Singapore, 6 May 2021 – In line with tighter precautionary measures to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in the community, we will reduce the operating capacity in our libraries and archives (the National Library, our 26 public libraries[1], the National Archives of Singapore and the Former Ford Factory) from the current 65 per cent to 50 per cent. This will take effect from Saturday, 8 May 2021. We will also suspend all corporate tours and school visits, to ensure that public health and safety are not compromised.
2 Dwell time limits will continue to be in place during weekends, to manage the larger crowds. On Saturdays and Sundays, patrons can visit the National Library, regional libraries (in Jurong, Tampines and Woodlands), the National Archives of Singapore and the Study Lounge at Level 5 of the National Library Building for up to three hours, and two hours in all other public libraries. Patrons are therefore encouraged to make online bookings at https://go.gov.sg/library-visit-booking for their preferred slots. There will continue to be no dwell time limits for visits on weekdays.
3 In line with the nationwide measure to bring forward the use of TraceTogether-only SafeEntry for venues with higher footfall, the implementation at all our premises will also be brought forward from 1 June 2021 to 17 May 2021. Patrons will be required to check-in using a TraceTogether app or token. To help ease the transition, scanning of barcodes on personal IDs will be retained until 31 May 2021.
4 The audience capacity for Asian Film Archive’s public screenings at Oldham Theatre (at level 3 of the National Archives Building) will likewise be reduced from 66 to 50 persons for both the theatre and the atrium. Safe distancing measures will continue for seating in the theatre and to limit intermingling between groups. There will be one to two screenings per screening day at the Oldham Theatre and digital programmes will continue to be available for patrons. More information can be found at https://www.asianfilmarchive.org.
5 To ensure the safety of our patrons, safe distancing measures, capacity controls and frequent disinfection of high touch points will continue to be implemented across all our premises. Patrons who visit our facilities must wear their masks at all times and adhere to the capacity limits in our facilities. We will also continue to carry out additional cleaning, sanitisation, and ventilation of programme areas between sessions. Patrons can check https://go.gov.sg/library-visit-crowd or the NLB mobile app (https://mobileapp.nlb.gov.sg) for the real-time crowd capacity in our libraries and archives before visiting. 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 open in the second half of 2021.