Moving On: library@orchard in transit

library@orchard to relocate 

Library users set to get two libraries in the vicinity of Orchard by 2010

Singapore, 25 July 2007 – The National Library Board (NLB) announced today that after eight eventful years at Ngee Ann City, the library@orchard will be moving out from its current premises at Ngee Ann City on 30 November 2007.  Library users will still be able to return books at the bookdrop located at library@orchard until 15 December 2007.  The closure is caused by the end and non-renewal of the lease on the space. 

The library@orchard will re-open in 2010 at a new location – *scape the youth community space, and possibly another redeveloped site along Orchard Road.  

Relocation A Necessary Move
Speaking on the significance of the relocation, Dr N Varaprasad, Chief Executive of National Library Board said, “Our library users at Orchard are mainly made up of young people who are constantly on the move. The library@orchard caters to the lifestyle needs of such users and echoes their need for changes in style and content, and a place where they can hang out and learn. Looking ahead, we are very excited about our move to the two new possible locations, which will help us to meet the evolving and diverse needs of the youths and instil a stronger sense of learning culture amongst them.   

“We are now in active consultation with library users, particularly the youth on the development of the new library space at *scape.  Ultimately, we want these two new spaces to not only build on the success of the original library@orchard but to scale new heights in reaching out to the young Singaporeans in the Orchard community.” 

Niche Library at Unique Location
The opening of library@orchard on 21 October 1999 marked a major milestone in NLB’s history as it was the first niche lifestyle library designed especially to appeal to young Singaporeans aged 18 to 35 years. The library’s unique location at the heart of the Orchard Road shopping belt was intended to attract the youth segment of the population. By locating the library at a place where youths most frequently meet, NLB brought the pleasure of reading and learning closer to them. The library’s cosy ambience, music booths and café were another reflection of its lifestyle approach to promote reading and learning among the young. 

Major Achievements
Within a span of eight years, library@orchard had doubled its outreach from an initial 499,156 of books loaned in its first year to more than 710,000 in 2006.  The number of enquiries handled by library@orchard yearly had been steadily rising from 19,536 in its first year to an increase of more than ten folds in 2006 which came up to 203,035.  On an average, library@orchard attracted more than 1.4 million visitors per year from 1999 to 2006.  

Moving On
NLB will hold a series of public events and programmes over the next few months to commemorate the relocation of library@orchard.  

Library users can look forward to programmes such as exhibitions on photography and Mexican heritage, film screenings as well as talks on photography, travel, language learning and culture, business, finance and investment. There will also be exciting ‘live’ performances by local bands and musicians.   

These events are organised in collaboration with corporate partners such as circa2007, the Embassy of Mexico, The Goethe Institut, Singapore Exchange, The Substation and local groups such as Music for Good, Genie Sound Advice Talent Studio and The Novelties.  

Come 21 October 2007, plans are afoot to celebrate library@orchard’s eight years of service.  On 30 November 2007, the public can look forward to a ‘Moving On’ party.  

About library@orchard
library@orchard was officially opened by Mr Lee Yock Suan, Minister for Information and the Arts on 21 October 1999. library@orchard is a major milestone in NLB’s history as it is the first lifestyle library designed especially to appeal to young Singaporeans aged 18 to 35 years. The library’s unique location at the heart of Singapore’s bustling Orchard Road shopping belt is intended to attract the youth segment of the population. Orchard Road is a place where youths most frequently meet, and by bringing the library to them, NLB is bringing the pleasure of reading and learning closer to our young people.  

About National Library Board
Established on 1 September 1995, the National Library Board’s mission is to provide a trusted, accessible and globally-connected library and information service so as to promote a knowledgeable and engaged society. NLB oversees the management of the National Library, including the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, three regional libraries, 20 community libraries, 10 community children’s libraries, as well as over 30 libraries belonging to government agencies, schools and private institutions. Through its innovative use of technology and collaboration with strategic partners, NLB ensures that library customers have access to a rich array of information services and resources that are convenient, accessible and useful.  

More information on NLB can be found on www.nlb.gov.sg