Looking for a kid-friendly library near you? We've found the best libraries for kids in Singapore for bookworms of all ages! Some of these libraries have awesome kids' corners, storytelling sessions and more.
If you think libraries are just about books, think again. Singapore’s public libraries have books in all sorts of genres, and more. We’re talking about play areas, and free makerspaces for tots and tweens to exercise their creative skills. As Dr Seuss once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” He’s got it right, especially since some of these public libraries has whimsical interiors that could really transport the kiddos to enchanted forests and underwater worlds.
Having visited many public libraries around Singapore as book-loving parents, we’ve compiled a list of them here for you as a guide to the best kid-friendly libraries in the Little Red Dot: complete with storytelling seshs, teen hangout spots, and more. Don’t just stop there, make sure to explore the community libraries too!
Our guide to the best libraries for kids in Singapore
Bukit Batok Library (newly reopened)
Bukit Batok Library was the first in the world to use an RFID system and now they are the first to boast an immersive aural and visual library experience! It’s more than books, the newly-renovated library features cool spaces like Sound Caves, Story Caves, Time Cavern, and Sound Pavilion, alongside moving kinetic art on level two. Find books, e-books, and audiobooks from the Infinite Shelves, and you can even Scan-n-Discover books to borrow! If you feel extra zen when you step in, it might be the effects of the meditative soundtracks of local sound artist, Mervin Wong. We love how the library’s design is inspired by Little Guilin at the town’s park and now that it has expanded spaces on levels one, two, and three, we could spend half a day here.
Where: Bukit Batok Library, 1 Bukit Batok Central Link, West Mall #03-01, Singapore 658713
Opening hours: Daily 11am – 9pm
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Central Library
The Central Library boasts a vibrant marine biodiversity-themed section for kids and more. Children and parents can add a twist to well-loved stories and see them come alive through an immersive visual experience. If you’re a seasoned Central Public Library patron, you’ll notice its beloved treehouse theme has since been replaced with a gorgeous underwater world! The new library comprises an intertidal zone, open ocean zone, and submarine room, which contain a sea of knowledge on all things fin-tastic! At the intertidal zone, kiddos can learn about the resilient creatures that live on sandy shores. The open ocean zone will have you dropping your jaw with floor-to-ceiling coral installation and specimens such as shark egg cases and coral skeletons direct from the Singapore Oceanarium on display! The submarine room is where kiddos can get in on the fun via intertidal animal art, upcycling workshops and storytelling sessions.
Pro-tip: Come during a storytelling session or special events, and you and the kiddos might have the opportunity to meet divers and aquarists.
Where: Central Library, #B1-01, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Punggol Library
Did you know that Punggol Library was the most visited library in 2023, with nearly 1.3 million visitors? No surprises there. The five-storey library has heaps of fun things for the kids to explore. First up, make a beeline for the World and Us zone, which features reading materials from around the world – including books donated by foreign embassies! For activities, check out Spark!Lab for kids aged seven to 12; or TinkerTots for those aged six and below for some DIY tinkering, hands-on activities, and educational toys. There’s even an amazing toy library with a range of toys, educational aids, puppets and costumes for children to explore. And that’s just for starters! Got teens at home? Check out Teenspace, which features artwork installations from science fiction and fantasy young adult literary genres. Children and parents can also enjoy an immersive storytelling experience in the library’s Stories Come Alive Room. Plus, there are calming zones for users with disabilities and children with special needs. We’re not kidding when we say this ranks high in our favourite libraries list.
Where: Punggol Library, #01-12, One Punggol, 1 Punggol Drive, Singapore 828629
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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library@harbourfront
Books with a view of Sentosa? Yes please! With over 200,000 books, magazines, and audio-visual materials in a 3000sqm space, the library@harbourfront is located within the largest shopping, VivoCity in Singapore. The best part? It’s got an awesome children’s zone that uses tech to bring stories to live; as well as the popular Tinker Truck that has STEAM worksheets and AR books for kids aged three to nine. Alternatively, they can immerse themselves in the Stories Come Alive Room.
Where: library@harbourfront, #03-05 (Lobby F), VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9am to 9pm (staff-assisted services start from 11am). Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Jurong Library
Send your teenagers over to Jurong Library, where they’ll find Singapore’s first dedicated teen library service – Verging All Teens – which has been created for teens by teens, featuring a huge collection of comics and graphic novels. It also has a free-for-public makerspace called MakeIT, with facilities like 3D printers, robotic kits, and more for all library members to use. Families with younger kids will love the early literacy library for a ton of great reads for babies, tots, and preschoolers up to six years old. Keep an eye out for the regular programmes happening, like Tinkering Book Club, starter sessions in 3D printing and sewing, Children’s Puppet Castle, and storytelling sessions.
Where: Jurong Library, 21 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609732
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Sembawang Library
The babies and toddlers section at Sembawang Library is chock-a-block with fabulous reads for our tiny bookworms. Head over every first and fourth Saturday of the month for thematic storytelling sessions (check beforehand if they are going ahead). Older kids will love hanging out with a good read in the ship container-shaped spaces, designed with Sembawang’s shipyard days of old in mind.
Where: Sembawang Library, #05-01, Sun Plaza, 30 Sembawang Drive, Singapore 757713
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays
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Tampines Library
Believe it or not, this library has an indoor playground. While payment is required (as it’s operated by an external provider), this makes a trip to the library a full day out with books and play. Tampines Library is enormous, with a well stocked early literacy library for young ones, as well as the free-for-use MakeIT makerspace. Another cool thing? This library has a culinary studio that hosts regular cooking classes!
Where: Tampines Library, #02-01, Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 5285230
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Clementi Public Library
Children visiting Clementi Library will definitely want to hang out with friends at the interactive wall, where kids are encouraged to ‘ask, discover, and share’. Look out for the digital storytelling kiosks, ‘learn through asking’ programs, and storytelling sessions for kids aged four to six every second and fourth Friday of the month.
Where: Clementi Library, #05-13/14/15, The Clementi Mall, 3155 Commonwealth Avenue West, Singapore 129588
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Toa Payoh Library
Ahoy there, small book fans! Set sail on a reading adventure when you board the children’s section over at Singapore’s second oldest library, Toa Payoh Library. Look out for regular storytelling sessions and art and craft programs too. Older kids can escape to the Teen Zone for some peace and quiet away from younger sibs. Also, once you’re done, explore Toa Payoh and pop into the cool mosaic dragon or dinosaur playground!
Where: Toa Payoh Library, 6 Toa Payoh Central, Singapore 319191
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Bukit Panjang Library
The children’s zone in Bukit Panjang is a must-visit. Situated across the adult and teen Zone, you’re welcomed to this all-kid’s-zone by the eye-catching rainbow-coloured book display out front. Think an interactive multimedia storytelling room, a cool conveyor-belt return system with a mountain-decorated staircase for the little ones to drop their books in. Returning books has never been this fun! There are also wall-mounted interactive boards and colour-coded paths to guide kids to age-appropriate books and genres. And the shelves are arranged into cosy little nooks perfect for snuggling up with a good book. Don’t forget to explore the book mountains too!
Where: Bukit Panjang Library, #04-04 & 16/17, Bukit Panjang Plaza, 1 Jelebu Road, Singapore 677743
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Queenstown Library
Say hello to the oldest public library in Singapore. Officially opened in 1970, this library is almost as old as Singapore itself and is categorised as a heritage building. As the saying goes, old is gold; Queenstown Library has lots to offer kids with a lovely children’s section, a community garden when kids can flex their green fingers. As part of the National Parks Board Community in Bloom project, the whole family are welcome to volunteer to help out with gardening activities.
Where: Queenstown Library, 53 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149297
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Serangoon Library
This library is conveniently located on top of NEX shopping mall, offering you a scenic view of the neighbourhood. Serangoon Library has a collection of over 180,000 books and organises storytelling sessions every second and fourth Sunday of the month.
Where: Serangoon Library, #04-82/83, NEX, 23 Serangoon Central, Singapore 556083
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Woodlands Library
Reading is a must for activating any kid’s imagination, and Woodlands goes one step further with an interactive library that includes an enchanted tree! Besides that, we love that it has an autism-friendly space (aptly named Calm Down to the Library) with sensory-friendly reading and learning areas. For Tamil-speaking families, you’ll also be impressed with its Tamil Cholai collection that has everything from classic literature to science and technology.
Where: Woodlands Library, #01-03, Woodlands Civic Centre, 900 South Woodlands Drive, Singapore 730900
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Ang Mo Kio Library
The Ang Mo Kio Library, which houses around 259,000 reading materials, is spread across two levels. It offers books and magazines in all four of Singapore’s official languages. The children’s section is a fun, kid-friendly space with colourful tables and chairs, perfect for young readers to explore.
Where: Ang Mo Kio Library, 4300 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, Singapore 569842
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Bedok Library
Bedok Library at Heartbeat@Bedok offers fantastic amenities, including sports facilities, a community club, a polyclinic, and retail spaces. Designed for young readers, the early literacy collections are on low shelves in five categories to aid child development. The library also highlights a prominent Malay collection for adults, featuring many books.
Where: Bedok Library, 11 Bedok North Street 1, #02-03 & #03-04 Heartbeat@Bedok, Singapore 469662
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Bishan Library
Bishan Library, famous for its treehouse-like architecture with colourful pods, offers a fantastic children’s collection in the basement. It has materials for kids from newborns to 12 years old, including children’s magazines, baby books, picture books for preschoolers, stories, fairy tales, and informational books for older children.
Where: Bishan Library, 5 Bishan Place, #01-01, Singapore 579841
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Cheng San Library (Temporarily closed for renovations)
With its art gallery-like design, this library within Hougang Mall is perfect for families. It features a brightly coloured children’s section and a cosy baby corner for parents and kids to read together. Additionally, there’s a garden-themed children’s section which caters to up to 12 years old and the young people’s collection which offers materials for teens aged 13 to 19.
During this time, head to NLB’s “Browse-n-Borrow” kiosk on Level one of Hougang Mall for a curated selection of English and Mother Tongue language books. Collect reserved books here but note that support returns and payments are not available.
Nearest libraries: Punggol Library, Sengkang Library, Serangoon Library.
Where: Cheng San Library, 90 Hougang Avenue 10, #03-11 Hougang Mall, Singapore 538766
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Choa Chu Kang Library
Choa Chu Kang Library features an indoor garden on the fifth level! You and the kiddos can enjoy abundant greenery and natural sunlight, a hydroponics showcase and a community wall with tips on sustainable living. The kids’ section includes an indoor tree structure and plenty of seating.
Where: Choa Chu Kang Library, 21 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4 #04-01/02 and #05-06, Lot One Shopper’s Mall, Singapore 689812
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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library@chinatown
library@Chinatown blends modern amenities with cultural heritage, featuring collections and events celebrating local history. It offers interactive programs, family-friendly spaces and more. This library stands out for having books in various Chinese dialects.
Where: library@Chinatown, 133 New Bridge Rd, #04-12 Chinatown Point, Singapore 059413
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Geylang East Library
Geylang East Library was the first library in Singapore to have a special collection on cooking and food. Kids will love our nature-themed spaces, including lots of greenery to explore!
Where: Geylang East Library, 50 Geylang East Ave 1, Singapore 389777
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Jurong West Library
Jurong West Library is the first library to connect with a community centre; and it even has a unique manga collection. Plus there’s a cosy reading spot for parents and kids where you can read aloud to kiddos. No shushing here.
Where: Jurong West Library, 560 Jurong West Central 3, #01-03, Singapore 648346
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Marine Parade Library (Temporarily closed for renovations)
The library is closed for renovations on 9 May 2022. To continue your reading journey, head to the Book Dispenser @ Marine Parade, located just outside Fairprice Finest at 6 Marine Parade Central.
Where: Marine Parade Library, 278 Marine Parade Rd, #01-02 Community Building, Singapore 449282
Opening hours: Temporarily closed for renovations.
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Pasir Ris Library
Pasir Ris Library is family-friendly, with books shelved cover-out for easy browsing and a special teens’ mezzanine where teens can relax on casual seating, use multi-functional furniture, and express themselves on a doodle wall.
Where: Pasir Ris Library, 1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3, White Sands #04-01/06. Singapore 518457
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Sengkang Library
The Sengkang Library’s Early Literacy Area is great for family reading, while the tween space offers interactive learning for kids aged 10 to 14.
Pro-tip: Look out for the waves and whales on the early literacy area’s ceiling – they lead you to the library’s storytelling area.
Where: Sengkang Library, 1 Sengkang Square, Compass One Shopping Mall, #03 – 28, Singapore 545078
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Yishun Library
Yishun Library, on the top floor of Northpoint City Shopping Mall, offers a bright, spacious area for kids to enjoy their favourite books and explore new ones.
Where: Yishun Library, 930 Yishun Ave 2 #04-01 North Wing Northpoint City, Singapore 769098
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9am to 9pm (staff-assisted services start from 11am). Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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MOLLY Mobile Library
Molly the Bus, launched by the National Library Board (NLB), is a mobile library that directly connects books and learning resources to communities. This colourful, book-filled bus travels around Singapore, making stops in various neighbourhoods to provide access to reading materials, digital resources, and fun educational activities. Not only does it promote reading and lifelong learning, but it also reaches out to areas with limited library access. Follow the National Library Board, Singapore’s Facebook page, to find out more about Molly the Bus’s locations and more!
Ebook Library
Need a book in a hurry? Or perhaps the book you want isn’t available? Either way, we love the Ebook Library. Simply set up your user account and choose from over two million ebooks ready to download with the press of a button.
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More libraries to check out in Singapore
You might want to check these other cool libraries in Singapore for their design features, unique books, and more.
Comics & Games Library @ Punggol Coast Mall
This pop-up by the National Library Singapore has over 7,000 comics, game-themed reads, graphic novels, and board games! The Comics and Games Pop-Up Library at Punggol Coast Mall will be here to stay for roughly a year. It’s got dedicated sections for adults and children as well as a little corner for you to sit and play some board games (they’ve even got some locally made ones by Origame). Completely unmanned, you just need to scan your library-compliant ID card (like your NRIC) or NLB eCard through a gantry to enter. Just make sure you scan your books before leaving, the exit gantry will prompt you if you forget, so, no worries! If you’re curious, here’s what happened when we went down to check it out for ourselves.
Where: Comics & Games Library, Punggol Coast Mall, Tower 7 at 88 Punggol Way, #01-140, Singapore 829913
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm, daily
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Fantasy & Sci-Fi Library @ Tampines
Fantasy and Sci-fi fans rejoice! There’s a whole Grab-n-Go library dedicated to future and imaginative worlds. Find over 5,000 curated titles in English and Mother Tongue languages. Reading on your device? There are eBooks available for loan too!
Where: Fantasy & Sci-Fi Library, Tampines Changkat Community Club, 13 Tampines St. 11, #01-01, Singapore 529453
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm, daily
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Central Arts Library @ UAS
This library sits inside the National Design Centre and is curated in partnership with the University of the Arts Singapore. Naturally, you’ll find all the design and applied arts-focused books here, specifically around the four clusters of People, Product, Space, and Visual.
Where: Central Arts Library @ UAS, University of the Arts Singapore, 111 Middle Road, Level 2 Gallery, National Design Centre Singapore 188969
Opening hours: 10am to 9pm, daily. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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Comics Library @West Coast Community Centre
This pop-up library lets you browse and borrow comics, graphic novels, and manga via the NLB Mobile app. The curated comics selection come in English and Mother Tongue languages, and there’s even a dedicated children’s collection. You’ll need to register your PAssion Card/ EZ link to enter the space. While you’re there, have a go StoryGen, an AI that lets you create personalised stories.
Where: Comics Library @ West Coast Community Centre, 2 Clementi West Street 2, #01-02B, West Coast Community Centre, Singapore 129605
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm, daily. Closed on public holidays.
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Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Library (currently closed)
The Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Library offers a peaceful escape with nature-themed books and a beautiful garden setting. It hosts educational workshops and provides cosy reading nooks with serene views, perfect for nature and book lovers alike.
Where: Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Library, 1 Cluny Rd, Level 1 Botany Centre, Singapore 259569
Opening hours: Temporarily closed for digitalisation project until 2027.
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National Archives of Singapore
The National Archives of Singapore preserves and showcases Singapore’s historical records and artefacts. It offers engaging exhibitions and events that bring history to life. What’s more, the archives also provide resources for research and learning and are committed to conserving important documents for future generations.
Where: National Archives of Singapore, 1 Canning Rise, Singapore 179868
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 9pm. Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Closed on public holidays.
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library@orchard (Temporarily closed for renovations)
library@Orchard is like stepping into a cool, futuristic oasis in Orchard Road! With its stylish design and vibrant vibe, it’s not just about borrowing books—it’s a hotspot for graphic novels, multimedia goodies, and tech-savvy features.
Where: library@orchard, 277 Orchard Rd, #03-12/#04-11 orchardgateway, Singapore 238858
Opening hours: Temporarily closed for renovations.
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Sit-n-Read Nodes around Singapore
Working in partnership with malls and social enterprise, NLB has created self-service spaces with comfortable seats where you can sit and read. Find more than 3,000 pre-loved books in the seven Sit-n-Read nodes around Singapore. They are regularly updated and best part, you can take them home without borrowing! But if you want to spread the joy of reading, bring them back so others can have a chance at it as well.
Current Sit-n-Read Nodes location:
- AMK Hub,53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, Level 4, Singapore 569933
- Margaret Market, 38 Margaret Dr, Level 2, Singapore 141038
- SAFRA Punggol, 9 Sentul Cres, Level 3 Atrium & Level 4 Members’ Chillax Lounge, Singapore 828654
- SAFRA Yishun, 60 Yishun Ave 4, Level 1, Singapore 769027
- The Caffeine Experience, The URA Centre, 45 Maxwell Rd, #01-01 The URA Centre, Singapore 069118
- The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Rd, #02-49, Singapore 238843
- The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, The Open Stage, #01-27, Singapore 138617
The LLiBrary (permanently closed)
The LLiBrary is a super cool collaboration between the National Library Board and SkillsFuture Singapore. It’s packed with resources designed for working adults. Whether you’re looking to upskill or unwind after work, there’s something here for you.
Where: The LLiBrary, 11 Eunos Road 8m #03–02, via Lobby B Lifelong Learning Institute, Singapore 408601
Opening hours: Permanently closed.
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Plan your visit to the library today before they’re completely booked!
