library@orchard returns with a new look, concept

SINGAPORE — The first public library to incorporate the public’s feedback and suggestions into its design — including street interviews with Orchard Road shoppers — features a loft with cosy seating and the largest collection of books on design and applied arts such as fashion, photography and architecture.

Re-opening at Orchard Gateway after seven years, the library@orchard also carries a large collection of magazine titles — some of which are exclusive — displayed on its Magazine Wall as well as audio-visual materials such as DVDs, which sit on a striking, curved shelf built into a staircase.

Launched yesterday by Communications and Information Minister Yaacob Ibrahim, the wood-themed 1,700sqm space is the first public library to span two storeys in a shopping mall. The first library@orchard, which was located at Ngee Ann City, closed in 2007.

The National Library Board, in collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic’s Design-Thinking team of 30 lecturers and students, had gathered feedback through street interviews on Orchard Road.

A prototype exhibition showcasing various designs was also held last year and feedback was collected to fine-tune the designs.

The result is a sleek, airy space that houses around 100,000 reading and audio-visual materials as well as nooks for reading.

The second floor, called the Loft, is an attic-like space with comfortable seating and features five private pod-inspired reading cubicles called Cocoons.

The 45,000 design-related titles are also on this floor, arranged in clusters called People, Space, Products, Visual and Lifestyle on curved shelves and interactive bookshelves called Book Trees, where visitors can browse hand-picked books, artworks, videos and other related content. They can also use the Book Trees’ interactive touchscreen and scanner to recommend their favourite reads.

The fiction collection is on the first floor, arranged in tall shelves that visitors can reach using the movable ladders.

The library will also host workshops by design residents at Make, a space where users can create their own projects. Talks, exhibitions and film screenings — on topics such as photography, home design and 3D printing — will also be held.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Yaacob said: “The library@orchard is what I call our next-generation library. With exciting interactive features and new collaboration spaces, it inspires people to learn and explore new ideas. At the same time, it complements the needs of our learning community by offering a good collection mix and quiet reading spaces.”

The library@orchard opens daily from 11am to 9pm, except on public holidays.