There is nothing like a good book. It can take you places, allow you to experience varied emotions, and even meet new people without actually going anywhere.
But with home-based learning, getting kids to indulge in a screen-less reading session is not quite so easy. Which is why when somebody does actually put their energy into encouraging little ones to read books, it has to be commended.
Just as Minister of Health for Singapore, Ong Ye Kung did.
He recently posted on Facebook about a void deck library that was set up by a “kind resident” in his constituency. The space named “Little Library” has been created to encourage reading and bring the entire community together. People are free to borrow and donate books.
Library Programs For Kids: Little Library Becomes A Massive Hit
Image courtesy: Mr Ong Facebook
Mr Ong in his post said, “It is a real nice initiative, to encourage reading and to bring the community together. I hope residents will take good care of it. Make it a lasting feature of your special block.” He praised the resident for setting up the void deck library in the Sembawang area.
The cute little space has a three-tiered shelf. It is filled with an assortment of books for residents to enjoy. From the pictures shared by Mr Ong, you can see that the shelf is just the right height for young readers to browse and immerse in the joy of reading.
A Facebook user commented below the post that the library can be found at Block 128 Canberra Street.
Library Programs For Kids Has Singapore’s Netizens Thrilled
People were thrilled by the void deck library initiative.
Commenting on Mr Ong’s post, one user said, “Wow a very good initiative! Saw the kind & great kampong spirit that is in it. If beyond books, the community spirit of helping one another in practical need would be excellent.”
Another chimed in, “All is good if everyone puts in the effort to keep the place clean and tidy. Must also make sure undesirable magazines/books aren’t placed there.”
Image courtesy: Ong Facebook page
Residents from other constituencies also offered to donate to the Little Library.
User “Yok Supee-orn” further shared information about another void deck library in Singapore. It is located in Yishun.
If you want to give wings to your kid’s imagination and let them run wild, take them to a library located near your place. For your convenience, we have curated a list of five libraries where your kids would love spending time.
5 Library And Library Programs For Kids
Image courtesy: Library @Harbourfront
This place can take your kids into a fantasy world. The garden-themed area of the Bedok library is a favourite among young kids.
There are two TumbleBooks stations, where your little ones can interact with e-books. The place has been decorated beautifully and the movable pieces of soft furniture allow kids to explore and read safely.
It is extremely useful for new parents as the books are categorised based on the five early literacy skills.
Location: Levels 2 & 3, Heartbeat@Bedok, 11 Bedok North Street 1
Opening hours 10 am to 9 pm daily
The Tampines regional library has one floor dedicated completely to young kids. On level three, you’ll find the Early Literacy section for children up to three years and for those between four and six years of age.
At the same level you will also find PLAYtopia. It is an indoor playground, where you can spot colourful ball pits and transparent tube slides.
For kids aged seven to 12, there is a beautiful reading space as well. It is located on a different level. There is a #spaceout zone and a PIXEL Labs@NLB for kids to explore and have fun.
Location: Levels 2 to 6, Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk
Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm daily
The children’s area inside the Sengkang Public Library is designed for children of every age. For instance, the Early Literacy area has front-facing book collections. Your kids can enjoy digital books and activities thanks to TumbleBooks.
For your older kids, those between the age of 10 to 14 years, it has the first tweens’ area. The entire area is designed to support experiential learning.
Location: Levels 3 & 4, Compass One, 1 Sengkang Square
Opening hours: 11 am to 9 pm every day.
This library offers one of the best views of Sentosa. You can experience the same at reading lounge 1. Your kids are sure to have fun at the Learning Zone. It is a super fun space for cool programmes like Tech Showcase.
There are also group discussions that take place here. Hop on one of the six learning pods to access digital content and other resources. Your younger ones will love the Tinker Truck.
It features word puzzles and lots of others programmes related to STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) topics.
Location:#03-05 (Lobby F), VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585
Opening hours: 11 am to 9 pm daily
This cute little place is the first green children’s library in the world. Right at the centre is the striking treehouse canopy, and everything, from its steps to the surrounding platform, has been made with recycled materials.
There is another awesome feature – the Weather Cloud. It changes colour based on the weather that’s outside. And yes, kids can lay their hands at the various activities and interactive digital books a the TumbleBooks stations.
Location: 100 Victoria Street
Opening hours 10 am to 9 pm every day.
It’s time to make your kids take time off from their digital devices and curl up to a book. Plan a visit to one of these public libraries and it’s a guarantee that your little one will refuse to come home.
We hope you liked our list of library programs for kids. Share your kid’s favourite library or books by writing to us here.
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