Minister Yaacob Ibrahim
Board Members
Friends and patrons of the library,
Good morning and welcome to the re-opening of Tampines Regional Library. It’s great to see so many of you here today. I’m sure you’re all looking forward to exploring the revamped library, which is bigger and better than before.
2 The new library spans five storeys and now has double the floor space! We’ve also taken your valuable feedback on board and added more seats, so you can always be sure of getting a place here when you visit.
3 We also have expanded our collection, catering for different age groups. Specifically, we have increased and broaden the range of our mother tongue language collection so that it can better serve residents in the region.
4 And there’s certainly plenty to explore. Indeed, no matter who you are, there’s a special space for you here. For young readers and their parents, there’s the Early Literacy Library, with cosy spaces for reading together. The child-friendly shelves are just the right height with the book covers facing outwards, so your kids can easily choose what to read. To make stories come alive, there are even interactive e-books with animated illustrations. We would also like to thank the Chou Sing Chu Foundation for their very generous donation of 32,000 children’s Chinese books.
5 For teenage readers, we have the trendy new area called #spaceout -- with a hashtag, of course. Teens can make use of our comfortable study lounge, or hang out and have discussions with their friends, both face-to-face and online. Two huge digital screens will show topics to kick-start social media discussions on the latest issues and trends.
6 The new Tampines Regional Library truly has spaces for everyone. Our spacious terrace provides a casual seating area, but can also be used for all sorts of events and programming.
7 For patrons who prefer less excitement, there is our quiet reading lounge on Level 6. This is where you can really be at home -- not least because Level 6 is fully run by volunteers. So you might soon recognise your neighbours and friends helping out there, whether it’s shelving books, answering your queries, or helping you find your way around. Who knows -- perhaps you could join them as well!
8 You don’t have to worry about getting lost, either. Our new digital directory placed at every level gives an overview of the library and provides walking directions. You can even download the route to your phone, so you don’t have to memorise it.
8 Building partnerships within and beyond the community is what we’re all about. For TRL, we have brought partnership to a new level by integrating spaces and programmes with some key partners. On this floor, you’ll find Our Tampines Gallery. Brought to you by the National Heritage Board, the gallery showcases the history and heritage of Tampines. So whether you’re a resident or a visitor, do take some time to discover more about this neighbourhood.
9 Indeed, we want to make the library a welcoming and convenient part of your lives. That’s why we’ve partnered with the People’s Association to have a Culinary Studio right here inside the library. So you can look at cookbooks, watch cooking videos, and take up actual cooking classes, all in one place!
10 Then there’s the exciting Makers’ Space where teens and other patrons can explore cutting-edge technology. This features the second PIXEL Labs@NLB, which is a collaboration with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). There are 3D printers and Arduino kits, which can be used to create interactive gadgets. You can also explore your creative side with the green screen technology we have installed in the lab.
11 With today’s re-opening, I welcome all of you to rediscover Tampines Regional Library.
Thank you.