Central Library @ Bugis

For those who hate the library or find it boring,

you don't know what you have missed!

A blissful place ever since i can recognise the alphabets, the library is always my preferred choice whenever i feel like having a quiet, relaxing moment.... Or rushing to do some last minute reading for my examinations the next day....

Or BOTH. 

From the initial neighbourhood library in Ang Mo Kio to the red-brick national library along Stamford Road and finally the futuristic headquarters for the National Library Board (NLB), i have seen for myself the change of libraryscape in Singapore; the use of electronic cards to borrow books, the inclusion of cafes, the rise of regional libraries etc etc etc. 

I took the free time last Saturday to visit the national library in between Bugis Junction and Bras Basah complex. It brought back a lot of memories as it was my favourite library when i started my bachelor studies a few years back.

Why?

• It was the newest library then.
• It has a massive collection of reference books (from level 7-13), which helped my research countless times.
• It is near to Bugis Junction, which has my favorite Tori Q!
• It is near to Bras Basah complex, famous for its super cheap second hand books!
• It is the ONLY library where you don't hear the yelling, the talking, the hee hee or the ha ha. Noise is considered as the greatest sin! At least for the reference levels above ground.
• It is the ONLY NATIONAL LIBRARY! It should have the most books right?! 

Unlike most national libraries which are housed in old, preserved heritage buildings, the Singapore's national library is contemporary built with a design that symbolises the envisioned future.

From the higher levels of the building (up to 16 storeys), you can view the diverse mix of buildings surrounding it. The best thing?

It's free!!

Serving a nation's hunger for information and knowledge, you should not be surprised to find numerous exhibitions and events organised. Yes, it's free too!! At the moment, they have "Vignettes in Time: Singapore Maps and History through the Centuries" and "From Books to Bytes; the Story of the National Library".

There are even certain sections at the higher levels that open to the great outdoors where you can peacefully read your book, have a good nap, take in the nice scenary or even meditate!

A man was doing just that (meditating) on Saturday!

For you Singaporeans (non-Singaporeans too) out there, pay a visit (if you have not already done so) to the national library for a relaxing day out!

If you belong to the type who hates books......... please go in for 10 minutes and then proceed to Bugis Junction for a movie and shopping!! At the very least, you have indeed visited this iconic library.