Read & Rest In Our Public Libraries: Top 4 Spots To Read In Singapore’s Libraries

In today’s fast-paced world, libraries are more than just places for books—they’ve become havens for comfort, especially for seniors looking for a quiet spot to read. As our population ages, there’s a growing understanding of the need for libraries to offer inviting and comfortable spaces tailored to seniors. Imagine cosy reading corners with soft lighting and lounges with comfy seating—these are the changing landscapes of libraries catering to the comfort of our older readers. In this article, we explore some of the most spacious and serene atmospheres in Singapore’s libraries.

Punggol Regional Library

Punggol’s Library recently opened its five-storey haven for its residents. Unique to its branch, Punggol library includes several features like the Toy Library, which educates children to engage in sensory play and Calm Pods to read and rest. Furthermore, assistive technology devices are throughout the library to assist seniors and first-time visitors on the catalogue, library’s layout and more. The library also features inclusive and accessible features for people with disabilities such as the accessible collection’s inclusion of braille texts and phonic readers at Level 1. There are ample reading spaces and seats for seniors to choose from and rest. Furthermore, the library has working and meeting pods, doubling it up as a co-working space. Whenever you need a refreshment from all that reading, seniors can head over to Artease, the in-house cafe at level two, for mains, refreshing drinks, and desserts. Punggol Regional Library is located at #01-12, One Punggol, 1 Punggol Drive, Singapore 828629.

Library @Orchard

Situated in Orchard Central, Library @ Orchard is famous for its picturesque views of curved bookshelves and architecture. Did you know that it is the first public library in Singapore to incorporate the principles of design thinking! Seniors can browse titles on design, lifestyle and applied arts apart from the general reading genre. To make reader’s browsing simpler, the non-fiction collection is categorised into five design clusters – people design (fashion, photography and entrepreneurs), space design (furniture, industrial and game design), visual design (advertising, printmaking and graphic design) and lifestyle design (gastronomy, wellness and travelogues). The

Library@Orchard is located at #03-12 / #04-11, Orchardgateway, 277 Orchard Road, Singapore 238858.

Library @Harbourfront

The most favoured libraries amongst local bookworms, Library @ Harbourfront not only has an impeccable collection of 200,000 books, it also has impressive views of Sentosa (at reading lounge 1). Highlights include the Learning Zone, a fun space for cool programmes like Tech Showcase and group discussions, with an integrated space for physical and digital collections. The Library@Harbourfront is located at #03-05 (Lobby F), VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585

Tampines Regional Library

Tampines Regional Library is one of the most peaceful and nature-inspired libraries with a breath of fresh air decorated with plenty of glass walls to allow natural light in. This library spans across five-stories that has an in-house culinary studio, the Pixel Lab makerspace, an exhibition on Singapore’s Tampines heritage. Furthermore, it has a 200-seat auditorium, an indoor playground and a 700m-long running track. We have heard from our library goers that one can walk up to 3000 steps in this library! The Tampines Regional Library is located at #02-01, Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523.

Whether one seeks tranquility in nature-inspired settings or immerses in the principles of design thinking, libraries hold spaces for seniors to unwind, explore, and find solace. In the timeless pleasure of reading, or if you are even looking to start reading as a hobby, visiting the library is a peaceful and meaningful hobby to start!