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
Closed
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Highlights
Discover More at National Library
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.
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.
Understand Our Heritage
The History of National Library Singapore
A knowledge and memory institution that serves all.
Collections
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.
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.
How can we help in your research?
Reference & Research Services
Check out our suite of services to assist your research.
Reference & Research Services
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.
Access our archived collection of past newspapers processed in a microfilm format.
These services are available at levels 7, 8, 9 and 11 of the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library.
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.
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.
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.
Submit your order for high-resolution digital copies of images from the National Library's digital collection.
Request for document reproductions from NLB's physical collections like books, journals, newspapers and microfilms.
Find out more about loan requests for books and materials from overseas libraries unavailable in our collection.
Discover curated resources on Singapore, the arts, business and more, including how-to guides to navigate our catalogue.
