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Post Category - LearnLearn - Post Category - TechnologyTechnology - Post Category - EnrichmentEnrichment
Post Category - Family LifeFamily Life
Post Category - PlayPlay - Post Category - IndoorIndoorCentral Public Library reopens after a revamp! Get all the intel on its new Children’s Biodiversity Library. Plus here’s our list of the best public libraries in Singapore with storytelling sessions, and fun workshops! Punggol Regional Library also has puppets, activity stations and toys and one library has an indoor playground!
Let’s hear it for the amazing public libraries in Singapore (with free AC, wifi and plenty of children’s books)! While our little bookworms adore their bedtime stories, finding space in our teeny apartments to fit in all those picture books gets a bit tricky sometimes… Luckily, Singapore is blessed with some fabulous public libraries that are brimming with children’s literature, making it easy for you to borrow books without having to buy them. With our guide to the best children’s libraries, you’ll be heading out to your local library in no time! If the book your little one is looking for isn’t available at your local library, head to Singapore’s ebooks library — with more than 2.2 million ebooks available to download, let the reading fun begin (the book selection is pretty up-to-date, so you’ll find plenty to love too, mama)!
Keep reading for our guide to the best libraries for kids in Singapore!
Jump to:
Kid-friendly Libraries in Singapore by Area:
Punggol Regional Library
Ang Mo Kio Public Library
Bedok Public Library
Bishan Public Library
Bukit Batok Public Library
Bukit Panjang Public Library
Central Public Library
Cheng San Public Library
Choa Chu Kang Public Library
Clementi Public Library
Geylang East Public Library
library@harbourfront
Jurong Regional Library
Jurong West Public Library
Marine Parade Public Library
Queenstown Public Library
Pasir Ris Public Library
Sembawang Public Library
Sengkang Public Library
Serangoon Public Library
Tampines Regional Library
Toa Payoh Public Library
Woodlands Public Library
Yishun Public Library
MOLLY, NLB’s Mobile Library
Other public libraries in Singapore:
library@chinatown
library@orchard (Library at Orchard)
Other resource hubs:
The LLiBrary
National Archives of Singapore
– How much is NLB Membership?
To borrow books from a public library, you’ll need an NLB library membership, which is free for Singaporeans but chargeable for PRs (one-time registration fee of $10.59) and Foreigners (one time registration fee of $10.59 and an annual fee of $43.20).
– How many books can be borrowed from a library in Singapore?
The Basic NLB Membership allows you to borrow 16 physical items and 16 eBooks for 21 days. Additionally, PAssion Card holders may borrow up to 24 physical items and 16 eBooks. If you need more time to finish the books, you can extend the due date once for another 21 days.
– eBooks and Audiobooks from the NLB
Those who prefer to go digital can download the new Libby app, which replaced OverDrive in 2023, and allows you to borrow and download eBooks and audiobooks from the NLB library. You can easily find the next book in a series and even create custom tags that will notify you when new issues of your favourite books or magazines are released. Make sure you turn on your notifications for the Libby app, so you’ll get push notifications on your mobile device for expiring loans, holds, and more.
Kid-friendly Public Libraries in Singapore:
Central Public Library: NOW OPEN!
We’re super stoked about the new Central Public Library that reopened on 12 January 2024. One of the new features of huge Central Public Library is the Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium which features biodiversity-themed learning spaces, including a Sea Jelly Zone, with a video projection of sea jellies from the S.E.A. Aquarium, an Intertidal Zone, with interpretive displays about organisms living on marine shorelines and the Submarine Room, where educational programmes will be held. Our favourite spot is the huge floor-to-ceiling column with coral-like features! There will be a range of engaging and interactive zones throughout the library where kids can get up close with specimens of shark jaws and coral skeletons. Children can look forward to new monthly programmes on marine biology and conservation in a submarine-style space — meet real-life divers and aquarists, join intertidal animal art workshops, storytelling sessions, upcycling workshops, and more. The library will also feature gamification kiosks with features such as an interactive digital installation where kids can colour an avatar from NLB’s well-loved Book Bugs series and see them appear on the projection screen.
Storytelling Sessions: check the list of programmes here.
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 9pm, (except public holidays). Closes at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New year and Chinese New Year.
Central Public Library Singapore, #B1-01, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064, Website
Punggol Regional Library: two floors for kids
The new Punggol Regional Library within One Punggol has dedicated offerings for children on two levels (open daily from 12pm to 9pm). Don’t miss the Spark!Lab™, a DIY tinkering space for children (aged 7 to 12 years) to participate in hands-on activities and create innovative solutions to different challenges. TinkerTots is where children (aged 6 years and below) can play with educational toys, while the Toy Library offers educational toys, puppets and costumes for children (aged 6 years and below). Older kids (7-12 years old) will love the Storyteller Cove features interactive experiences for children to learn about the writing process and create their own stories with DIY activity kits and prop-making, while the Stories Come Alive Room uses moving images and text, plus light and sound effects to make storytelling an immersive and interactive experience for children aged 4 to 10 years. Levels 3 to 5 will soon offer programmes and activities for teenagers and adults that cover areas such as business, technology, and local literature.
Psst…if you want to get the kids outdoors for some vitamin D, check out the Punggol Container Park for kid-friendly activities, food and more!
Storytelling Sessions: Every Friday, 3pm – 3:30pm (4 – 6 yrs) and Every Sunday, 1:30pm – 2pm (7 – 12 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm – 9pm (except public holidays)
Punggol Regional Library, 1 Punggol Drive, One Punggol, #01-12, Singapore 828629, Website
Ang Mo Kio Public Library
Ang Mo Kio Public Library spans two levels and has a collection size of about 259,000 reading materials. In addition to a wide variety of books and magazines in all four of Singapore’s official languages, Ang Mo Kio Public Library carries one of the most comprehensive and varied collection of print and non-print materials in Tamil among the public libraries! The children’s section is decked out with kid-friendly tables and chairs for kiddos to sit down and pore over the books available.
Storytelling sessions: Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month, 3pm – 3:30pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Ang Mo Kio Public Library, 4300 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, Singapore 569842, Website
Bedok Public Library
Bedok Public Library at Heartbeat@Bedok is among some great amenities with sports and recreational facilities, a community club, a polyclinic, an integrated daycare facility for the elderly and retail spaces for all age groups. The Early Literacy Collections at Bedok Public Library have been placed with young readers in mind, all shelved on easily-accessible low shelves, grouped in 5 categories: Sense & Sensation, Concepts, Languages, Poetry & Rhymes and Emergent Reader, so parents can select materials to support their child’s development. There’s also a great Malay collection for adults, featured in a more prominent space to highlight the unique wide ranging and varied selection of books in Malay.
Storytelling sessions: 1st and 2nd Saturdays of the month, 3pm – 3:30pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Bedok Public Library, 11 Bedok North Street 1, #02-03 & #03-04 Heartbeat@Bedok, Singapore 469662, Website
Bishan Public Library
Bishan Public Library is well known for its architecture – it looks like a tree house with its distinctive coloured pods! The Children’s Collection at the Bishan Public Library Basement has materials suitable for children from newborns up to 12 years old. The NLB collection includes children’s magazines, books for babies, picture books for preschoolers, as well as stories, fairy tales and informational books for older children!
Storytelling sessions: Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 3.30 pm – 4.00 pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Bishan Public Library, 5 Bishan Place #01-01, Singapore 579841, Website
Bukit Batok Public Library
Bukit Batok Public Library is an older library that was opened in 1998, but this was the first library in the world to use a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system! The kiddos get their own cute nook where they can dive into magical stories that will unlock their imagination. There is also a programme room that will hold lively storytelling sessions for little ones to watch stories come alive. The Bukit Batok Public library isn’t huge, but it’s conveniently located in West Mall right by Bukit Batok MRT station.
Do note that Bukit Batok Public Library will be temporarily closed from 31 December 2023 to end of 2025 for an exciting revamp! Stay tuned for more deets.
Storytelling sessions: Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, 12:30pm – 1pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Bukit Batok Public Library, 1 Bukit Batok Central Link, West Mall #03-01, Singapore 658713, Website
Bukit Panjang Public Library
Having undergone extensive renovations in 2017 (including a direct connection to Downtown Line MRT – so convenient!), the huge Bukit Panjang Public Library has two wings. One wing is dedicated to kiddos, how cool is that?! A particular highlight of the Bukit Panjang Public Library is the “Stories Come Alive Room”, which makes use of images, lights and sound effects.
Storytelling sessions: Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 5pm – 5:30pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Bukit Panjang Public Library, 1 Jelebu Road, #04-04 & 16/17 Bukit Panjang Plaza, Singapore 677743, Website
Cheng San Public Library
This library in Hougang could easily be mistaken for an art gallery due to its design. It’s also really conducive for families too, with a brightly-coloured children’s section, and The Baby Corner which boasts comfortable furniture for children and parents to sit and read together. The Children’s Section is garden-themed, with materials suitable for children from the ages of 0 to 12. If you’ve got tweens and teens, don’t miss The Young People’s collection which offers materials suitable for teens from the ages of 13 to 19!
Storytelling sessions: Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 3:30pm – 4pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Cheng San Public Library, 90 Hougang Avenue 10 #03-11 Hougang Mall, Singapore 538766, Website
Choa Chu Kang Public Library
Choa Chu Kang Public Library reopened in 2021 after an expansion to house an indoor garden on level 5! There’s so much space to be immersed in greenery and natural sunlight now, with its own hydroponics showcase, and a community wall showing tips and knowledge on sustainable living. The kids’ section is nicely decked out with an indoor tree structure and ample seating.
Storytelling Sessions: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 5pm – 5:30pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Closed on Public Holidays)
Choa Chu Kang Public Library, 21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4 #04-01/02 and #05-06 Lot One Shoppers’ Mall, Singapore 689812, Website
Clementi Public Library
Conveniently located within Clementi Mall, Clementi Public Library was the first library in Singapore to feature interactive digital storytelling kiosks, which provide a colourful, novel way for kiddos to interact with stories (for instance, they can take quizzes at the end to test their own recollections!).
Storytelling sessions: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 5pm – 5:30pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Clementi Public Library, 3155 Commonwealth Avenue West, #05-13/14/15 The Clementi Mall, Singapore 129588, Website
Geylang East Public Library
Geylang East Public Library is famous for its plethora of free children’s activities on weekends. Pop by for Super Storytastic reading sessions, magic shows, baking workshops and much much more. We love that there’s a dedicated babies’ corner as well as a cool “Green Reading Space” that kiddos find very inviting.
Storytelling sessions: Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, 3:30pm – 4pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Geylang East Public Library, 50 Geylang East Ave 1, Singapore 389777, Website
library@harbourfront
Newly opened in January 2019 at VivoCity, library@harbourfront provides a light and airy space with amazing views overlooking Sentosa — making it not only a reading space for residents but a place where you can come and learn. The large children’s area encourages young readers to learn through technology in the very cool Augmented Reality room, which brings stories to life. Plus there’s the Tinker Truck makerspace (geared towards children ages 3 to 9) for crafting and puzzle activities. With a huge Adult and Teen library, as well as a fabulous digital collection of about 480,000 eBooks, it makes this library a one-stop-shop for all your family’s reading needs.
Storytelling Sessions: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 4pm – 4:30pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am – 9pm
library@harbourfront, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #03-05 VivoCity, Singapore 098585, Website
Jurong Regional Library
The largest public library in Singapore at 12,020 square metres, Jurong Regional Library offers heaps of super cool dedicated spaces for kids and teens. The Early Literacy Library collection (the first in Singapore!) carries a wide range of books and digital materials geared towards children in the under-3 and 4-to-6 age groups. The dedicated Teen section, “Verging All Teens (V.A.T.)”, was created with actual teen input and carries cool genres like comics and graphic novels. V.A.T. also hosts open-mic nights and other performances to showcase young talent.
Storytelling sessions: Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 12:30pm – 1pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Jurong Regional Library, 21 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609732, Website
Jurong West Public Library
The Children’s collection at Jurong West Public Library has materials suitable for children aged 1 to 12 years old and is located at Level 2 of the library. In addition to a wide variety of children’s books, audio-visual and magazines in all four of Singapore’s official languages, this floor also carries an extensive selection of Parenting collection catering to the needs of mamas and dads! There’s also a Young People’s Collection located at level 3, with a wide variety of materials suitable for teens aged 13 to 19 years old.
Storytelling sessions: Every 3rd and 4th Saturday of the month, 3:30pm – 4pm (4 – 6yrs).
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am -9pm
Jurong West Public Library, 60 Jurong West Central 3 #01-03, Singapore 648346, Website
Marine Parade Public Library
Note: Marine Parade Public Library will be closed from 9 May 2022 to 2025 for renovations. List of alternative libraries and reading corners available here.
Keeping tots occupied with interactive, multimedia exhibits, as well as stacks of newer DVDs… Marine Parade Public Library is definitely the place to go for a (cheap) movie night with the fam! There’s a colourful and engaging children’s reading corner, and a dynamic programme space offering kid-friendly workshops on everything from Preparing for the PSLE to exploring Robotics!
Storytelling sessions: none for now until it reopens!
Library Opening Hours: closed until 2025
Marine Parade Public Library, 278 Marine Parade Road #01-02, Singapore 449282, Website
Queenstown Public Library
If your kiddos are true bookworm types then you’ll love the offerings at Queenstown Public Library. With regular craft sessions, movie screenings and gardening to name just a few, this library has a ton of fun activities for kids of all ages.
Storytelling sessions: Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, 10am – 11am (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Queenstown Public Library, 53 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149297, Website
Pasir Ris Public Library
Pasir Ris Public Library conveniently sits on the top floor of White Sands Shopping Mall and features an early literary section for young, emerging readers to have easy access to simple children’s books. We all know that teens need their space – so they’ll enjoy Teen Mezzanine with acrylic pods where they can enjoy quiet reading time (or perhaps catch up on their social media feed). Young parents can pop by the Parenting Section with plenty of valuable resources about toddler tantrums, sleep training, baby-led weaning and all of the topics you’ll probably have questions about!
Storytelling sessions: Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 3:30pm – 4pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Pasir Ris Public Library, 1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3, #04-01/06, White Sands, Singapore 518457, Website
Sembawang Public Library
Owing to Sembawang’s rich history and naval connections, the Sembawang library has a modern nautical and maritime design theme – including fun, container-shaped spaces in the children’s area. There’s a cosy and colourful babies and toddlers area with low seating and tactile furniture that’s perfect for snuggling up with a story. There’s also an Early Literacy Collection that focuses on five key areas – playing, talking, singing, reading and writing – that are vital to children’s learning and development. The Young Readers Area for kids ages 7 to 9 features Interactive Digital Storytelling Kiosks, and there’s a special reading deck open seating area especially for parents and kids. Sembawang Library also has a thematic storytelling session every third Wednesday of the month relating to popular story categories like folk tales, friendship and festivals.
Psst! Be sure to check out Sembawang Park and its cool battleship-themed playground while you’re in the neighbourhood!
Storytelling sessions: Every 1st and 4th Saturday of the month, 11:30am – 12pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Sembawang Public Library, 30 Sembawang Drive, #05-01 Sun Plaza, Singapore 757713, Website
Sengkang Public Library
Designed for families to read and bond together, the Early Literacy Area at Sengkang Public Library is the perfect place for little ones to take their first steps into an exciting world of stories and ideas. The Tween Space is an experiential learning environment for children aged 10 to 14.
Read More: How to Choose the Best Baby Carrier for You and Your Bub
Storytelling sessions: Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 3:30pm – 4pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Librray Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Sengkang Public Library, 1 Sengkang Square #03-28 & #04-19 Compass One, Singapore 545078, Website
Serangoon Public Library
Serangoon Public Library is located on the rooftop of NEX (handily right by one of our favourite mall playgrounds in Singapore!). If you’re ok with some screen time, Serangoon Public Library also has a number of digital gaming programs and PC gaming stations to encourage learning and social bonding through play.
Storytelling sessions: Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 3pm – 3:30pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Serangoon Public Library, 23 Serangoon Central, #04-82/83 NEX, Singapore 556083, Website
Tampines Regional Library
The super cool, futuristic Tampines Regional Library features a special Children’s Chinese collection along with extra storytelling sessions and an Early Literacy Library especially geared toward little ones under age 3 (in fact the entire third floor is just for kids ages 0-6).
Tampines Regional Library also has culinary studios and an indoor playground Playtopia located on level three of the library. Playtopia has ball pits, trampolines and slides for young ones and costs from $12 for a 1-hour weekday play to $22 for a 2-hour weekend play.
Read more: Tampines Regional Library is the Library of the Future
Storytelling sessions: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 4pm – 4:30pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Tampines Regional Library, 1 Tampines Walk, #02-01 Our Tampines Hub, Singapore 528523, Website
Toa Payoh Public Library
“Mama, there’s a ship in the library!” is the first thing you’re likely to hear from your tikes when you first walk into this Toa Payoh Public Library gem. With the children’s section on the first floor (and built like a ship with a Treasure Island theme!) the Toa Payoh Public Librar will keep little ones busy with their regular storytimes. Fun!
Storytelling sessions: Every 1st and 2nd Saturday of the month, 11am – 11:30am (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm
Toa Payoh Public Library, 6 Toa Payoh Central, Singapore 319191, Website
Woodlands Regional Library
Looking for an interactive library that is as fun as taking a stroll in the park? You know they have one in Woodlands! With an Enchanted Tree and Window to the World display to get curious kids excited about reading, plus an entire children’s level that has been designed like a park, the Woodlands Regional Library really goes above and beyond for littlies. They even have their very own NLB catalogue (Kids Cat) so juniors can search for their own books. Woodlands also houses the Asian Children’s Literature (ACL) Collection, which holds about 8,000 items – including rare publications dating back a hundred years – and aims to raise awareness and promote deeper understanding of Asian children’s literature, as well as Asian culture and heritage.
Storytelling sessions: Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, 3pm – 3:30pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Librray Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Woodlands Regional Library, 900 South Woodlands Drive, #01-03 Woodlands Civic Centre, Singapore 730900, Website
Yishun Public Library
We love the bright and spacious area of Yishun Public Library where little ones can read all of their favourite books and discover new ones! Yishun Public Library is located on the top floor of Northpoint City Shopping Mall, which makes this a great place to keep the kids occupied if you need to get some shopping done. In line with the digital age we live in, this public library has virtual bookshelves, where you can easily borrow books with QR codes and a Digital Learning Zone that allows you to listen to audio lectures or even tour a virtual museum!
Storytelling sessions: Every 1st and 2nd Saturday of the month, 11:30am – 12pm (4 – 6 yrs)
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Yishun Public Library, 930 Yishun Avenue 2, North Wing, Northpoint City, #04-01, Singapore 769098, Website
MOLLY, NLB’s Mobile Library: Kid’s library on wheels
Has NLB’s Molly the Bus (a mobile kids’ library) visited your neighbourhood? The MOLLY fleet of one big bus and two mini-buses carries 3,000 books on board and travels all over Singapore, primarily to special education centres and preschools as well as neighbourhoods. Librarians engage kiddos with storytelling sessions, and customised child-friendly book stations allow little ones to borrow and return books all by themselves. It’s a wonderful initiative by NLB to get children excited about reading and introduce the magic of discovering new books at the library.
Keep a lookout for the next MOLLY, NLB’s Mobile Library sighting on Facebook!
Other public libraries in Singapore:
library@chinatown
Want a fun educational experience to teach your kids about Chinese arts and culture? Head to library@chinatown, the first volunteer-run library that offers books, resources and programmes for Chinese dialects like Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese. The programmes at this public library aim to cultivate a greater appreciation of the Chinese culture and roots that date back to centuries ago!
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am – 9pm
library@chinatown, 133 New Bridge Road, Chinatown Point, #04-12, Singapore 059413, Website
The LLiBrary
The LLiBrary was built as a collaboration between the National Library Board and SkillsFuture Singapore to support working adults. Though they don’t have a children’s section, this public library is great for working adults who are looking for resources about skills upgrading, self-help, communication, management, career development and more. There are also talks and workshops to encourage and support lifelong learning.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30am – 10pm
The LLiBrary, 11 Eunos Road 8, Lifelong Learning Institute #03-02 (Via Lobby B), Singapore 408601, Website
National Archives of Singapore
Want to learn all about Singapore’s history and heritage? The National Archives of Singapore stores treasured knowledge and memories from Singapore’s past from government files to private memoirs, historical maps, photographs and more. So if you’re feeling nostalgic or are just curious about how far we’ve come as a nation, head down to the National Archives of Singapore.
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am – 9pm
National Archives of Singapore, 1 Canning Rise, Singapore 179868, Website
library@orchard: Orchard library
The library at Orchard, aka library@orchard is located downtown and primarily has resources for those pursuing design. Unfortunately, there isn’t a children’s section in this public library at Orchard, but it is certainly a nice, quiet library where you can work in peace. library@orchard is the first double-storey public library built within a mall and features ‘Book Trees’ with books, magazines, AV items and digital displays that show the latest happenings in the library.
Library Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am – 9pm
library@orchard, 277 Orchard Road, orchardgateway #03-12 / #04-11, Singapore 238858, Website
