SINGAPORE - A Buddhism library has re-opened at Geylang, after a year-long refurbishment costing about $1 million.

The Manjusri Library at Lorong 27 Geylang, which has a collection of more than 10,000 books on Buddhism, was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Sunday.

The library inside a three-story shophouse was set up in 1996 and it is managed by the Nan Hai Fei Lai Guan Yin Monastery at Geylang. It is open to the public and conducts courses on Buddhism for adults and children.

Mr Teo, who is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, said at the opening ceremony that the library's activities promote inter-religious understanding and strengthen social harmony.

"It is through such efforts by various organisations that Singaporeans have been able to enjoy racial and religious harmony for many decades," said Mr Teo.

Abbess Shi Miao Xian, who started the library in 1996, told The Straits Times that its doors are always open to those from other faiths and religions who want to understand Buddhism.

"It is our contribution to the Singapore society," she said.