Orchard Library: A Quiet Escape for Book Lovers in the Heart of Singapore

Have you ever stumbled upon a library nestled within a mall, boasting astonishing interior architecture? If not, I have the answer. Come along as we explore into the charm and allure of Orchard Library in Singapore together.

CITY ESCAPADES

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6/14/20242 min read

Hello. In this post, I’m going to share my experience visiting Orchard Library in Singapore. This library is located inside Orchardgateway, right on Orchard Road. I accidentally stumbled upon this gem while strolling around Orchardgateway, and decided to pay a quick visit. I ended up spending almost half of my day here, reading some books and taking pictures. It was the first time I had encountered a library inside a mall. Orchard Library is situated on level 3 of Orchard Gateway. You can take the MRT and alight at Somerset MRT Station, and entry is free.

According to the National Library Website of Singapore, this place was launched on 23 October 2014 by the Minister of Communication and Information of Singapore. It focuses on design and applied arts. Orchard Library was also awarded Design of The Year at the President’s Design Award Singapore 2015, making it the first Singapore library located within a mall. The library is divided into two sections: the Loft and the Studio, offering more than 100,000 titles. The library has an amazing interior and atmosphere. It boasts a modern and minimalistic design, reminiscent of the "Bauhaus" aesthetic, especially in the way the bookshelves are structured and positioned. There are also private rooms where students can study. However, seating is limited, with only a few tables available. When I visited, they were all occupied, which is understandable given the library's constrained space.

There is a huge plethora of books to choose from, ranging from academics to fiction and non-fiction, with a focus on design-related themes, as that is the library's intention. The staff there were friendly; one even taught me how to navigate their complicated library numbering system when I was searching for Dan Brown books. In the end, I opted for J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Fall of Gondolin" and later switched to "The Gatekeeper" by Charles Todd. However, I discovered that they do not have a section intended for children. When I inquired about memberships, I learned that foreigners with work permits still have to pay a SGD53 fee, with fewer benefits compared to local members who enjoy free membership.

For bookworms, this is definitely a gem not to be missed when visiting Singapore. Although there is a similar library in VivoCity, I prefer Orchard Library. It offers a sanctuary from the bustle of Orchard Road and is a great place to read or hang out with friends. I will definitely visit this library again when I return to Singapore. Highly recommended!