The Yishun Community Library from outside The unveiling of YICL The guest of Honour Assoc Prof Ho browsing a book Elaborate ceilings and designer shelves

 

Used to be, public libraries were all stand alone buildings, with the public area extending to at least two levels. The obvious advantage is of course space: there is ample room for reading areas, complete with furniture.

However, for the want of land, recent years have seen the National Library Board (NLB) setting up rented libraries. These are libraries set up in rented lots within a building, usually a shopping complex. In fact, the last four community libraries set up by NLB are all rented libraries.

These libraries share common features: they optimize space and are situated in areas of high human traffic. Space is fully optimised with minimal reading area and furniture. Readers often have to be content with sitting on the carpeted floor to read, and many do just that. It's actually very comfortable. Located in shopping complexes, library users can eat, shop, visit the library, and do other recreational activities all at one place. Also, much attention is given to the aesthetics of the library: besides being a functional unit, we want our libraries to be visually appealing too!

Thus for the NLB, considerations in setting up a public library include not only functionality, but also convenience and accessibility to library users, and aesthetics.

The Official Opening of the Yishun Community Library

The Yishun Community Library (YICL) was officially opened by the Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs, Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee on 26 February 1998. Situated in the heart of a dense residential area, the YICL was the first community library (CL) to open in 1998, bringing the total number of public libraries in Singapore to an impressive 14.

Although the smallest CL, the YICL serves over 180,000 Singaporeans in the north, with a start-up collection of 120,000 print items and 160 CD ROM titles.

A rented library, the YICL shares the same building as the local town council and occupies only one level. The YICL has most of the services and facilities of the modern library. Visually, the YICL has an avant garde appeal, what with an elaborate ceiling, murals, art pieces, and designer book shelves. Books are arranged in book shop style - arrangement by subject and low book shelves!

The NLB truly makes library building an art.

Wong Jock Onn
Corporate Communications Executive
National Library Board

 

All Rights Reserved. Copyright (c) National Library Board, 1998.