Minister Yaacob Ibrahim
Board Members
Distinguished guests, friends and patrons of the library,
Good morning and a very warm welcome to the official re-opening of Yishun Public Library. I am sure many of you have been looking forward to this day.
2. Before I mention what this new library offers, I am happy to see many of our regular patrons here today, and would like to thank them for frequenting the library. Among them is Fei Mee, who has been visiting the library since nearly a decade ago! Rahmat is another loyal fan of the library, who has been visiting us for more than 15 years! They never fail to say hello to our staff and put a smile on their faces. Chitra is another dedicated regular, who has been visiting the library for the past decade. She used to conduct storytelling sessions at the old Yishun Public Library, and I hope she will continue to do so at the new library. I look forward to seeing more regulars at the new library.
3. We know that many library patrons living in Yishun are young working adults. With this revamp, the new library is keeping up to date with your connected lifestyles. From the moment you arrive, you will notice the library’s digital focus. Browse the interactive screens or take a rest on the curved bench in the lobby, inspired by the digital ‘share’ icon.
4.We are also happy to introduce our first Digital Learning Zone. This is a dedicated space showcasing our digital collection. You can find eBooks and eMagazines and borrow them simply by scanning a QR code! You can also explore our virtual exhibitions, and access eLearning videos at the learning pods.
5.Besides digital offerings, there are physical improvements too. If you follow the lighted pathway, you will be able to explore other spaces specially designed for you. You may also notice that the shelves at the Adults’ and Teens’ collections have a special tiered design, which enables you to browse books easily.
6.Our Children’s Zone offers integrated seating for children to read together with their parents. Young readers can pick their own books from the front-facing displays, or enjoy interactive eBooks. At the Story Circle, families can enjoy cosy interactive storytelling sessions conducted by our staff and volunteers.
7.At our Lifestyle Reading Section, you can relax on the comfy lounge seats and enjoy magazines, and digital and physical newspapers. For really serious readers, I recommend that you try out the Quiet Reading Lounge with 26 private individual nooks, where you can settle down comfortably with a good book.
8. The library has a larger Programme Zone for talks and workshops. It was designed based on feedback we had gathered. We will be working with community partners, such as SkillsFuture Singapore, to host many exciting programmes at this space. Young working adults can look forward to a new programme, ‘Career Ready in 10’, where you can pick up useful tips and skills to prepare you for the workforce. Our friendly volunteers will be helping to conduct these programmes too. One of them is Rui Fang, who has been volunteering with us since she was 15 years old.
9. I hope you will enjoy making your own journeys of discovery and reading as you explore this new library. Thank you.