The old Orchard Library (left) that closes two years ago promised users who bemoaned its loss that it would be back. --PHOTO: ST
BEFORE it closed two years ago, the popular Orchard library's chief promised users who bemoaned its loss that it would be back.
The library will now be re-opened by 2013 in a new spot in Specialists' Shopping Centre along Orchard Road, near the Somerset MRT station.
In an addendum to the President's address in Parliament, Acting Minister for Communication, Information and the Aarts, Rear-Admiral (NS) Lui Tuck Yew on Thursday said the relocation was part of continuing to 'invest in the creative minds and skills of our people'.
The library@orchard had to close at the end of November 2007, after the lease for its fifth floor space in Ngee Ann City was not renewed.
It had been the Board's first library in the shopping district, and had drawn a crowd due to its unique blend of hip live musical performances, exhibitions, as well as stocking of magazines and DVDs that appealed to the young.
Then, the NLB's chief executive officer N. Varaprasad had said the plan was to re-open the library in two spots along Orchard Road, to cater to two different age groups. This would be done by 2010, he then said.
Separately, a library will be opened in the Clementi district, R-Adm Lui said on Thursday.
Library users with Internet-enabled cellphones will also get to use a new mobile portal to check for book due dates or reserve books while on the go.
