FACTSHEET

NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD’S NEXT-GENERATION PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Background

The (NLB) launched the Libraries of the Future Masterplan in 2015 with the aim to develop the public libraries with seamless access, both physically and digitally. Public libraries are important community spaces for people to discover the joy of reading, and to engage in collaborative and exploratory learning.

The transformed libraries

2 Five public libraries have opened in 2017 and 2018, exemplifying next-generation libraries that serve as hubs for reading and lifelong learning across physical spaces and digital platforms. These newly-opened libraries feature customised spaces for all users and a greater integration of digital content, enhancing the overall library experience.

Sengkang Public Library

Location Compass One Date of re-opening 18 March 2017 New features  New and engaging experiences for tweens: This is the first library with a dedicated space for tweens aged 10 to 14. The library offers targeted programmes for this group of users, such as activities on cosplay, programming, electronics and photography.  Integrated displays to offer a holistic browsing experience across both print and digital formats: For example, there are ‘digital bookshelves’ with eBooks integrated within the physical shelves.  Community wall where residents can showcase their artistic creations.

Bukit Panjang Public Library

Location Bukit Panjang Plaza Date of re-opening 1 July 2017 New features  It is almost twice the previous floor area, and now features two distinct wings with a section for adults and teens, and another for children.  First immersive storytelling room for children where stories come alive. (Please refer to Annex A for more information on the ‘Stories Come Alive room’.)  The Adults’ Zone of the library is run entirely by volunteers.

Tampines Regional Library

Location Our Tampines Hub Date of re-opening 5 August 2017 New features  The new library runs across five storeys, is almost twice the size of the previous library and has customised spaces for every age group.  A volunteer-run floor with the first Volunteers’ Corner, where volunteers can hold programmes and workshops for library users.  Collaborative work spaces and maker space.  Extensive collaboration with other agencies to co-locate different types of learning experiences and spaces within the library: Pixel Labs@NLB with IMDA, Our Tampines Gallery with NHB and Culinary Studios with PA.

Bedok Public Library

Location Heartbeat @ – Bedok Integrated Complex Date of re-opening 28 October 2017 New features  Targeted collections and services for older adults and seniors: For example, large print books to aid seniors in reading, electronic magnifier, eCatalogue with larger keys.  Strong Malay collection with books on Malay culture, heritage and arts.

Yishun Public Library

Location Northpoint City Date of re-opening 3 February 2018 New features  Digital Learning Zone targeted at young adults, featuring an extensive selection of the NLB’s digital collection for users to enjoy easy access and seamless browsing of digital content. (Please refer to Annex B for more information on the Digital Learning Zone.)  Users can access learning videos at dedicated learning pods located within the Digital Learning Zone.  Quiet Reading Lounge is a segmented area for quiet contemplative reading, providing 26 private nooks with individual lighting for readers.

- END - Media Contacts:

Name: Ms Elyssa Chua Designation: Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications Email: [email protected] Contact No: 6718 3302 / 9118 1602

Name: Ms Nurain Zainal Designation: Executive, Corporate Communications Email: [email protected] Contact No: 6718 3565/ 9178 4062

ANNEX A BUKIT PANJANG PUBLIC LIBRARY’S STORIES COME ALIVE ROOM

Bukit Panjang Public Library piloted the Stories Come Alive Room, which makes use of images, light and sound effects to make storytelling an immersive and interactive experience for children. The programme schedule is as follows. Time Frequency Description 3.00pm Fridays English storytelling session by Library officers. Three stories told per session, one of which will be shared with added visuals. 7.00pm English storytelling session by Library officers. Three stories told per session, one of which will be shared with the full immersive storytelling experience. 3.00pm First Friday of the month Chinese storytelling session by Friends of the Library. No immersive storytelling element is used.

ANNEX B PUBLIC LIBRARY’S DIGITAL LEARNING ZONE

To encourage lifelong learning and better cater to the learning needs of users in the digital age, users can find a wide array of digital content in the revamped ’s Digital Learning Zone. These include new eBook arrivals and curated content similar to screens in the lobby. In addition, users may enjoy the following content and services:

 Virtual bookshelves o eBooks are showcased in selected categories such as health and fitness, fiction, food and drinks, business, and travel. Users can scan the QR code to borrow titles curated by our librarians.

 Art display o The longest screen to be fitted in the zone, the eBook art display is a colourful and animated display of attractive book covers, accompanied by soft ambient music. o The display features titles from categories such as SkillsFuture, business, self- improvement, and innovation, and the titles are refreshed every month.

 Virtual exhibition o Users can experience a digital tour of past exhibitions from the National Library such as “From the Stacks” and “Script & Stage”, which have been virtualised. The screen showcases one exhibition at a time, and the exhibitions will be rotated regularly.

 Learning Pods o There are seven learning pods, each equipped with an interactive screen display. Users can access content and resources for independent learning and to upgrade their skills, such as eLearning courses from LyndaLibrary (Lynda.com from LinkedIn) and videos from TED Talks. Users can also access the eLearning courses from the NLB eResources website, and via the Lynda mobile app on their mobile devices.

Digital eLearning Service eLearning Courseware by LyndaLibrary (Lynda.com from LinkedIn)  To encourage lifelong learning on digital platforms, NLB offers eLearning courseware from LyndaLibrary, which provides users the resources to upgrade their skills on topics such as business, coding, creative design and technology.  Through instructional videos and learning activities, users can acquire new knowledge and skills anytime anywhere, on their mobile and desktop devices.  The eLearning courses can be accessed from the NLB eResources website (http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg), and via the Lynda mobile app, that is available for free download on iOS and Android devices.

 Users can also access the courses at the Learning Pods at Yishun Public Library from the interactive screen display. The myLibrary ID login is required to access LyndaLibrary.  The new eLearning services offer: o Diverse range of topics . Choose from over 5,000 video tutorials covering topics such as business, creative design and technology. o Personalised recommendations . Search, explore, and get recommended courses relevant to your interest and tailored to your knowledge and experience level. o Expert advice and tips . Learn and get tips through LyndaLibrary’s engaging, top-quality courses taught by recognised industry experts. o Access courses anywhere, anytime . Conveniently switch the mode of learning between your computer, tablet, or mobile device. o Tools for application . Apply and reinforce your knowledge with a variety of learning tools, such as quizzes, exercises and hands-on practice.

The space also doubles up as a programming area for community partners and users to come together and learn. Some of the screens in the Digital Learning Zone can be used to display and project content to facilitate programmes within the space.