library at orchard

Nlb is efficient up until it comes to paying fees or else being patient.
Before leaving Singapore for work abroad I returned a book a day late. Over the time that I was away, the Nlb repeatedly sent letters to the address in their system to tell me of my escalating debt. It was escalating due to the postage cost of said mail to the petty sum of 2.8 SGD.
Even if I was staying in Singapore, those letters are a waste of time and effort. I can’t withdraw new books until I’ve paid my fine. A paperless system of notification would be better if anything at all.
That said, the Nlb is great and orchard has a gold selection of craft related publications. There are some useful books on tailoring but these mostly cater for women’s fashion.

This library opened in 2014 and is located right in the heart of Orchard. The architecture reflects the design nature with a studio and loft feel.
There are lots of places to sit, read, study, use your laptop etc.
The usual library services exist including magazines!
A wonderful resource for designers, locals and even visitors who want a place to relax from all the shopping and eating.

The National Library Board proves it’s not a stuffy old bureaucracy.
library@orchard has a design theme, but its not just the content that shines. The library is modern and forward looking, with furniture and layout flourishes that add to the browsing experience. The books are well-​curated and organised, helping you discover new books. There’s also a locker service for book reservations. A great public space.
Do note that there’s no kids specific section in this library.

After so many years, there is a library in the heart of Orchard again. Occupying two levels, it is a marvel of design. I love the wavy bookshelves and the clean look of white against wood flooring.
There are chairs scattered around and most are in the airy open area facing the glass floor to ceiling windows. A bit of greenery to look at. There are some long tables where you see students occupying them with their notebooks and stuff.
I love the many ladders which can be rolled to where you want to get to the book at the top shelf. There are also half step ladders which you can carry to the spot you need. This reminds me of old book stores where you need to climb ladders to get the books.
The reference and lifestyle books are mostly on level 4 (upper level) which is also where the book drop is (follow the sticker decals on the floor). It also has 4 stations for checking out books.
Fiction, maps and AV stuff are mostly on level 3 and there are 2 check out stations. The book reservation station is also on level 3 but on the outside of the library. It looks pretty neat where you scan your card and then pick up the reserved book from the designated «letterbox».
And being a newly opened library, it is stocked with brand new books, but I guess they will be well thumbed and read after a while.
A most convenient place for those who live or work near Orchard. A place to get away for a while.

If you’re wondering where all the hipsters in Singapore have gone,
Look no further!
You’ll find plaid shirts and plastic glasses aplenty,
And probably the largest collection of MacBooks in use (outside an Apple Store)
This library recently opened to much fanfare,
And already I see articles praising it for its wonderful design and carefully curated collection of books
It’s full of sleek, white, shelves
Wooden floors and chairs
Simple and elegant
Come to think of it, it really reminds me of Muji
The books are new and in super good quality
There’s a good collection of fiction (English and Chinese),
Though the focus seems to be on design.
In fact, most of the second floor seems to be on design
Industrial, graphic, interior, exterior. You name it
Beautiful coffee table books line the shelves of the second floor!
And some wellness/​travel books
And some really random ones, too
(Eg. The Onion Encyclopedia– how educational, and The Dummy’s Guide to Dating over 50)
The magazine collection on the first floor is very impressive as well!
(And no kids thanks to the super selective range of books)
There are plenty of nooks and crannies for you to sit and read
Behind bookshelves, facing the park, even big brown wooden cones than hide a seat or 2.
So cosy!
Also a good place for work, as they have some large tables with a power source for the laptops.
I love this little Oasis of peace in the otherwise busy Orchard Road
Would come back!
Again and again and again!
(Don’t ask me why I’m writing my review like Nik T… Just felt like it)