Orchard Library closes 28 October 2024 for a major revamp and will reopen in the second half of 2026 with new tech-enabled, interactive spaces.
KEY POINTS
IN SIMPLE TERMS
A popular library in Orchard will shut down for about a year and a half to get a big upgrade. When it reopens, it will have new interactive spaces and better technology to help people learn and discover things. Some of the library's art and design books will move to other locations in the meantime.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Is a 16-month library closure worth it if the revamped space becomes more interactive and tech-enabled?
👍 👎 Vote ↓The popular orchard library in Singapore will get a makeover to create better spaces for learning and discovery.
The National Library Board (NLB) announced that library@orchard will close for a big upgrade.
This popular library has been open for ten years.
It will shut its doors on 28 October 2024.
The library will reopen with new features in the second half of 2026.
According to NLB, Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive Officer of NLB, said, “The library has been a pitstop for many patrons, given its central location, unique range of resources and creative programmes, and of course its Instagram-friendly spaces.”
He added, “It is timely after ten years, to reimagine what more we can do with the space, including how the library can be made more interactive and immersive to enhance our patrons’ experience in reading, learning and discovery.”
The revamp will create new tech-enabled spaces.
These spaces will be interactive and immersive.
They will help people learn and discover new things better.
This upgrade is part of NLB’s plan to make libraries better.
The plan is called LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025).
The library’s design and applied arts collection will move to new places.
Most of it will go to the Central Arts Library.
This new library will open by the end of 2024.
Some books will also go to the National Design Centre.
They will be there from early 2025.
This move is a team effort with the University of Arts Singapore.
These changes might make it easier for art lovers to find books in one place.
Before the library closes, there will be a special event.
It’s called “Design Is For Everyone: A decade of design, arts and community“.
The event will run from 8 to 27 October 2024.
Here’s what you can expect:
NLB invites everyone to join this celebration.
It’s a chance to say goodbye to the old library before its big change.
The library@orchard revamp is just the start.
NLB plans to upgrade more libraries soon.
Libraries in Ang Mo Kio, Queenstown, and Toa Payoh will get makeovers too.
A big project is coming to Toa Payoh.
It will be part of a hub with sports, healthcare, and park facilities.
These changes aim to make libraries more useful and fun for everyone.
The library@orchard revamp shows NLB’s commitment to making libraries better for all Singaporeans.
Is a 16-month library closure worth it if the revamped space becomes more interactive and tech-enabled?
Be the first to weigh in.
