These stories live under your block – and no, it's not your neighbourhood "tea". We are talking ground-up community libraries!
Who’d ever have thought that old shelves with old books would breath new life into once-drab void decks across Singapore? Not us, and maybe not even some of the founders of these community libraries. For some, it was just a way to share their favourite reads, and extensive book collection, while clearing out the shelves at home. But for others, it was a way to connect with their neighbours.
Whatever the reason, we just love the idea of giving old books a fresh start and even more so when they deepen the closeness of the community and spread the joy of reading. Why not gather your little bookworms and go on a family hunt for little libraries in Singapore? You’ll never know what treasures await you!
Things to note before you go
Some community libraries let you bring home the books for free, while some may ask that you drop one to take one. This helps to keep the little libraries going. Most are happy for you to drop off your books, just make sure that the pages are not falling apart! And remember, these are community spaces and NOT dumping grounds.
Most of the community libraries are unmanned and can be accessed 24/7 (unless otherwise stated), but that doesn’t mean they are unloved. Residents work hard to maintain them for the benefit of everyone. So, when you visit, please remember to treat the books, shelves, and space with care and respect (some libraries have closed due to undesirable behaviours which made it too challenging to maintain).
Community libraries in the West
1. HV Little Library
It all started with one shelf of old books. Three years later, HV Little Library houses over 5,000 books, some board games, and instruments, with a full-time security cat named Dewy, on patrol. Residents go there to read, hang out, and celebrate, so don’t be surprise when you hear them singing their hearts away!
Community spirit flourishes here, especially with the occasional ‘kampong gathering’, where fans of the library get together to enjoy a meal and discuss their favourite stories.
Where: HV Little Library, 2 Holland Ave Singapore 271002
What: Extensive selection including books for children, young readers, fiction, non-fiction, recipe, and travel books.
2. The Little Library
A box, a plant, and some pre-loved books was all there was to The Little Library when it first started. Now, it’s a cosy space with little learning corners and the host to community events such toy swaps, senior befriending activities, and more.
Where: The Little Library, 27 Ghim Moh Link, level 39 Singapore 270027
What: Children books
3. Clementi Ridges Mini Library
See a story you like at this little library? Make sure you bring along a story of your own to leave in its place, to keep this library going!
Where: Clementi Ridges Mini Libraries, 312A, Clementi Ave 4, Clementi Ridges, level 11 and 17 Singapore 122312
What: Mostly children books
4. The Caterpillar Library
This community library has been around for seven years and they don’t just share books, they share stories. Besides writing their own, they even tell stories of Taman Jurong in free guided tours! They’ve also put together a guide to setting up your very own little library.
Where: The Caterpillar Library, 1 Yung Sheng Road (at Taman Jurong CC, next to the lift), Singapore, Singapore, 618495
What: Children books
5. Wonderful Library @ Casa Clementi
Where: Wonderful Library @ Casa, 416, Clementi Ave 1, level 12, Singapore 12041
What: Books for children and young readers
6. Skyparc@Dawson Little Library
Where: Skyparc@Dawson Little Library, 95A Dawson Rd, Singapore 142095 (next to the RC)
What: Books for children and young readers
7. Toh Guan Little Library
A little space where residents can pick and read, while sitting on the cooling void deck stools.
Where: 270 Toh Guan Rd, Voide Deck, Singapore 600270
What: Wide selection including books for children, young readers, fiction, and non-fiction books.
8. Books At The Deck @ Bukit Batok
Where: Books At The Deck @ Bukit Batok, 187 Bukit Batok West Ave 6, Senior Citizen Corner, Singapore 650187
What: Wide selection including books for children, young readers, fiction, and non-fiction books.
9. Little Free Library
Where: Little Free Library, 439C Bukit Batok West Avenue 8 Singapore 653439
What: Books for children and young readers
Community libraries in the South
10. Casual Poet Library
This may not be a free library but it certainly is a community one made up of many mini libraries. The books comes from bookshelf owners who will rent a cubicle, and decorate it, to set up their mini library. To borrow a book, you’ll need to sign up as a member (from $15/year), with all proceeds going toward maintaining the cosy space, which also hosts community events.
Where: Casual Poet Library, 123 Bukit Merah Lane 1 #01-110, Singapore 779830
When: Tue – Sun 10am – 9pm. Closed on Mon.
What: Extensive selection including books for children, young readers, fiction, non-fiction books, art, photography, and more.
11. Little Library @ Telok Blangah Parcview
A little children’s community library tucked behind the letterbox with well-loved series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Man, Captain Underpants, and more.
Where: Little Library @ Telok Blangah Parcview, 90B Telok Blangah Street 31, behind the letterbox, Singapore 102090
What: Children’s books
12. The Caridosa Library
Run by the Radin Mas Youth Network, The Caridosa library also hosts storytelling sessions and craft activities for kids. Keep up with them on their socials for more details.
Where: The Caridosa Library, 51 Telok Blangah Crescent, level 4 of Radin Mas Community Centre, Singapore 098917
When: Opens daily 10am – 6pm
What: Selection of books for children, young readers, fiction, and non-fiction books.
13. Radin Mas Booktique
For the residents of Radin Mas, the joy of reading doesn’t just stop at the Community Centre. They even have a collective of little libraries around the neighbourhood. Not one, not two, but five little libraries! The most recent one even sports handcrafted bookshelves by the seniors from the Active Ageing Centre. For the community, by the community!
Where: Radin Mas Booktique, 27 Telok Blangah Way, 108, 109, 114, and 116 Bukit Purmei Road
What: Extensive selection including books for children, young readers, fiction, non-fiction books, magazines, and more.
Community libraries in the East
14. Little Free Library
Dr Lim from F K Lim Family Clinic doubles up as the community librarian sorting and taking care of the books in this little library. All it took was one book in a shelf for the reading bug to spread. With eight shelves full of books and magazines, the community library is open to everyone, not just for his patients.
Where: Little Free Library, 267 Tampines Street 21 Singapore 520267
What: Extensive selection including books for children, young readers, fiction, non-fiction books, magazines, and more.
15. Book Kakis
Book Kakis spark the spirit of sharing and reading by giving residents a space to donate their pre-loved reads.
Where: Book Kakis, 666 Jalan Tenaga, beside the community garden, Singapore 410666
What: Selection of books for children, young readers, fiction, magazines, and more.
16. Panda’s Library
Where: Panda’s Library, on the curb of 6 Jalan Tanah Rata Singapore 465564
What: Selection of books for children, young readers, fiction, and more.
Community libraries in the North
17. Superhero Library
When the community library is filled with children’s drawings, decorations from different cultures, and a graffiti wall, you know it’s not just books that fill the space. Children read, play, and craft in this space, almost like it’s their little playground. Books are nicely organised and all the shelves have been upcycled and reworked by its founder, who is also a designer at sg sustainable woodwork.
Where: Superhero Library, void deck of 436 Yishun Ave 11 Singapore 760436
What: Extensive selection including books for children, young readers, fiction, non-fiction books, children magazines, books in various languages, and more.
18. Library Corner
This little library sits just outside the founder’s house on the 13th floor.
Where: Library Corner, 9 Yishun St.51, level 13, Singapore 767970
What: Selection of books for children, young readers, fiction, and more.
19. Community Library Corner at Yishun Ring Road
One of the newest little library to join the ranks.
Where: Community Library Corner, Blk 137 Yishun Ring Road, void deck near RC, Singapore 760137
What: Selection of books for children, young readers, fiction, and more.
20. MotZ BooKuu Exchange Corner
Where: MotZ BooKuu Exchange Corner, 551 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, level 1, Singapore 560551
What: Selection of books for children, young readers, fiction, and more.
21. Books exchange n homework cafe
More than a community library, this little space in the resident network centre also offers free tuition to children every second Saturday of the month, from 1pm to 3pm.
Where: Books exchange n homework cafe, 462 Sembawang Dr, #01-201, Canberra Zone 7 Singapore 750462
What: Assessment books, textbooks, and some storybooks
22. The Little Dragon Library
Run by the RC of Toa Payoh East Zone 6, The Little Dragon Library is great stop over after exploring the iconic dragon playground. There are tables and chairs around the void deck so feel free to pick up a book and read there. Residents help keep the space neat and clean so make sure you do your part when you are there.
Where: The Little Dragon Library, void deck of 35 Toa Payoh Lor 5 Singapore 310035
What: Extensive selection including books for children, young readers, fiction, non-fiction books, children magazines, books in various languages, and more. About 70% are Chinese books.
23. HELIP@D | Hougang Educational Library in Public @ Deck
Where: HELIP@D | Hougang Educational Library in Public @ Deck, 332 Hougang Ave 5 Singapore 530332
What: Selection of books for children, young readers, fiction, and more.
24. Give & Take Singapore Community Library
Kei kei the Corgi does her rounds at the Give & Take Singapore Community Library. It’s fashioned after those “birdhouse” libraries seen in the US. Besides books, you can also leave bags by the side.
Where: Give & Take Singapore Community Library, Park next to 15 Jln Riang Singapore 358987
What: Selection of fiction, non-fiction, travel guides, and more
25. Little library
Minister Ong Ye Kung shared on his Facebook page about this little library at Canberra. He says, “It is a real nice initiative, to encourage reading and to bring the community together.” Residents are encouraged to borrow or take the books, and they can also leave their books here for others to read.
Where: Little library, 128A Canberra, level 1, Singapore 751128
What: Selection of children’s books, fiction, non-fiction, travel guides, and more
26. Reading Inspires Shared Experience (RISE) @ 785D
Where: Reading Inspires Shared Experience (RISE) , 785D Woodlands Rise, behind the letter box, Singapore 734785
What: Selection of children’s books, fiction, non-fiction, and more
27. Book sharing corner at Sembawang West Zone H RN
A little book sharing corner sitting outside the Resident’s Network office where residents can donate or take home a book to read.
Where: Sembawang West Zone H RN, 770 Woodlands Dr 60 Singapore 730770
What: Selection of children’s books, assessment books, fiction, non-fiction books, and more
Have a community library or want to start one of your own? Join the Little Libraries Singapore Facebook group to connect with other little library owners. Or, just keep up with them for new community libraries in Singapore!
Did we miss your favourite little library? DM us on Instagram!
