Here’s to sticking our nose in a book or two
Once upon a time there was a mother. She wasn’t wicked, or a beautiful princess, but she was very, very bored. Bored to tears by reading the same books to her kids night after night.
Then one day, she joined the library and she lived happily ever after.
Ok not quite, but hear this: libraries have changed, big time. No longer the silent, nerd zones or alibis of your youth, Singapore libraries are switched on and are, dare we say it? Cool!
For starters, there are chill out zones for lounging with a stack of reads, Wi-Fi, and even in-house cafes. Libraries in Singapore are incredibly well stocked with the latest titles for big and little bookworms. They are all in great condition (read – we don’t feel like someone’s already read the book in the bath).
Kids love a good library. They love choosing their own books to bring home, and for us, it feels like shopping for free! From board books for bubbas, to preschool picture books and tween titles, Singapore libraries have everyone (and not just English speakers) covered.
In May 2013, ‘My Tree House’, the world’s first green library for kids opened at Singapore’s Central Public Library (100 Victoria St). Built using eco-friendly building materials, this venture is designed to spark little imaginations while educating mini eco-warriors. Kids will love the interactive knowledge tree, game kiosks, and live ‘Weather Stump’ – a “tree stump” with rings that measure the weather. Be on the lookout for fun story times, workshops, live performances, and holiday camps.
Of course there’s plenty for the kids, but even YOU will love a saunter round the shelves. Not only do they carry all the new fiction titles, Singapore libraries stay stocked with the latest glossy mags, celeb cookbook offerings, new parenting bibles, and business titles. They also carry loads of travel guides that you can actually hold, for the old skool among us. Pick up a few DVDs or some new tunes.
Library members have access to a stack of functions online from home, too. Renew, search and reserve titles online? No problems.
Missing your daily Guardian or Wall Street Journal fix? Library membership gives you access to hundreds of full text newspapers from around the world. Feel like reading the news in Icelandic? Sorted, there are three separate options for you! You can also access oodles of e-books and audio books via the library’s portal.
I’m sold! How do I join?
Just take your ID to your closest library. For Singaporeans and PRs, library membership is free (with a small charge for registration). For foreigners, you’ll need to bring along your passport to join and there’s an annual fee of S$42.80. You can take out eight items at a time.
Also, once you’ve joined a library here you have access to all Singapore libraries. Score!
So what’s on??
Check out the programme schedule on the Singapore National Library site to see plenty of cool stuff coming up for the little library lovers in your life.
Also check out the Press Play Facebook page for a heap more library-based events for kids, from crocheting to ventriloquism workshops!
For more information about Singapore’s National Library Network and for a branch near you, go to Public Libraries Singapore at www.pl.sg.