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Ministry of Communications and Information/ Portfolios/ Libraries/ What We Do

Libraries

Developing next generation libraries

Create inclusive spaces that allow diverse communities to learn together and share their joy for reading and learning.
Introduction

Building next generation libraries

The government has made significant investments to build differentiated library spaces that cater to Singaporeans’ diverse reading and learning habits. These include:

Physical upgrades such as:

Silent corners for readers seeking a quiet retreat

Interactive reading spaces for toddlers, teachers and parents that curate Early Literacy book collections

Collaborative spaces to facilitate social learning and tinkering in Pixel Labs

Digital upgrades such as:

Enhanced mobile app to allow users to check out books on their phones and maintain their personal profiles

Digital storytelling stations, gaming stations and video walls for more multi-sensory experiences

A larger e-book database
Objectives

Revamp library spaces to meet the needs of our growing population

Cater to the unique preferences and habits of different audiences

Upgrade digital resources to deliver more engaging and personalised experiences
Strategies

Optimise the use of library spaces through re-designing and re-locating libraries to shopping malls to reach more residents.

Create social spaces for interactive reading and quieter areas for solitary reading.

Provide digital resources that are interactive and personalised to encourage multi-sensory learning.
Developing a wealth of resources on Singapore-related content

Give Singaporeans access to a wealth of national history resources to inspire them to participate in building Singapore.
Introduction

The National Library (NL) and the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) play an important role in safe-keeping records on Singapore history. NL is a premier resource centre on works about Singapore and the region. It has about 1 million books, manuscripts, newspaper issues, letters and so on, published in and about Singapore.

Complementing NL, NAS safeguards government records including government files, photos, plans and maps, speeches and oral history records that document our nation-building journey. Together, NL and NAS hold a collection of over 10 million items. To facilitate greater access to its rich holdings, NLB launched the OneSearch portal which allows users to search across library, archives and museum databases simultaneously.
Objectives

Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of national history resources

Meet the rising demand for Singapore content
Strategies

Build partnerships with relevant institutions and individuals to acquire holdings or collections of national interest

Accelerate the digitisation of physical materials to make content more discoverable and accessible online
Promoting literacy skills and love for lifelong learning

Equip Singaporeans to develop literacy skills and love for learning to navigate today’s increasingly complex information landscape at various stages of life.
Introduction

Programmes to inspire learning communities

NLB also hosts programmes that fuel Singaporeans’ love for learning. These include:

Early Literacy programmes for parents and caregivers to read to preschoolers

Reading clubs for youths, adults and seniors

Annual READ!Festival featuring many weeks of reading, talks and workshops

Exhibitions that promote our history and culture as well as inspiring speakers and their literary works
Objectives

Encourage the early development of literacy skills in pre-schoolers before they enter primary school.

Inspire a love for reading and lifelong learning among Singaporeans.

Nurture a citizenry that consumes information responsibly and discerningly.
Strategies

Equip parents and educators to engage pre-schoolers to develop a love for reading.

Provide resources and activities that engage various audiences in reading and learning—from the young to the elderly.

Provide complimentary resources, guides and training on information literacy.