I am most awe-struck by old libraries that hold centuries’ worth of knowledge. Those that have high ceilings with arched windows, heavy wooden bookshelves with leather-bound tomes. Most impressive are those libraries with books that were printed with 15th century printing presses or better yet, with hand-lettered books. I’ve entered such a library once in my life at a grammar school that I attended for a year. That’s an experience that I’ll never forget.
Sadly, such a local library doesn’t exist in this part of the world. Most buildings are only a few decades old, so I must content myself with modernity. This is something this city-state does excel in: modern design. Very well reflected in the recently re-opend library@orchard, I can’t help but marvel at all the white spaces whenever I visit. The creative layout is clean yet welcoming and squarely puts the focus on the library’s media offerings.
If there’s one thing I’m thankful for today, it’s the privilege of the local library, of which many branches exist. My favourite branches are library@orchard and Sembawang Public Library. Yes, the very library I extolled as the resident hipster library.
What does your local library look like?
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Chyna @ Lite-Rate-Ture says
Woah I love your photography, your beautiful blog and all!!! Wow that is just gorgeous!!! I wish we had those in the PHilippines…our school libraries already suck. We don’t even have clean white public libraries…I hate this corrupt country huhuhu
Chyna @ Lite-Rate-Ture says
BTW it seems like you don’t have an RSS. I was going to follow but it didn’t work :O
Joséphine Simone says
Thank you, Chyna! I’m happy to hear you like my blog :)
I took this photo at one of the newest library branches in town. Not that many libraries are as white as this. Haha.
As for RSS, I checked again. It’s working. But you need to have an RSS reader installed for it to function. If you’re using Feedly, the link to subscribe is http://feedly.com/i/subscription/feed/https://wordrevel.com/feed/
Amy M. says
I think your local library looks GORGEOUS! I’m very jealous. Most of my libraries back at my hometown are very tiny, filled with worn copies of books and old computers. Our largest library is in a more historic building, but while it looks historic, the lack of offerings is still disappointing. I hope one day my home state will provide more fundings to their libraries. They really do need it.
Joséphine Simone says
The library branch I featured here is one of the newest in town. Most districts have their own branches, some of which aren’t as beautifully designed but they serve their purpose: loads of shelves to contain old and new releases as well as tables and chairs to consult library materials as well as study. Computers are all fairly new though, all with relatively fast Internet connections. It really is a blessing how much public funding does into the libraries here.
Joey @ Thoughts and Afterthoughts says
Everything looks so pristine and bright and white and glossy and perfect. Why–how?! O___O!!
Joséphine Simone says
Lol. It only took about a seven years of planning, designing and building xD They closed this branch down in 2007 because the lease was about to expire. They relocated and reopened end of 2014.
Alexa S. says
Seriously, this library is GORGEOUS. I love the libraries I visit here in NYC, but this one just has such a relaxing, creative atmosphere (a feeling I’m basing solely on this photo).
Joséphine Simone says
The aim was to set this library up as the design hub :) There’s a performing arts focused library too which is housed at the Esplanade, one of the main performance venues here.
Hazel @ Stay Bookish says
I so need to visit Singapore again so I can check this library out! I love that modern clean look! Wish we had such libraries here in the Philippines too. *sigh* I only visit my school library which is slightly decent (and small) compared to other libraries in Manila and actually has some good/new YA titles but I rarely ever borrow books because I usually already have their titles in my own personal collection.
Joséphine Simone says
You would absolutely love the collection of books at this library! Almost half of them are design-focused, from graphic to type to web, architecture, product design, and what have you :) Lol. Hazel. I doubt any YA library can keep up with you. Your hauls are always so massive and thoroughly up to day ;)