. For weekends, we will continue with the timed entry system to manage capacity. Patrons can visit the regional libraries (in Jurong, Tampines and Woodlands), the National Library, the Study Lounge at Level 5 of the National Library Building, and the National Archives of Singapore for up to three hours and up to two hours in all other public libraries. The dwell time will remain at one hour at the Former Ford Factory.
3 During weekends, patrons will be required to make advance online bookings at https://go.gov.sg/library-visit-booking for their preferred slots. They can also book for up to five persons per slot for their visits to public libraries. Patrons can check https://go.gov.sg/library-visit-crowd or the NLB mobile app (https://mobileapp.nlb.gov.sg) for real-time crowd capacity in our libraries and archives before visiting.
4 We will progressively resume physical programmes, including MOLLY services, guided tours for exhibition, and operations of our makerspaces (MakeIT at Libraries). The overall group size of each programme is subject to the operating capacity of the venue and safe management measures such as safe distancing of at least one metre between individuals and groups. Patrons can check NLB’s GoLibrary (https://go.gov.sg/golibrary) for updates on our programmes.
5 The audience capacity for Asian Film Archive’s public screenings at Oldham Theatre level 3, National Archives of Singapore building) will be increased from 33 to 50 persons for the theatre and the atrium. Safe distancing measures will continue for seating in the theatre and to limit intermingling between groups. Digital programmes will continue to be available. More information can be found at https://www.asianfilmarchive.org.
6 Together with the other relaxation of measures planned from 19 August onwards, the requirement for temperature screening in our premises will be removed. Patrons who visit our facilities must wear their masks at all times and adhere to the capacity limits in our facilities. Please refer to the Annex for details on the services available at our facilities.
[1] The Choa Chu Kang Public Library is currently closed for renovations and will reopen in the last quarter of 2021.