Bukit Batok Public Library, located at West Mall, will double its size as part of its revamp to offer new spaces and experiences in reading, learning and discovery. The library will be temporarily closed from 31 December 2023, and is expected to open by end-2025. The revamp will be carried out in tandem with asset enhancement works in West Mall, and to better serve the larger community there since the library opened in 1998.
This is part of the National Library Board’s (NLB) ongoing efforts to systematically rejuvenate existing libraries. The revamped library will boast a refreshed look and larger spaces to meet the evolving needs of patrons, with new design and programme concepts to provide an enhanced visitor experience.
NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Cher Pong, said, “Given West Mall’s plans, we explored opportunities with the mall to revamp and expand Bukit Batok Public Library. By doing so, we will be able to better serve the larger community of residents there. The revamp is in line with our LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025) vision to innovate and improve libraries and archives.”
While the library is closed during the revamp, patrons can check out several alternative services that will enable them to continue reading, learning, and discovery. These include:
a. Wallpaper Library – This will be available as a wallpaper on the library’s hoarding panels at West Mall. This Node will serve as an entry point into NLB’s wide array of electronic resources.
b. New Book Dispenser and Reservation Lockers – NLB will be setting up a new 24-hour Book Dispenser and Reservation Lockers nearby next year, for patrons to conveniently borrow and collect their reserved items.
c. NLB’s e-resources – Patrons can access NLB’s collections via its Mobile app (https://mobileapp.nlb.gov.sg/). Hundreds of thousands of books, periodicals, and other publications can be searched, reserved and borrowed via the NLB Mobile app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App store.
d. Borrow-n-Deliver – Patrons can enjoy the convenience of this delivery service, where they can select up to four library items, including books, magazines, and audio-visual materials, which are available and currently not on loan via NLB’s e-catalogue, to be delivered to their homes (a fee of $8.64 with GST).
e. Libraries Nearby – Patrons can visit other libraries located near Bukit Batok Public Library, including Jurong Regional Library, Bukit Panjang Public Library, Choa Chu Kang Public Library and Clementi Public Library.
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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 28 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.
For more information, please visit the NLB website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube channels.
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