Through inclusive programmes and services,
we cultivate the bonds and strengthen the
ties between families and communities
The books at the ELL are big and have more pictures and interesting storylines. My girls like the puzzles because they engage them in meaningful and interactive play. It’s important for children to be exposed to language and reading when they’re young.
- Rebecca Ng Choo Win, 34
Mother of three girls aged 5, 2 and 10 months
Reading is recognised as a vital skill for children to excel in their studies. Over the last nine years, our kidsREAD volunteers have been nurturing the reading habit among children from low-income families. More than 20,000 kids at 789 kidsREAD clubs have benefited from this programme. The programme for children aged four to eight is run by volunteers from all walks of life, ranging from senior citizens to young professionals and students.
There is a great sense of satisfaction in teaching children to read. Particularly from helping those who were not able to before. I remember this boy who showed remarkable improvement after joining us. The friends he made also gave his self-confidence a much-needed boost.
- Nabilah Isa, 21
kidsREAD volunteer
Dedicated volunteers, from students to members of our pioneer generation, help to run library@chinatown, our first community-supported library. Operating on a self-service model, the library offers a unique collection of books and audio-visual materials, and programmes on Chinese arts and culture. In November 2013, the library bagged the Silver Award in the Most Innovative Project/Policy Category at the PS 21 ExCEL Awards, a prestigious annual public service convention.
In March 2014, President Tony Tan visited the library and met our volunteers.
library@chinatown is generously sponsored by CP1 Pte. Ltd. and Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple.
Volunteering at a library is something new for me. I assist mainly with the shelving of books; sometimes I help visitors locate the books they want. Being a volunteer requires dedication and commitment; it’s a chance for older people to contribute to society.
- Sharon Au Seok Cheng, 57
library@chinatown volunteer
Two back-to-back International Conferences in August 2013
NLB and the Library Association of Singapore, supported by several government agencies, organised the 79th IFLA WLIC themed, “Future Libraries: Infinite Possibilities”. More than 3,700 delegates from 120 countries attended the one-week congress. 337 volunteers came forward to assist us with the logistics, hospitality and operations. Numerous compliments were received from delegates who were touched by Singapore’s warmth and impressed by our efficiency.
NLB hosted the second International Summit of the Book, which brought together thought leaders, eminent authors and publishers of both traditional and new media. Themed “A Book By Any Other Name”, the event focused on the importance and future of libraries and books in the preservation of cultural identities, from both Asian and global perspectives.