Our History 

Formerly the Central Lending Library at Stamford Road, in 2005 the library was relocated to Victoria Street and opened as the Central Public Library. It closed again on 13 June 2022 for its first full overhaul and was reopened on 12 Jan 2024 by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information. Reflecting its location in the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) arts and heritage district, the revamped library has a strong local emphasis on Singapore culture and literature as well as a focus on sustainability which is anchored by the Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium.

Interesting Facts 

• To preserve some memories of the former National Library at Stamford Road, the Memories Corner has a wall constructed from 5,000 red bricks brought over from the old building.
• Many famous personalities including the former US First Lady Laura Bush, the current US First Lady Jill Biden, Emperor Emeritus of Japan Akihito and his wife Michiko, the current King of Bhutan, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II have visited us.
  

What We Offer 

• Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium, which focuses on marine biodiversity in its design and programmes.
• Singapore Alcove celebrates all things Singapore and integrates the Singapore Collection with exhibits featuring resources from the National Library and the National Archives. Explore NL Online for a collection of Singapore's documentary and published heritage, encompassing heritage books, manuscripts, music, photographs, and open datasets. Visit Archives Online for seamless access to archival holdings from the National Archives of Singapore.
• Immersive Room, a space showcasing a curved wall projection with kinetic sensors that displays interactive and immersive content such as stories and games.
• Memories Corner, an outdoor space housing a wall constructed from 5,000 red bricks retained from the old National Library at Stamford Road.
  
• Green indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Social story.
• Library Details.