The Best Libraries for Kids in Singapore

It might feel like reading’s going a bit out of fashion, thanks largely to the competition between books and screens, but reading really is a great skill, hobby, or passion to instill in kids from the youngest possible age. Regular reading by kids is associated with improved language skills, increased concentration, improved imagination and creativity, as well as accelerated emotional development and enhanced social skills. Coupled with that, a shared interest in books and reading can act as a bond between parents and children. And proficient readers are likely to find academic studies easier because reading and understanding the question won’t be their greatest challenge in an exam. Some studies have concluded that kids enjoy reading most when they’re allowed to choose what they read – some children will like chapter books while others prefer graphic novels or comics. In short, reading is a great activity that should be encouraged! Thankfully, Singapore offers many public libraries that want to encourage kids and their families to enter their doors. Most have dedicated kids’ areas where children can relax while browsing books; many have storytelling sessions for younger children.

As Singapore public libraries are so good, we recommend that you consider getting a National Library Board (NLB) membership. The annual fee is around $45 for foreigners (or free for local Singaporeans) but for that you get access to all Singapore’s public libraries as well as the ability to order and read digital books online using their App called Libby. With Libby you get access to a huge range of ebooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines – all free of charge and with no need to physically collect or return books. You can also extend your loan or return the book early with a click. However, you do miss out on the library visit experience and the opportunity for kids to choose books from the shelves, which can be an exciting sensory experience. Additionally, as some of Singapore’s libraries are so beautifully designed, you also miss out on a feast for the eyes.

There are over 30 public libraries in Singapore to choose from, but here are just a selection of those that are worthy of special mention.

Punggol Regional Library

Punggol Regional Library obviously decided that if you really want to encourage kids to read you need to go big – they have 2 floors dedicated to children with something for every age group! Kids under 6 years old can play with educational toys at TinkerTots, while kids aged 7-9 can engage in hands-on activities and challenges in the Maker area called Spark!Lab. Older kids can learn to create their own stories in a dedicated space called Storyteller Cove. The library also welcomes kids for storytelling sessions each week (Fridays 3-3:30pm for kids aged 4-6 years; Sundays 1:30-2pm for kids aged 7-12 years).

library@harbourfront

Conveniently located at VivoCity, this extremely modern library has a dedicated Children’s Zone, a makerspace for kids aged 3-9 years, and even an augmented reality room to ‘bring stories to life’. As well as offering beautiful views across the harbour, it hosts storytelling sessions for kids aged 4-6 years on the second and fourth Saturday of the month, 12:30-1pm.

Jurong Regional Library

Jurong Regional Library claims the title of being Singapore’s largest public library and has dedicated sections for early readers as well as Teens. It’s so hip that it even hosts live events such as open mic and drama performances for kids to showcase their talents. Kids aged 4-6 years are invited to join their storytelling sessions on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, from 4-4:30pm.

Clementi Public Library

This library is located in Clementi Mall, which makes it very convenient if you want to tie a library trip in with some household shopping. Its ‘digital storytelling kiosks’ are worthy of special mention because they encourage experiential learning and kids can engage with stories by answering quizzes on them. Storytelling sessions for kids aged 4-6 years are offered on the first and third Wednesday of the month, 5-5:30pm.

Bukit Panjang Public Library

This expansive library was renovated in 2017 and now has an entire wing dedicated to children. It also has a special ‘Stories Come Alive Room’, a multimedia room where stories are projected on the walls for a really immersive experience. Kids can also browse and choose books using big touch screens. If that’s not enough, storytelling sessions for kids aged 4-6 years take place every second and fourth Friday of the month, 5-5:30pm.

Geylang East Public Library

This library takes encouraging kids to read to a new level, for example by hosting occasional magic shows and other events. The children’s section and storytelling room are located on level 1. Storytelling sessions for kids aged 4-6 years are held on the first and third Friday of the month, from 3:30-4pm.

Tampines Regional Library

Tampines Regional Library was definitely designed with parents in mind, as it features an indoor playground called ‘Playtopia’, complete with slides, trampolines and even a ball pit! This innovative and ultra-modern library also has a Maker space, cooking studio, and a 700 metre-long running track! Kids aged 4-6 years are invited to storytelling sessions every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 4-4:30pm.

These are just a handful of the numerous public libraries available in Singapore. With so many of them offering opportunities that go beyond loaning a book, they really are worth a visit as a family to see how libraries have evolved and improved over the last 10 years alone. As they say, ‘you’re never alone when you’ve got a good book’, so it’s always a good time to encourage kids to develop a passion for reading.