Singapore Budget 2015: New library at Punggol; upgrades to four existing libraries

SINGAPORE - A new library, the Punggol Regional Library, will be built over the next five years, along with upgrades to four existing libraries, said Minister of State for Communications and Information Sim Ann on Tuesday in Parliament.

The Pasir Ris Public Library, Tampines Regional Library, Bedok Public Library and Bukit Panjang Public Library will be redeveloped to meet the needs of their respective communities.

"The National Library Board is embarking on a masterplan that charts the expansion and development of the library network for the next decade," said Ms Sim during the debate on the Ministry of Communications and Information annual budget.

"Some libraries that are exceptionally popular will be expanded. This is necessary as library visitors are expected to grow and more space is needed," she said.

For example, the Pasir Ris library at White Sands mall will be expanded and refurbished. A dedicated teen space, which will have a "chillax lifestyle" theme, will also be set up at the library.

The new Tampines Regional Library, relocated to the upcoming Tampines Town Hub, will be integrated with a culinary studio to help combine learning through reading and practice of culinary art.

The Bedok Public library will be relocated to the Bedok Integrated Complex, while the Bukit Panjang library at Bukit Panjang Plaza will be expanded.

Ms Sim added that a third Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) Lab will be set up at the Jurong Regional Library, which will open later this year.

lesterh@sph.com.sg

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