Moving On: library@orchard in transit

Media Release

10 days left before library@orchard moves on
Re-opening targeted in 2010

Singapore, 21 November 2007 – library@orchard will move out from its current premises on 30 November 2007. The move, as earlier announced in July, is the result of the end and non-renewal of its existing lease on the space. The library will re-open in 2010 in two re-incarnations – as library@*scape, a youth community space and as library@orchard at a redeveloped site along Orchard Road. Library users will still be able to return books at the bookdrop located at library@orchard until 15 December 2007.

Final Countdown to the Last 10 Days
For those who don’t want to miss out on the library@orchard’s offerings before it closes its doors temporarily, these 10 days will be their final chance to visit.

A series of activities ranging from talks on social issues to film screenings will be held in its current premises throughout this week. (The full list of activities can be found at Annex.)

The public can also visit the library@orchard blog via http://blogs.nlb.gov.sg/orchard/ to share their feelings and reflections of the library with fellow library patrons by posting messages, pictures or videos. The library@orchard blog was first launched on 25 July in conjunction with the first public announcement on the relocation of the library. Since then, the blog has attracted an average of more than 60 visits a day with many patrons sharing fond memories of the library and providing suggestions for the new libraries.

Leading to the temporary closure of library@orchard, NLB has opened its premises for the first time to citizen bloggers to report on library happenings. They are provided with access to the library’s backend operations and are allowed to get exclusive interviews with the library staff. In addition, bloggers are given the freedom to post reports on their own blogs.

Ms Jasna Dhansukhlal, Manager of library@orchard, said, “Inviting citizen bloggers to report on library@orchard ties in with NLB’s Library 2010 vision of creating self-sustaining learning communities. We hope that through this new channel, we could reach out more effectively to the younger generation and get them more aware of what the library on the whole has to offer.”

‘Moving On’ Party for All Supporters
All activities will culminate at the “Moving On” party on 30 November to celebrate the library’s past service and its future plans.

The library, which has been operating successfully in Ngee Ann City for the past eight years, will be transformed into a funky wonderland that evening. Partygoers will be treated to a host of street performances and stage performances by leading local bands. Expect an exciting night of entertainment for young and old alike, with good food, music, and dancing. All supporters of the library are invited for this celebration with the library’s staff members and partners.

More information on library@orchard’s upcoming activities and its ‘Moving On’party can be found at http://blogs.nlb.gov.sg/orchard/.

Annex

20-26 November
Arts Revelation - Let’s deal with stigma of HIV
Exhibition and Talks presented by Health Promotion Board and Action for Aids
One common misconception is a person can get HIV by sharing toilet seats. Placing a toilet bowl in a public space and other art installations are an exaggerated interpretation of how a person may fear someone with HIV/AIDS. Arts Revelations aims to dispel such misconceptions and reduce the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS.

22 November, Thursday
BookCross@SG November Meet-Up, 7.00-8.30pm
“I used to be human once. So I’m told. I don’t remember it myself, but people who knew me when I was small say I walked on two feet just like a human being.”
Want to know more? Join us for a fun-filled evening as we explore this story through exciting games and discussions. Light refreshments will be provided in a cozy and relaxed setting.
Register your interest by e-mailing bookcross@nlb.gov.sg before 21st Nov ‘07. Bring a book to start the BookCross exchange!

23 November, Friday
One Universe, One Heartbeat: Meditations from around the world, 7.00-8.30pm
Presented by Dhyan Tara, certified OSHO Meditation Facilitator/official local representative, OSHO Information Centre
Ever wanted to know more about the different types of meditations from various parts of the world? Get acquainted with at least 6 meditation methods – Tibetan Humming, Sufi Whirling, Japanese Zen Meditation, Didgeridoo Meditation, Vipassana and of course, meditations from the World of Osho Meditation. This talk will include group discussion and Q&A session on the topic of meditation and its uses in modern times.

24 November, Saturday
10 by 10 Short Film Screenings, 3.00-4.30pm
Co-presented with The Substation Moving Images – we’re 10 this year!
10 years of Moving Images equals 10 years of nurturing local filmmakers, and
10 short films to note! Presenting a selection of short films by Associate Filmmakers of The Substation like Kan Lume, Jeremy Sing and Kelvin Sng, as well as favourites from First Take - our monthly platform for up-and-coming film-makers.

26 November, Monday
Let’s End the Stigma of People with HIV/AIDS, 7.00-8.00pm
Talk presented by Benedict Jacob-Thambiah, Project Coordinator, Action for AIDS

30 November, Friday
‘Moving On’ Party, 6.30-9.00pm
Shed no tears on our last day at Ngee Ann City. We celebrate all your favourite things about the library@orchard before we ‘Move On’ to our new premises, opening in 2010.