Come January 4, more restrictions will be eased in the public libraries and archives.

 

Restrictions will be further eased in the public libraries and archives as Singapore enters Phase 3 of its reopening. With effect from January 4, 2021, the National Library Board (NLB) will further increase the operating capacity in the National Library, its 26 public libraries (the Chua Chu Kang Public Library is currently closed for renovations and will open in 2021), the National Archives of Singapore and the Former Ford Factory.

It will also lift the existing dwell time limits on weekdays. As a result, patrons will be able to enjoy the physical facilities for extended periods on weekdays, without the need to book online. However, it is still necessary to retain the dwell time limits on weekends to manage the larger crowds. On Saturdays and Sundays, patrons can visit the National Library, regional libraries (in Jurong, Tampines and Woodlands), the National Archives of Singapore and the Study Lounge at Level 5 of the National Library Building for up to three hours, and two hours in all other public libraries. For visits during weekends, patrons are encouraged to make online bookings at https://go.gov.sg/library-visit-booking for their preferred slots.

NLB will continue to gradually resume public programmes such as storytelling and talks for professionals, with the exception of guided tours, with safe management measures in place, to ensure that public health and safety are not compromised. Patrons can check NLB’s GoLibrary (https://go.gov.sg/golibrary) for details of the resumption of the programmes.

The audience capacity for Asian Film Archive’s public screenings at Oldham Theatre (at level 2 of the National Archives Building) will increase from 50 to 66 persons for both the theatre and the atrium. Safe distancing measures will continue for seating in the theatre and to limit intermingling between groups. There will be one to two screenings per screening day at the Oldham Theatre and digital programmes will continue to be available for patrons. More information can be found at www.asianfilmarchive.org.

Patrons who visit NLB’s facilities must wear their masks at all times and adhere to the capacity limit at its facilities. With the resumption of programmes, it will also carry out additional cleaning, sanitisation and ventilation of programme areas between sessions. Patrons can check https://go.gov.sg/library-visit-crowd or the NLB mobile app (https://mobileapp.nlb.gov.sg) for the real-time crowd capacity in NLB’s libraries and archives before visiting. Please refer to the Annex https://go.gov.sg/nlbannex-29dec for details on the services available at NLB facilities.

 

(** PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash/chuttersnap)