Books, as they say, are a child’s best friend; they help us escape from the harsh realities of life and act as fodder to the imagination of curious minds.
Luckily, Singapore has some great public libraries that are filled with children’s literature. This makes it all the more convenient for you to borrow books here.
At a time when parents are stressed that their kids are spending way more time on screens, taking them to a library is a great effort and keeps the little ones actively away from the television set or that tablet.
It will not only encourage them to read more but will also activate their imagination and creativity. To help you get started, here’s a guide to not just one best library in Singapore, but the top 9 libraries for your junior.
Looking For The Best Library In Singapore? Here Are 9 Options!
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1. Ang Mo Kio Public Library
This library spans two levels and has an extensive collection of over 259,000 reading materials. Your children will love to enter the children’s section as it is well-organised with kid-friendly chairs and tables, where your little ones can sit and can flip over the books.
Location: 4300 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, Singapore 569842
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm.
2. Bishan Public Library
This is a popular library in Singapore which is known for its architecture as much as it is for its collections. It looks like a treehouse with its distinctive coloured pods.
The basement has books for children and they are suitable for newborns and for kids up to 12 years. You can find collections ranging from children’s magazines, baby books, fairy tales and informational books for older children.
Location: 5 Bishan Place #01-01, Singapore 579841
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am – 9 pm
3. Clementi Public Library
It’s located conveniently at the Clementi Mall and is one of the first libraries in Singapore to feature interactive digital storytelling kiosks.
The Clementi Public Library opens up a colourful and novel way for young children to interact with stories.
Location: 3155 Commonwealth Avenue West, #05-13/14/15 The Clementi Mall, Singapore 129588
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm
4. Geylang East Public Library
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This library is famous for its huge collection of free children’s activities on weekends. There’s so much happening here–from magic shows to baking workshops–that your little ones will be spoilt for choice.
There is a dedicated babies’ corner, which has a green reading space that your kids will find inviting.
Location: Geylang East Public Library, 50 Geylang East Ave 1, Singapore 389777
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am – 9 pm
5. Marine Parade Public Library
You can keep your children busy with interactive and multimedia exhibits and don’t forget the stacks of new DVDs at this library. This is definitely a place where you should go for a cheap movie night with your family.
The reading colour is very inviting and the space offers a huge range of kid-friendly workshops. Do make sure to attend a few.
Location: Marine Parade Public Library, 278 Marine Parade Road #01-02, Singapore 449282
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am – 9 pm
6. National Library
A kids’ section is located in the basement of the National Library. The My Tree House is filled with over 45,000 books for children between the ages of four and 12 years.
This is one of the world’s first green children’s libraries, where your little ones can enjoy interactive e-reading kiosks, a cute little reading corner and a collection of fiction that never seems to end.
Don’t miss the storytelling sessions at the library here. They will help your children explore the vast creative world. You can also check out the library for the session time and date before you plan to visit.
Location: National Library Singapore, #B1-01, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm
7. Queenstown Public Library
The library has tonnes of fun activities for your children. From a huge collection of books to regular craft sessions, movie nights and gardening, your child will have a blast here.
Location: Queenstown Public Library, 53 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149297
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm.
8. Serangoon Public Library
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This is one of the coolest libraries in Singapore, and is located on the rooftop of NEX. One of the unique features is its Boardgames Meetup, which takes place every third Sunday of even months. It’s aimed at families with children of all ages.
There are plenty of digital gaming programmes and PC gaming stations as well. If you are comfortable with some screen time, you can surely try this out. This will encourage social bonding and learning through play.
Location: Serangoon Public Library, 23 Serangoon Central, #04-82/83 NEX, Singapore 556083
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm
9. Molly the Mobile Library
This cute kid-friendly mobile library was launched in 2018. It comes with a wheelchair lift and a magnetic whiteboard. This fleet of one big bus and two mini-buses carries around 3,000 books on board and travels all over Singapore.
It is a great place where you can engage your little ones with storytelling sessions and customised child-friendly book stations. These places allow your children to borrow books.
It is a great initiative that encourages children to take up reading and its purpose is to connect young children who do not have ready access to public libraries.
While you immerse in the vast pool of knowledge, don’t forget to mask up, sanitise your hands and avoid venturing into crowded places. The pandemic is still here and a little precaution will go a long way.
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