The library@orchard will be closed for a revamp from 28 October 2024 as part of the National Library Board’s (NLB) ongoing efforts to rejuvenate its libraries and offer fresh services, spaces and experiences for patrons.
Revamp of library@orchard to Introduce New Tech-enabled Interactive and Immersive Spaces and a New Children’s Section
Currently, the library@orchard is focused on design-related books and materials. It has been at its current premises for the past ten years.
The revamp of library@orchard see it recreated to be a space that will enable new ways for everyone to read, learn and discover. This includes new tech-enabled interactive and immersive spaces to aid learning and discovery.
There will also be a new children’s section, something that is lacking in the current library@orchard.
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Full Reopening of library@orchard Expected in Second Half of 2026
In the spirit of experimentation and innovation under NLB’s LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025), the library will be revamped with new elements introduced progressively, with its full opening expected in the second half of 2026.
More information about the revamped library will be shared in due course.
Design and Applied Arts-focused Collection Moving to Central Arts Library
The design and applied arts-focused collection from the library@orchard will be relocated to the Central Arts Library, which is scheduled to open by the end of this year. The Central Arts Library will primarily occupy Level 5 of the National Library Building.
Part of this collection will be housed at the National Design Centre from early 2025 in partnership with the University of the Arts Singapore.
This move is part of NLB’s efforts to centralise its arts resources, better serving patrons, including students, researchers and practitioners from institutions and communities in the arts and heritage district.
A Look Back at the Last 10 Years at library@orchard from 8 to 27 October 2024: “Design Is For Everyone: A decade of design, arts and community”
Before its closure for revamp, library@orchard will run a three-week long programme looking back at its journey in promoting art and design. The event, “Design Is For Everyone: A decade of design, arts and community”, will run from 8 to 27 October 2024.
It will include an exhibition and community wall, where patrons can share their memories of the place.
Activity booths, where patrons can create their own memorabilia, will run from 26 to 27 October.
NLB welcomes members of the public to join in and celebrate this key milestone with library@orchard. More details about this programme can be found at LearnX Arts Facebook group and library@orchard’s Eventbrite Collection.
NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Cher Pong, said: “The library has been a pitstop for many patrons, given its central location, unique range of resources and creative programmes, and of course its Instagram-friendly spaces. It is timely after ten years, to reimagine what more we can do with the space, including how the library can be made more interactive and immersive to enhance our patrons’ experience in reading, learning and discovery. The revamp will bring an exciting next chapter for the library here in the heart of Orchard Road for everyone.”
