Central Public Library Reopens with a Kaleidoscope of Collections and Experiences for Everyone

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Description

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Singapore Alcove

The Singapore Alcove is an immersive space which integrates the Singapore collection and an exhibition that tells Singapore Stories. The inaugural exhibition is titled “Lepak Landscapes: Life and Leisure in Singapore”, which focuses on our leisure culture. Patrons begin their journey by registering at a digital kiosk to obtain their personal QR code. This will unlock an interactive journey with a personality quiz and a curated book recommendation list. 
 
The exhibition, “Lepak Landscapes” allows patrons to explore Singapore through the eyes of literature, with different titles available for borrowing. Patrons can also gain insights to Singapore’s cultural tapestry of recreational practices, with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the nation’s diverse leisure landscape. 

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Singapore-themed murals

(a) Mural (located at library entrance) – In Our Time by Lee Xin Li

An adaption of Singaporean illustrator, Lee Xin Li’s artwork In Our Time can be seen at the main entrance of the Central Public Library. The artwork features iconic landmarks of Singapore, and aims to invite patrons to explore our content and resources.

(b) Lee Kow Fong (aka Ah Guo)’s artworks featuring the National Library – Court of No Worries and Flight of Fantasy

Above the shelves opposite the Memories Corner, where NLB retained 5,000 red bricks from the old National Library, there is an adaption of two works by a Singaporean illustrator, Lee Kow Fong (aka Ah Guo), associated with the old National Library: Court of No Worries and Flight of Fantasy.

(c) Artwork by NAFA students

 
Isodolaepkce by Amirah Zahirah, Erin Nashira, Civya Dhashini, Kamelia Tufah, Kimberley Lin, Gabriel Tay, Nur Izza

 
Hexagonoscopic Adventures: Bits and Pieces of Our Identities by Citra Aryani Rudianto, Muhammad Hardry Nur’Hakim Bin Abdullah, Noor Syafiqah Faizal


 
Toys ‘R’ Scapes by Cherish Tong, Lim Xin Yi, Wong Chee Mei

 
The Realm into Our Roots by Diamond Nabilah Misson, Qaisara Binte Sulaiman

Four groups of students from the School of Fine Art in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) were commissioned to create artworks for murals in different sections of the library. Students were given the library’s theme, Singapore: Kaleidoscope, and the NAFA faculty conducted the selections of the four groups of students who would take on the artworks.

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 Memories Corner

The Memories Corner will play host to a multimedia showcase by award-winning artist Brian Gothong Tan, titled The Library of Memory. The showcase will be screened on the 5,000 red bricks retained from the old National Library at Stamford Road, and will take patrons on a flythrough of the old library, and of tales of the library, from the perspectives of library staff and patrons. 

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 The Courtyard

The Courtyard, adjacent to the Children’s Biodiversity Library, will be accessible from the children’s section. It will house mangrove saplings for a period of time before being transplanted to Singapore’s mangrove areas as part of efforts to conserve mangroves, which play the important roles of supporting a wide diversity of marine life and helping with coastal protection. 

Children will also be able to participate in a programme that enables them to plant the propagules (the parts of a plant that grow into a new one). 

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Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium

The new Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium is an exciting new marine-themed children’s space. Features include the Coral Column, showcase of marine specimens, digital content from the aquarium, outdoor mangrove showcase, submarine room–programming space and children gamification kiosks among others.

(a) Open Ocean Zone

(i) Coral Zone

At the heart of this public learning space is a floor-to-ceiling column with coral-like features. There are also infographics to help parents and children learn about coral reefs and their importance to marine biodiversity. 

(ii) Sea Jelly Zone

Visitors can immerse themselves in the habitats of sea jellies, which have many important roles within the marine ecosystem, through a projection of marine life at the S.E.A. Aquarium. In addition, they can get close to a collection of marine specimens that includes shark egg cases and coral skeletons. 

(b) Intertidal Zone

In this zone, designed to help foster a deeper appreciation of intertidal biodiversity, young learners and their parents can learn about the multitude of organisms living on marine shorelines through interpretive displays.

(c) The Submarine 

Designed to resemble a submarine, this space is dedicated for educational programmes for young learners. The programmes will be led by trained volunteers – including Resorts World Sentosa’s staff and members of the public – on marine biology and conservation.

(d) Gamification Kiosks

The Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium will feature an interactive digital installation where users can colour an avatar from NLB’s well-loved Book Bugs series and see them appear on the projection screen.

In the subsequent updates, the kiosks will also implement gamification features for users to check-in when they enter the library and earn points for actions, such as taking part in the library programmes. These points can then be used to redeem avatar as rewards. During the programme, users can also engage in a physical colouring activity and watch their own creation appear on the screen.

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 Programming Spaces

 (a) Immersive Room

The immersive room in CTPL will take on a different format to the other existing immersive spaces, adopting a curved wall projection instead of a three-walled projection like the other libraries. This immersive space will be used to display immersive content for the Singapore Alcove, and switched to other content for specific programmes. This immersive space will also include kinetic sensors for interactivity.

 (b) Programme Rooms

More and bigger programming spaces are made available to accommodate larger seating capacities, and will be used for workshops and talks.

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Launch @ National Library, Level 7, Lee Kong Chian Reference Library 

Launch is NLB’s business training and advisory service for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners and working adults. Having piloted the service at Punggol Regional Library in Apr 2023,  NLB now brings Launch to a more central location to serve users in the civic and business district.

Programme

Upcoming Date(s)

Tinkerworks - Create Your Very Own Cardboard Whale 

Come create a cardboard whale with us at this DIY tinkering programme!  The programme also will feature some sustainability book recommendations and fun facts!

13 January 2024

Jiggle, Read & Rhyme: The Eco Edition 

Grow your child’s love for the environment through this sustainability-themed songs and rhymes session! This session is suitable for parents and toddlers aged 1-3 years old.

13 January 2024 

Meet the Ukelele Ensemble Club

The Ukulele Ensemble Club is formed by a group of ukulele players who come together to perform music. Often in harmony or with different parts, an ensemble club involves multiple people playing together to create a rich, combined sound. At this 1-hour demonstration, find out more about this club’s upcoming monthly sessions, and watch them demonstrate how different ukulele players can come together to create a harmonious and beautiful performance as a single ensemble.

14 January 2024 

SCS (Singapore Computer Society) Digital Experience @ The Library

Large Language Models like ChatGPT and Llama 2 have catalysed a surge in Generative AI applications across diverse industries, particularly in healthcare. In this session, Synapxe, Singapore’s national HealthTech agency, will discuss the innovative use of AI in healthcare, including the application of AI to imaging and video analytics. The team will also share about In-Sync, a one-stop information bot developed in-house using OpenAI and Retrieval-Augmented Generation, and how it delivers value to users.

14 January 2024 

Intertidal ArtVenture workshop

In this Intertidal ArtVenture workshop, children will dive into the fascinating world of the intertidal zone, discovering the animal’s unique characteristics. They’ll be guided with step-by-step instructions as they sketch and capture these features in their own artwork. This programme is suitable for children aged 4 to 13. Those under 7 are to be accompanied by an adult. This programme is brought to you by the Children's Biodiversity Library S.E.A. Aquarium.

14 January 2024 

A Day in the Life: Aquarium Edition

What do aquarists do? How does a diver maintain aquatic life in an aquarium? In A Day in the Life: Aquarium Edition, hear what goes on behind the scenes at the S.E.A. Aquarium from the people that work there. Participants will get to meet and ask individuals about their jobs to gain awareness and interest in marine conservation. This programme caters to children aged 7 to 12. This programme is brought to you by the Children's Biodiversity Library S.E.A. Aquarium.

14 January 2024 

A Bridge to the Classics (ABC)

Ever wanted to read a classic but felt too intimidated to take the plunge? A Bridge to the Classics (ABC) is a lecture series that aims to introduce and demystify beloved works of literature. This series will equip attendees with the title’s literary and historical contexts and connect these classics to our lives today.

17 January 2024

31 January 2024 

MakeIT x TOYL (Time of Your Life): 3D Pen Making Workshop

Have fun with 3D pens! This workshop aims to introduce digital fabrication technologies to seniors, and empower them to unleash their creativity and destress with 3D pens.  

18 January 2024 

Sing Lit Book Club

From NLB’s Singapore collection comes a book club with a unique local flavour. We discuss books by both well-known and emerging Singaporean authors touching on topics close to home. Get acquainted with local literature and discover national literary treasures right here at the libraries.

This book club is for adults, conducted monthly in English at Central Public Library.

18 January 2024 

WWF Explains @ NLB 

WWF Explains @ NLB is a series by World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Singapore and supported by NLB that aims to address the unexpected links between daily concerns in Singapore, and the environment around us. Connecting passionate locals and conservation experts, the conversations will shape a Singapore-centric response to the urgent global environmental crises we face.

19 January 2024 

The Rain Forest | Budding Scientists

Our Budding Scientists series is designed to promote science literacy and a love for science through workshops, talks, and experiential learning activities for children to learn about animals, plants, the human body, and more. 

20 January 2024 

Lady! Documentary Screening and Behind-The-Scenes Sharing

Join us for a screening of Lady!, a documentary that follows caregiver Siti as she finds herself on an unmapped course in caring for her husband Gary, while trying to hold her family and her life together. Siti was still a young mother, in her mid-30s, when an unexpected disease fell upon Gary and upended their lives forever. Lady! chronicles Siti’s intimate and bittersweet journey as she takes on the hardest role in her life to care for Gary, who was diagnosed with young onset dementia when he was 50. As Gary's condition deteriorates, a grieving Siti is confronted with new questions: What is next? Where does life go from here? Stay on for a dialogue with the filmmakers after the screening.

20 January 2024 

Get Started In: Video Production 

Get Started In: Video Production is an artist-led workshop series that aims to equip you with the basic skills to start producing your own videos. All workshops are beginner-friendly, so come and Get Started In: Video Production.

21 January 2024 

28 January 2024 

Lit for the Planet

Lit for the Planet is a programme series that explores the intersection of literary arts and sustainability. Each “season’” will focus on a genre or medium and draw out the connections between our relationship to nature and literary expression through different programme formats. In our first season, we turn a critical eye on film.

21 January 2024 

Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs | Breakthrough Talk 

Breakthrough is a series on entrepreneurship and innovation featuring established founders who share their experience and business journeys to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to step-up and start up. The series also features business experts who deep dive into topics from design thinking to social media marketing to equip participants with the basic skills to kick-start their start-up.

25 January 2024 

Self-discovery: Emotional Awareness | Mind Your Head x TOYL 

Are you the type to keep things to yourself? Ever wondered what kind of impact this might have on yourself and those around you? Being aware of your emotions and expressing them is key to improved mental wellness and better relationships. Hear from our speakers as they share strategies to help you be more in touch with your emotions and teach you how to articulate them clearly. Register today and connect with your emotions! This talk is jointly brought to you by the National Library Board and Allkin Singapore.

25 January 2024 

Agility in Business: Digitalisation | Future of Work

In the aftermath of COVID-19, many businesses have accelerated their digitalisation efforts to facilitate remote work and prepare for possible disruptions in the future. But what does digitalisation entail and how does it help businesses exactly?

26 January 2024 

RPG Miniature Photography Workshop with Criticals & Fumbles 

Miniatures (minis) are iconic to role-playing game (RPG) culture, representing characters and the rich stories behind them. Many love to share photos of their painted minis online, but how do you take good photographs to capture their artistry and detailed narratives? 

In this hands-on workshop, Criticals and Fumbles’ Fazrin will teach you how to present your painted minis better so you can proudly share photos of them on social media and with your friends! Participants will learn how to properly frame and shoot their minis by using just their mobile phones, while using available lights like table lamps or even the sun! Learn how to do basic photo editing to make the photos look even better before you post them online.

27 January 2024 

Marine Mimicry Mystery

Discover the marvellous creatures that live beneath the waves and learn about their unique adaptations in Marine Mimicry Mystery. Children will get the chance to design their own marine animal hybrid and explore the wonderful aquatic animal kingdom! 
This programme is suitable for children aged 4 to 6, to be accompanied an adult. This programme is brought to you by the Children's Biodiversity Library S.E.A. Aquarium.

28 January 2024 

Programme

Upcoming Date(s)

Business Info-Literacy – Industry Trends and Business Opportunities

Gather valuable information about industry trends and business opportunities by using NLB’s subscribed databases, while learning effective search tips to guide your business information research.

Through databases such as EIU Viewpoint, MarketLine Advantage, EBSCOHost, ProQuest and Euromonitor Passport, as well as other online information sources, budding entrepreneurs and business development executives can explore current industry trends and uncover growth opportunities for their startups and businesses.           

12 January 2024

Business Info-Literacy – Market Intelligence and Product Research

Through the use of NLB’s subscribed databases, participants will learn how to gather insights about the market and their competitors, as well as product research to keep up-to-date on relevant industry sectors for you. Participants will also learn effective search tips to guide their business information research online.

Through databases such as Factiva, MarketLine, PressReader, REALIS and other online information sources, budding entrepreneurs and business development executives can find out what is new about their industries, their potential competitors, and potential areas for growth and innovation.

17 January 2024 

PitchX

In collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic’s School of Business, NLB will be hosting its inaugural pitching event, PitchX. The event will feature aspiring student entrepreneurs who will be pitching their business ideas as part of their project presentations to a panel of judges. This session is open to the public and will serve as a platform for students to hone their pitching skills to a panel of judges and their possible customer base.

29 January 2024 

Starting your Entrepreneurial Journey Right—What to Know about Intellectual Property (IP)

In today’s dynamic business environment, protecting their IP at an early stage is particularly vital for microbusinesses and freelancers to thrive within their respective industries, and it provides a competitive edge for achieving growth and profitability. In this talk designed for microbusinesses and freelancers, participants will gain valuable insights on leveraging IP assets and strategies on protecting their IP.

31 January 2024