A Bookworm’s Guide to Central Public Library in Singapore
I pop into the Central Public Library so often that it feels like my second home, especially now after its beautiful glow-up. It’s no longer just books and quiet corners, but a whole vibe.
There’s greenery, comfy study spots, and even a rainforest-themed kids’ zone that actually makes learning fun. Let me take you on a virtual tour today so you know what else is in store here!
History and Significance
The Central Library is tucked beneath the National Library Building, and for me, it has always felt like the brain of Singapore’s national library network. It’s been quietly powering minds since 2005.
As the flagship branch of the public library system, it’s always had weight, but the recent revamp levelled it up. After reopening on January 12, 2024, it’s now central not just by name, but also by how we read, learn, and gather in the city.
Things to Know
Website, Facebook
Address: 100 Victoria St, #B1-01 National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library
Hours:
- Daily, 10 AM–9 PM
- Closes at 5 PM on the eve of Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year
- Closed on public holidays
Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly routes, automated sliding doors, spacious lifts, accessibility membership for PWDs
Amenities: Restrooms, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, lifts, eNewspaper stations, photocopying services, WiFi access, multimedia stations
Rules and restrictions:
- Maintain low noise levels
- No climbing on bookshelves, ledges, or other structures
- Only plain water is allowed inside the library
- No pets allowed inside (except for service animals)
- Don’t leave seats unattended for more than 20 minutes
- No charging of devices for more than 30 minutes
- Treat books and other materials with care
- No running, jumping, or rowdy behaviour on the escalators
Membership registration: Singaporeans can register for free library membership online or in person. To learn about membership types, privileges, and fees, click here.
Borrowing policies: Registered members can borrow up to 16 physical items and 16 eBooks for 21 days. Renewals are possible if items are not reserved by others.
How to Get There
By MRT: To reach the library from Bugis MRT Station (the closest one), take Exit B to street level, proceed along Victoria Street, and you’ll arrive at the National Library Building, where the Central Public Library is located.
By bus: The nearest bus stop is Nth Bridge Rd – Opp Natl Lib (010129), around a 2-minute walk away from the library. This stop is served by bus numbers 7, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 145, 175, 197, and 851.
By car or taxi/drop-off: The drop-off point is at Level 1 of the National Library Building at 100 Victoria Street. If you’re driving, park your vehicle at the building’s car park accessible from Middle Road.
Facilities and Services
Library Collections: Non-fiction, Fiction, and Multimedia
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Location: Basement 1
Key features: Touchscreen directions, signposts
The fiction and non-fiction collections are thoughtfully shelved in clearly marked sections, with non-fiction titles arranged by subject (Dewey Decimal style) and fiction grouped by genres and author names for casual browsing.
Local literature (Singapore collection) has a special highlight near the entrance area, which showcases works by Singaporean authors and publications about local culture, history, and society.
The AV and multimedia section is located near the rear of the library, offering DVDs, audiobooks, and language learning materials. All are available for borrowing!
Children’s Biodiversity Library
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Location: Basement 1
Key features: Interactive zones
This unique marine biodiversity-themed learning space offers interactive zones designed to engage and educate kids.
- The Intertidal Zone features interpretive displays introducing young learners to organisms inhabiting marine shorelines.
- The Coral Zone showcases a floor-to-ceiling coral-like structure, emphasising the importance of coral reefs in marine ecosystems.
- The Sea Jelly Zone provides immersive experiences with video projections of marine life from the SEA Aquarium and displays specimens like shark jaws and coral skeletons.
- The Submarine is a dedicated space resembling a submarine, hosting educational programs on marine biology and conservation led by trained volunteers.
Singapore Alcove
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Location: Basement 1
Key features: Immersive spaces and thematic exhibits
This dedicated area celebrates Singapore’s rich culture, heritage, and literature by integrating the Singapore Collection (comprising both adult and children’s titles) into thematic exhibits.
It’s a space you can lose yourself in for hours! I love that I can engage with the content via personalised QR codes to enhance my understanding of Singapore’s societal transformations.
Special Features
Immersive AI Storytelling Wall
Media from nlbsingapore
Location: Basement 1
Key features: Curved wall projection, AI app
There’s a wall projection that displays interactive content through tools like kinetic sensors at the library. A key highlight is StoryGen, a generative AI application developed by the National Library Board that allows patrons to customise and reimagine well-loved titles!
I gave it a try on a beloved Singaporean folktale and was able to select the characters, genres, and settings. It generated my unique story and then projected it on the wall!
Memories Corner
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Location: Outdoors
Key feature: Wall constructed by 5,000 red bricks salvaged from the former National Library at Stamford Road
The Memories Corner is an outdoor space within the Central Public Library. It features a wall made out of the bricks of the former National Library.
The Library of Memory is showcased there as an installation projected onto the wall to tell the library’s history with past and present narratives.
Programs and Events
Kids’ Workshops and Storytelling Sessions
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Schedule: Third and fourth Saturdays of each month, 11.30 AM to noon
Location: The Submarine zone
It’s become a cherished routine for me and my niece to attend the Central Public Library storytelling sessions. These are offered in English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil and feature engaging tales to captivate young minds (4 to 6 years old).
Beyond listening, kids can also participate in interactive workshops like those conducted by the Zip Zap Zoom Collective, where participants learn to craft their own stories using story cards.
Adults’ Talks and Workshops
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Schedule: Check upcoming events here
Location: Various
Attending the library’s educational talks has been a game-changer for me. It offers a diverse range of programs across six key learning frameworks (Career, Digital, Sustainability, Wellness, Arts, and Reading), delivered through talks, exhibitions, workshops, and festivals.
Many of them are free of charge, but registration is required for most. Visit the NLB’s official events page for upcoming sessions and to secure a slot.
Community Engagement Activities
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I’ve stumbled into some of the best community events just by hanging around the Central Public Library. They remind me that libraries are not just about books, but about people, too.
From author talks to cultural showcases, there’s always something that brings people together. One of my favourites was the Asian Children’s Festival with its live storytelling, music, and mix of languages and traditions all in one cosy space.
Sustainability Initiatives
Eco-Friendly Design Elements
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The Central Public Library stays cool and bright without blasting the air-con or lights all day. The sun-shading glass and overhangs do their job so well, I barely notice the heat even in the middle of the day.
What really makes it special, though, are the lush greens woven into the building. These green pockets keep the place cool and calm, while its lights and irrigation are adjusted automatically to save energy and water!
Environmental Education Programs
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Joining the library’s eco workshops has changed how I think about everyday habits. One session from its Green & Grow series got me started on composting at home (turns out it’s not as gross as I thought)!
The Green Market event was another standout, especially the one about ocean conservation. To attend programs like these and learn to be an eco-warrior, check out the NLB announcements page.
Organisation Partnerships
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One of the coolest things I’ve seen at the Central Public Library is My Tree House, a green kids’ library built with recycled materials, thanks to its collaboration with CDL. It’s not just a pretty space, as it’s packed with books and interactive displays about the planet.
I also brought my niece to a Recycle Right event there, and now, she scolds me for not sorting my plastics properly! It’s great to see the library teaming up with groups like NEA to make sustainability something that even kids can get excited about.