National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library    


Singapore's national library with the largest public reference collection covering social sciences, a comprehensive collection of local works and historic collections from the Raffles Library and Museum.

Opening Hours

Mon - Sun: 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Closed at 5.00pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Closed on Public Holidays.

Reservation Lockers : Mon - Sun: 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year Closed on Public holidays

Crowd Level

Not Crowded

Who We Are

Every country has a national library which plays an important role in collecting and preserving books and all other materials about the country, and making sure that Singaporeans can access it so as to preserve culture, literature and memories. The National Library Singapore does this via the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library. We are also always expanding our vast array of reference collections and services, so that the patrons, researchers and businesses are empowered to find the information they need.

    Occupying seven floors at the National Library building (levels 7 to 13), the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library is the best place to find works about Singapore and the Southeast Asian region. Its physical collection of about 800,000 items includes rare materials which date back to the 15th century, the personal collections of donors who are renowned scholars, and even Asian children’s literature. It is named after prominent Singapore philanthropist Dr Lee Kong Chian, in honour of the $60 million donation from his foundation, the Lee Foundation.

     

     

     

     

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    Lee Kong Chian Reference Library
    Part of Us

    Lee Kong Chian Reference Library

    Premier resource provider for works about Singapore and the region for local and overseas researchers and academics.




    What We Do

    Our Statutory Functions

    Learn about the special responsibilities of national libraries within a country’s library and information system.

    Our Statutory Functions



    The History of National Library Singapore
    Understand Our Heritage

    The History of National Library Singapore

    A knowledge and memory institution that serves all.




    Collections




    Collecting Goals
    Why do we love to collect?

    Collecting Goals

    Aspiring to be a repository of Singapore’s documentary and published heritage.




    Preserving Our Collections

    Securing the future of Singapore's documentary and published heritage for posterity.

    Preserving Our Collections



    Donate Collections to Us
    Do you have materials to donate?

    Donate Collections to Us

    We welcome donations of published and unpublished works, in print and digital formats, from individuals, collectors and organisations.




    Always had an interest in research?

    Research Fellowships

    Always had an interest in research? Apply for our Research Fellowships or Creative Residency.




    Reference & Research Services
    How can we help in your research?

    Reference & Research Services

    Check out our suite of services to assist your research.




    Reference & Research Services


    Reference Point

    Keen to use the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library's resources? Please email ref@nlb.gov.sg and our librarians will assist to identify relevant sources for your research needs.



    Microfilm Services

    Access our archived collection of past newspapers processed in a microfilm format.



    Photocopying and Scanning

    These services are available at levels 7, 8, 9 and 11 of the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library.



    Closed Collection Materials

    Submit your request to view materials from the National Reference Closed Stacks. You may wish to check for other available copies in the NLB Catalogue first.



    PublicationSG

    Submit your request to view materials collected through the National Library's Legal Deposit. This is a chargeable service. You may wish to check for other copies in the NLB Catalogue first.



    Repository Used Materials

    Submit your request to view older editions and less frequently used titles from our collections. This is a chargeable service. You may wish to check for other copies in the NLB Catalogue first.



    Digital Reproduction Services

    Submit your order for high-resolution digital copies of images from the National Library's digital collection.



    Document Delivery Service

    Request for document reproductions from NLB's physical collections like books, journals, newspapers and microfilms.



    Inter-library Loan

    Find out more about loan requests for books and materials from overseas libraries unavailable in our collection.



    Reference@NLB

    Discover curated resources on Singapore, the arts, business and more, including how-to guides to navigate our catalogue.



    For Publishers

    Learn about the National Library's Legal Deposit function and how you can deposit your materials with us.



    See Also
    Archival Research Services

    For researchers interested in using archival resources.                                                                                                         

    More Resources at Archives Online

    Visit Archives Online for seamless access to archival holdings from the National Archives of Singapore (NAS).

    What would you like to do today?



    How to get there

    Nearest MRT: Bugis, City Hall, Bras Basah MRT Station
    Buses: 145, 197, 32, 51, 63, 7, 80, 2, 7, 12, 33, 130, 133, 960, 56, C3, SMRT 980, SMRT 520, SMRT 851, NR7 & NR8

    Facilities


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    National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library
    7th floor
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    National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library
    8th floor
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    National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library
    9th floor
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    National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library
    11th floor