Debated in Parliament on 23 Sep 2025.
Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information with the planned relocation of the Geylang East Public Library, what alternative arrangements will the National Library Board (NLB) introduce to ensure continued access to public library resources for residents in Sims Place, especially for children and elderly residents.
The National Library Board's (NLB's) Libraries of the Future (LOTF) Masterplan is a 15-year plan to systematically revamp and upgrade the older public libraries from 2017 to 2030. As part of this plan, NLB's strategy has been to move standalone libraries to locations which have easy access to transportation hubs and networks. These locations, which may include shopping malls and integrated hubs, provide convenience to library users and ensure that public libraries are accessible to as many residents as possible. Geylang East Library, which was opened in 1988, is covered under this plan. When the relocation to Tanjong Katong Complex is completed in 2030, Geylang East Library will be brought closer to Paya Lebar Mass Rapid Transit station, which is an interchange station on the East-West Line and the Circle Line.
We recognise that whenever public libraries are relocated, they will become closer to some residents and farther for others. We therefore strive to ensure the new locations remain accessible. For residents who live near the existing Geylang East Library, the new location is a short bus ride away. Notwithstanding this, NLB has engaged Geylang East residents to better understand their needs and is separately working to identify a potential suitable space nearby to provide some form of library presence, such as a reading corner or a pop-up library, in the vicinity. We will also work with the relevant grassroots organisations to help residents access NLB's digital resources or delivery services.
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