• Private papers and personal correspondence of Singapore pioneers who contributed to the development of Singapore society, culture and history.
• Published and unpublished materials on the development of the arts, literature, education, business and society in Singapore.
• Materials relating to Southeast Asian society, culture and history, in particular, content with links to Singapore's history.

All donations will be assessed according to our collection policy and requirements.

While we appreciate the generosity of potential donors, we are unfortunately not able to accept everything.

Generally, we do not accept:

• materials already in our collections;
• newspaper and publication clippings or photocopies;
• off-air recordings;
• artworks and objects;
• materials in poor condition.

Donations accepted will be integrated into NLB’s collections and subject to the same conditions of use as determined by NLB, including their preservation, retention, location and access.

• Books;
• Manuscripts – handwritten and typescripts;
• Photographs;
• Maps;  
• Audio-visual materials;
• Ephemera such as programme booklets, pamphlets and newsletters.