Hipster library shelves at Sembawang Public Library, Singapore
After months of closure due to renovation, Sembawang Public Library finally opened its doors again last month. I like that it’s further up north away from the hustle and bustle of town, so not that many people have discovered it yet. It has such a hipster vibe too, I can’t help but love it.
Missing Icons
Officially, they say it’s nautically-themed though, so not strictly hipster. As such, I shall forgive the absence of fixed gear bicycles and pinhole cameras. Other than that, a lot speaks for it being a hipster library.
9 Signs of a Hipster Library
I could’ve tried to list ten signs but lists of ten are too mainstream to celebrate the hipsterdom that is this library. Thus nine signs it is.
Where I could, I added photos but the low light made it difficult to capture all the glory. Maybe I should ask a librarian in future if I may take photos with my DSLR. Anyway, for now, let me break down what makes a hipster library.
1. Off the Beaten Track
Currently the entire mall is under renovation but the fifth floor houses the fully operational library. To get there, patrons must take the service lift. When I ventured to said lift lobby a few days ago, the lights started flickering. Needless to say, I didn’t dare to go up anymore. I wasn’t the only one either who abandoned library plans.
2. Exposed Brick Wall
No self respecting hipster (who denies being a hipster) can forgo a lovely wall featuring red bricks. This comes with grey floors and exposed ceilings, obviously.
3. Books
Intellect is a highly prized possession among hipsters. There’s no better way to prove intellect than to sit down with a book in public. Also, books are such vintage mechanisms that ebooks are pretty much passé with hipsters.
4. Cage Shelves
Always chasing the next exclusive thing, standard shelves just don’t cut it. To cement that exclusivity, this is the only library I have come across with cage shelf. Granted, they’re only at the entrance to display newly returned items but still, those shelves are unique.
5. Juxtaposing Metal and Wood
Hipsters have a penchant for mixing and matching as they please. Who cares that wood and metal form an odd juxtaposition? Even better when this achieves a 50s look.
6. Bar counter and stools
No, there are no drinks. But a long wooden bar table serves as a desk, complete with bar stools. If only they did serve coffee. Then this would be hipster library heaven and I would set up permanent base there.
7. New Old
Notice how vintage items in the hands of hipsters aren’t technically old? They’re almost always new items made to look dated. Well, this hipster library has backlist books that are in pristinely new condition.
8. Space to Hang Out
It’s not just about the books. There’s free wifi, air-conditioning (always a draw in the tropics), a programmes room, a reading lounge, magazines and a space that resembles a deck where people can sit down together to chill and hang out. There’s the off chance that a librarian might chase you out but as long as you’re quiet, that’s not really going to happen.
9. Denial
Hipsters deny that they are hipsters. They have no unity. This is where these seats with integrated tables come in. Patrons can sit by their lonesome self and pretend they’re regular people. Because really, how can a bibliophile ever be regular?
Oh what a brilliant post! By far, one of my favorites!
This library looks stunning, would love to visit one day!
Also, just a tad disappointed with the whole “no coffee” thing, I mean… I just figured the idea of coffee & books was a given, but guess not! Regardless, thank you so much for sharing this gem
-Adriana .x
P.S – LOVED #9
I had never read anything more true than those sentences.
I love everything about this library! I’m so glad you’ve showcased it! It must feel like a very awesome bookstore! I hope you don’t mind, I shared your link with my teen librarian class. =D
*drools* I’d love to go there! You already know I loved that brick wall, and those shelves are so cool. I’m just so disappointed they’re not serving coffee, because that would be perfect. Especially for me, because coffee is like a drug for me. I just loveeee coffee.
But honestly, I love the sound of this library too. That lounge looks so comfy, the design looks amazing, and I just wish the Philippines would do something like this!
That is an awesome looking library. I actually like all the contrasting shelving. It’s better than the prison-style shelving I’ve seen in most libraries lol
What is it with hipsters and the exposed brick walls, anyway? Every time I see one I cringe at the thought of the winter heating bill :/
What do you mean with prison-style shelving? I’m not exactly what I’m supposed to picture with that. Haha.
Well, I guess it goes with the retro territory. And the grittiness of the outdoors, only indoors? I can’t think of a better explanation. Lol.
Those cage shelves look pretty cool :D I like that there is a reading lounge, so a trip to the library is really a trip – instead of just a place to get books.
Most libraries here have reading lounges :) The bigger ones also have sections with tables and chairs. Technically they’re for those reading/consulting library books but a lot of students disregard that and instead study at public libraries.
‘No self respecting hipster (who denies being a hipster) can forgo a lovely wall featuring red bricks.’ – HAHAHAHAHA. BUT OMYGOSH THAT LIBRARY IS JUST PURE AWESOME, JOSÉPHINE! I wish I could visit Singapore again to see your library’s glorious hipsterness and borrow some books!
I mean, just look at that wall. It sucks you right it! ;) Ooh! You have a Singapore library card? Or you spend time at a library here when you can?
Love this!! This bookstore looks awesome!!
~Sara
It’s a library ;) And yes, awesome is the perfect description!
THIS IS A GORGEOUS LIBRARY. Why aren’t any of my libraries this pretty?? And CAGE SHELVES. Such a good idea!! Ahhhhh I want to move into that library and just stay there forever and ever and ever. Also really smart that you made this a list of nine! That never would have even occurred to me but it definitely keeps in time with the hipster theme
I KNOW, RIGHT! In the past few years our library board has attempted to theme new libraries or renovated ones. This library is in an area which used to house shipyards, hence the nautical theme. Our performing arts library has a performance platform and video screening rooms, the design and architecture library has a very modern design, while the central library is very spacious and has glass walls, so that all the reference sections are well-lit.
Absolutely cracking post, Joséphine! You definitely made my day :D 5. JUXTAPOSING METAL AND WOOD <—–SO TRUE and completely typical. Jokes aside, this library looks absolutely amazing and I'm so incredibly jealous because aus just doesn't cut it when it comes to our libraries. And I don't think I'll be seeing a hipster-esque one any soon. Although, what I will say is ALL OUR CAFES ARE HIPSTER THEMED NOW. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. We can't escape. It's an epidemic.
Hahaha. I’m glad this cracked you up :D I agree, the renovation was worth it because it has such a great atmosphere now. It’s not just where you live. Where I live practically every café opened by someone under 30 is hipster-themed. It’s the default decor everyone seems to be going for nowadays when it comes to cafés. So yeah, epidemic is a fitting description.