The New NLB Building, CDNLAO Newsletter 37

No. 37, March 2000

(News from the National Library of Singapore)

The New NLB Building - Designed with You in Mind

"Place for the People. A Library for All." A national library - located at Victoria Street - that Singaporeans can call their own and with all the services and facilities that make it an integral part of their lifestyle.

Getting there is no easy task. Public interest in project of this magnitude, the NLB understands, is likely high. So the first steps will have to be significant and meaningful. To this end, the NLB had been diligently working with seven civic groups to create a "library that celebrates the nation's multiculturalism, heritage and traditions."

Representatives from the disabled, older persons, young people, community self-help groups, the business, arts and research communities have been approached for their feedback - electronically and manually. Feedback from these civic groups and the public will form the basis of the design development by the NLB together with the selected project team of Swan & McClaren Architects. To date, more than 900 suggestions have been received.

In furthering sharing and involving the public on the development of the new NLB building, an exhibition on the five conceptual design schemes submitted was held. The main purpose was to share with the public "the processes that go into creating the form the new building will finally take," said Mr Ramachandran, Director, National Library.

From 2-8 October, Jurong East Community Library hosted the exhibition to showcase the thought processes and approaches that different project teams had applied to the project. Through this exhibition, the NLB also hopes to share with the public the process adopted for the selection of the project team.

So, come 2003, Singaporeans can truly look forward to a one-stop information resource centre with something for everyone!

As always, we look forward to welcoming you through our doors - where a truly unique reading and learning experience awaits you. We look forward to you being with us every step of the way.