Temporary closure to recreate its space for learning and discovery for all ages
The library@orchard will be closed for a revamp from 28 October 2024 as part of the National Library Board’s (NLB) ongoing efforts to rejuvenate its libraries and offer fresh services, spaces and experiences for patrons.
The library, which has been at its current premises for the past ten years, will be reimagined and recreated to enable new ways for everyone to read, learn and discover. This includes new tech-enabled interactive and immersive spaces to aid learning and discovery, as well as a new children’s section. In the spirit of experimentation and innovation under NLB’s LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025), the library will be revamped with new elements introduced progressively, with its full opening expected in the second half of 2026. More information about the revamped library will be shared in due course.
The design and applied arts-focused collection from the library@orchard will be relocated to the Central Arts Library, which is scheduled to open by the end of this year. The Central Arts Library will primarily occupy Level 5 of the National Library Building. Part of this collection will be housed at the National Design Centre from early 2025 in partnership with the University of the Arts Singapore. This move is part of NLB’s efforts to centralise its arts resources, better serving patrons, including students, researchers and practitioners from institutions and communities in the arts and heritage district.
Before its closure for revamp, library@orchard will run a three-week long programme looking back at its journey in promoting art and design. The event, “Design Is For Everyone: A decade of design, arts and community”, will run from 8 to 27 October 2024. It will include an exhibition and community wall, where patrons can share their memories of the place. Activity booths, where patrons can create their own memorabilia, will run from 26 to 27 October. NLB welcomes members of the public to join in and celebrate this key milestone with library@orchard. More details about this programme can be found at LearnX Arts Facebook group and library@orchard’s Eventbrite Collection.
NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Cher Pong, said: "The library has been a pitstop for many patrons, given its central location, unique range of resources and creative programmes, and of course its Instagram-friendly spaces. It is timely after ten years, to reimagine what more we can do with the space, including how the library can be made more interactive and immersive to enhance our patrons' experience in reading, learning and discovery. The revamp will bring an exciting next chapter for the library here in the heart of Orchard Road for everyone.”
In line with LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025), NLB will continue to work with partners and the community to reimagine its libraries and archives. Some other upcoming revamps planned for the coming years include libraries in Ang Mo Kio, Queenstown and Toa Payoh. For instance, NLB is working with partners and the community to build a bigger library in Toa Payoh that complements the upcoming integrated hub, which will include sports, healthcare, and park facilities. More details on the relocation will be announced closer to date.
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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 Digital Development and Information (MDDI).
For more information, please visit the NLB website, and NLB’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube channels.
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Weber Shandwick
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Quah Jia Ling
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