Singapore’s Central Public Library has reopened its doors following an extensive 18-month renovation, introducing innovative features such as a marine biodiversity-themed learning space for children and storytelling through artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality technologies.
Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo, speaking at the reopening on January 12, emphasized the pivotal role libraries play as repositories of knowledge in society. Acknowledging the digital dominance of today’s world, Teo stressed the importance of libraries evolving to empower people to learn and connect.
The National Library Board (NLB) launched the Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025 in October 2021, aiming to create meaningful reading, learning, and discovery experiences for library visitors. The refreshed Central Public Library aligns with this vision, featuring numerous new elements designed to enhance the library experience.
Key among the updates is the Children’s Biodiversity Library, a marine biodiversity-themed learning space created in collaboration with the S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa. The library, located in the basement of the National Library building, offers an interactive experience for children to explore marine life, sustainability, and environmental concepts.
Mrs. Teo emphasized the library’s focus on sustainability, stating, “We must also educate our people to help build a sustainable future.”
The Children’s Biodiversity Library encompasses three zones – the Intertidal Zone, Open Ocean Zone, and Submarine Room. Each section provides insights into various aspects of marine life, from hardy sea life in the Intertidal Zone to a floor-to-ceiling coral installation in the Open Ocean Zone. The Submarine Room hosts interactive activities, workshops, and storytelling sessions conducted by marine biology and conservation experts.
The Singapore Alcove, another feature of the revamped library, showcases interactive digital kiosks and physical artifacts highlighting Singapore’s heritage and history. AI and augmented reality technologies are integrated into the library’s infrastructure.
A new Immersive Room allows users to create interactive stories using the StoryGen AI application, developed by NLB and Amazon Web Services. Library visitors can choose characters, genres, and story locations based on well-loved tales, with stories displayed on a curved wall. Additionally, an array of interactive digital kiosks in Singapore Alcove offers personality quizzes and book recommendations.
Retaining the historic red bricks from the old Stamford Road building, the outdoor space named Memories Corner pays homage to the library’s rich history. Award-winning artist Brian Gothong Tan’s multimedia showcase, “The Library of Memory,” is also featured in this area, allowing visitors to experience immersive content through augmented reality markers.
The reopening of the Central Public Library, delayed by six months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, marks a significant milestone in the NLB’s five-year Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025 roadmap. This strategic initiative aims to cater to the evolving needs of patrons in a digital age, offering an engaging and enriching experience for library visitors.
Based on NLB’s annual survey, 2023 saw almost 37 million loans, indicating a return to pre-pandemic levels. The reopening signals a commitment to embracing technological advancements and providing a dynamic space for learning and exploration in the heart of Singapore.