Good news for those who enjoy reading in the libraries!

 

For all of you who enjoy reading in the library, good news, the public libraries are opening up its seating areas, including eNewspaper and multimedia stations from October 20, 2020. However, there will be a timed entry system, safe distancing measures in place, and wearing of masks at all times.

The duration of stay in the libraries for each patron will be increased so that patrons can spend more time to read. Patrons can visit the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and regional libraries (in Jurong, Tampines and Woodlands) for up to three hours, and two hours in all other public libraries.

To start your reading experience, don’t forget to make an online booking for your preferred slot at https://go.gov.sg/library-visit-booking. The National Library Board will also gradually resume public programmes, with the exception of guided tours. Patrons can check NLB’s GoLibrary (https://go.gov.sg/golibrary) for details of these programmes.

Besides the public libraries, the Oldham Theatre in the National Archives of Singapore Building will also resume more services. The Asian Film Archive’s public screenings of films at the theatre will have an increased capacity of 50 persons per screening for both the theatre and the atrium. Safe distancing measures will continue to be implemented for seating in the theatre and to limit intermingling between groups. There will be one to two screenings per screening day. For those who still prefer the digital route in the comfort of their homes, not to worry as the digital programmes will continue. More information can be found at www.asianfilmarchive.org/.

In view of the capacity restrictions, do take note that patrons may have to queue and wait before they can enter the various premises. 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 the public libraries and archives before visiting.

 

(** PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash/Fahrul Azmi)