Science Journal of Education 2016; 4(6): 198-205 http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/sjedu doi: 10.11648/j.sjedu.20160406.16 ISSN: 2329-0900 (Print); ISSN: 2329-0897 (Online) Efforts to Develop the Reading Interest of the People from Children in Singapore Libraries Xiuqi Gong University of Shanghai for Science and Technology Library, Shanghai, China Email address: [email protected] To cite this article: Xiuqi Gong. Efforts to Develop the Reading Interest of the People from Children in Singapore Libraries. Science Journal of Education. Vol. 4, No. 6, 2016, pp. 198-205. doi: 10.11648/j.sjedu.20160406.16 Received: June 30, 2016; Accepted: December 19, 2016; Published: December 29, 2016 Abstract: This paper introduces some successful efforts in Singapore libraries in developing the reading interest of children and adolescents, including reading promotion activities organized by Singapore public libraries, librarians' training of children libraries, children's books selection, and the collection development of children’ libraries. This paper shows the studies from both theory and practice and hopes to provide some reference and enlightenment for the cultivation of reading interest for children and adolescents. Keywords: Singapore Library, Reading Promotion, Children 1. Introduction In the description on the "Mission of the Public Library" system has been built into in a world-class, highly efficient from "Public Library Manifesto" of United Nations and convenient library service system including a National Educational, scientific and Cultural Organization in the 1994, Library, three large regional libraries, 24 public libraries, 31 the first rule is to develop and enhance children's reading government agency libraries and the school libraries [3]. habits [1]. The public library is the core of children's reading Large regional libraries are usually located in the convenient education and guidance. There is no other such place which places around the subway stations. The Community libraries can store the complete knowledge of children's growth, are usually located not more than 200 meters from the nearest education, and so on. The libraries can meet the children's residential community. Some of the libraries are also located desire for knowledge and in turn affects the writing and in the business centers and downtown areas. The libraries publishing of juvenile books. At the same time, the libraries simplify the procedures of borrowing and returning books have imposed the influence for the family and community with the use of the high-technological ways. The good reading education, even the overall quality of the whole nation. environment make people feel enjoyable when they are Since 1995, in a short period of more than 10 years, reading books in the libraries. Each large regional library has Singapore Library became one of the best libraries in the provided special services dedicated to children and youth. world. It shows the advanced library operation mode of a There are also more than 10 community children's libraries as developed country and creates the "Singapore experience" the fun game field outside the schools. recognized by the international library community [2]. The Singapore National Library has taken many effective measures to develop the reading interests from the children. 2. Several Famous Libraries for Children People can use the information service provided by the in Singapore libraries. The quality of the population has been improved by the way of lifelong learning, which enhances the overall Singapore library firmly believes that good habits must be national competitiveness and make Singapore as a learning developed from the children in order to attract young people nation. and retain the future of the library. It is necessary for the Since its establishment in 1995, Singapore National Library library to adapt to the physical and psychological Science Journal of Education 2016; 4(6): 198-205 199 characteristics of children and adolescents. The biggest 2.2. Woodland Regional Library characteristic of teenagers is lively, curious and of plasticity. But the library is a public place known for quietness. How to Singapore Woodland Regional Library is Singapore's deal with the static and dynamic is a difficult problem for the largest public library covering an area of 11100 square meters library to attract readers. Children can still move and play [4]. It provides various reference service for both adults and within the library in Singapore. In fact, children play quietly, children. The concept of Services Children department is to do not disturb others. Static and dynamic are in a harmony in cultivate good reading habits from the childhood. Team the Singapore Libraries. In the libraries, students can use the experts are committed to providing the appropriate reading library’s quiet environment to do homework or prepare exams materials and resources for parents and educators. The overall instead of using the resources of the library. The libraries are design of the children's library is like a reading Park which located in the bustling shopping centers. Many residents take provides the reading environment for children and their the children to read there when going out with the family for caregivers. entertainment. Students usually go to the library to do In Singapore Woodlands Regional Library, children can homework after school. listen to parents in fairy tales under the trees, Young people can enjoy the reading while listening to the music before the 2.1. Jurong Regional Library window, outside the window is the waterfall flying straight down. There is the coffee shop near the gate of the library. Jurong Regional Library is the largest regional library established by the Singapore National Library. It is the first 2.3. Bishan Public Library library to provide services specifically for youth in Singapore. It was founded by young people to create a dynamic In Bishan Public Library, children's special reading area is environment for young people to express themselves, realize located in the basement. The shape is like an underground the dream, and explore the future together. cave, so as to avoid the interference of noise from the upper The library goes deep into the community to conduct area, and create the best learning and playing conditions for in-depth investigation among young people about the problem children. From the curiosity of the children and the that young people are not willing to go to the library. After psychological and reading habits, the seats are designed into a analyzing the reasons for the boring of the library, the young petal pattern with a lively candy color. The ground is people are invited to participate in the environmental design of decorated with a dynamic line design. In this interesting the library. Teens Library Service department is located on the environment, the children can enjoy their imagination and feel fourth floor of the library with an area of about 1200 square the joy of reading. meters. The environment is very comfortable. There is a 2.4. Singapore National Library relatively closed space for a small gathering for young readers. The library specifically set up a wall of graffiti, comic wall Singapore National Library is one of the largest and most and so on for young people to display their drawing, and add advanced libraries in Southeast Asia. It was officially opened the popular music information display area. All of these in 1960 and rebuilt in 2005. The new building is located in the methods are well received by young readers. All these are center of the golden location of Vitoria Avenue 100, consists designed together with the young volunteers during the of two 16-storey building, each floor has a bridge connection construction of the library. [5]. Although the library is located in the downtown, but has The library collects various styles of comics and illustrated no noisy feeling, it creates and provides a beautiful reading novels, the most popular animation works and mainstream space and environment for the readers. writers all can be found here. There is also a Children As a very solemn national library, one of the notable Advisory & Resource Centre, children, parents, educators and features is to promote children's reading promotion, caregivers can choose and borrow the appropriate reading exclusively opens up a free play ground for the children. There materials and resources here. There is also a special children's are colorful children's books for children to select and read. Resource Center dedicated to provide the school's project Children can put the book on the ground, sitting, lying, or resources, as well as the reference materials of children's reading, and completely immerse in the story of the book. literature and children's development of the psychology. The In 2013, Singapore National Library built the first Children collection of Children's Resource Center selects the most library with the theme of green environment in the world, excellent books for all ages including the classic and popular called “The Tree House”. The main decorations are made stories, award-winning works representing folk stories, fairy from recycled wood, PVC pipes and plastic bottles, and the tales, and put a special emphasis on the children's books about library equipped with 70% recycled materials and LED energy Asia. saving lamps. This "tree house" is located in the children's The basement of the library is specially created for young area of the National Library basement with an area of 500 children, many of which appear to be only a few months old square meters. There are 70000 books on the theme of green baby being held by her mother or sitting in a baby carriage to environment [6]. It aims to let the children familiar with the be pushed into. There are even special books designed for the practice of green environment, to cultivate children's baby biting and tearing.