National Library of Singapore
National Library of Singapore
4.5
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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Neighbourhood: Central Area/City Area
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4.5
575 reviews
Excellent
310
Very good
204
Average
52
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,591 contributions
May 2020
You may want to browse or you may be seeking infomration; either way, the National Library of Singapore will suit you. Singapore is a smart country, that lives off its brains, and the library is an important resource. If you just want to look around, please do so. The averge visist is 2 hours. Han's Cafe has light meals like sandwiches and fish and chips; there's also a playground for kids. It's a very big library, there's something fo everyone.
Written 8 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maryyeo
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam3,255 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
The familiar treehouse reading corner is gone, replaced by a completely new marine theme (designed in collaboration with SEAquarium, Senotsa) that has a more open layout with less hidden corners - better for parents to watch out for their kids.
Shelves still seem to be only about 30% filled, though. But trust it'll improve bit by bit!
Shelves still seem to be only about 30% filled, though. But trust it'll improve bit by bit!
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inexology
Perth, Australia912 contributions
June 2015 • Solo
I always believe that reading is a good activity for kids. I purposely took a detour to the National Library to see the beautiful section that they have for kids. The whole roof was covered with recycled plastic bottles and there was a mini tree to climb on (using stairs :)). This library also hosts different reading activities with kids which will be useful in encouraging kids to read (esp the one with reading difficulties).
Written 3 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheLeongOhana
United States7,497 contributions
Sept 2019 • Solo
I took a short break from my wandering and went inside this large, multi floor library. It had a very modern design with bright and open air floor plan that made it nice to sit back and study or read a book.
A film room, kids room, and an open air patio on the top added to the options inside.
Also on the top floor was a nice exhibit on the history of the National Library which is worth a browse if you have time and an interest.
A film room, kids room, and an open air patio on the top added to the options inside.
Also on the top floor was a nice exhibit on the history of the National Library which is worth a browse if you have time and an interest.
Written 8 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ng_Wesley
Singapore, Singapore751 contributions
Oct 2014
This is the largest library in Singapore. You could easily spend a day in the basement searching for books. If you love books, this is worth a visit.
Written 18 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deepaksaxena88
New Delhi, India747 contributions
July 2013 • Family
One of the finest libraries I have ever visited, huge collection of books. Enjoyed visiting their building and collection.
Written 23 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edmund K
Singapore, Singapore2,786 contributions
This is a modern, "green" national library seeking to be a repository of information and knowledge as well as a core for the reading movement and literary groups. Locals who compare this central library with the less modern satellite libraries throughout Singapore will rate it highly. However in my opinion it pales in iconic degree relative to the old national library at Stamford Road. This is also not one of the most beautiful libraries in the world or in Asia. If one had been to the Bhutan National Library, Beitou Library in Taiwan, Sasson Library in India or the National Peoples' Library in China, you will think that the Singapore library is just an office block. I am not even comparing against Bibliotheque in France, Escorial in Spain, or Abbey in Switzerland, Trinity in Ireland or the Central Library of Vancouver. It is a library built on a very tight piece of land; possibly due to high land costs.
The note for international travellers is:
1) Visit this library and spend no more than 15 mins for photo-ops as part of a larger itinerary covering places like Bras Brasah bookstores or art museums or design centre;
2) Check out their website and call in advance about events. A visit that tie in with events is always more meaningful than a mere look-see;
There is a cafe on the ground floor. There are no souvenier shops. I can't see how it can be rated as an attraction for international travellers.
The library is between the City Hall subway and Bugis Junction subway stations.
The note for international travellers is:
1) Visit this library and spend no more than 15 mins for photo-ops as part of a larger itinerary covering places like Bras Brasah bookstores or art museums or design centre;
2) Check out their website and call in advance about events. A visit that tie in with events is always more meaningful than a mere look-see;
There is a cafe on the ground floor. There are no souvenier shops. I can't see how it can be rated as an attraction for international travellers.
The library is between the City Hall subway and Bugis Junction subway stations.
Written 16 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dreamz02
Singapore, Singapore43 contributions
Oct 2013 • Family
It is really huge with every possible Books , movies etc available
Very peaceful seating with the view of the city
Very peaceful seating with the view of the city
Written 1 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
225phil
Perth, Australia291 contributions
Oct 2013 • Solo
Located at victoria street and near to the MRT train station, it is centrally positioned.There are many books of various kinds and journals in particular SES journal where I gather data for my research project in finance at Victoria University
Written 27 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lawa94
Singapore11 contributions
Jan 2014 • Family
Quiet, brightly lit and conducive - a perfect place to study! Not to mention power sockets are available.
Written 23 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are planning to visit the Central Public Library, Singapore this June 11th.. we are from Cebu, Philippines. What will be the entry process? Do we need to book ahead of time? Thank you.
Written 29 May 2019
No need to book in advance. No entry fees. You may come, enter and read books at your convenience.
Written 2 June 2019
Does the study lounge have charging ports?
Written 20 November 2017
Yes, pretty much all tables have charging ports. Not sure about the lounge. However, the ever-helpful ladies at the counter will be able to guide you accordingly
Written 21 November 2017
Can any one , who is not a citizen of Singapore and on business trip for 5 days, borrow books from Library?
Written 1 September 2017
No. You need to be a resident of singapore but you are free to visit and it has nice quiet spaces you can use to read.
Written 2 September 2017
What does National Library of Singapore has to offer for 1 year old kid? Thank you
Written 5 August 2017
You may have visited the library by now.
There's a young children section at the basement. Wonderful to be able to watch them roam at a secured area with many age appropriate books.
Written 10 August 2017
Hello,
This is Mrittika from India.
Am visiting Singapore from 23-Feb'15 till 1-Mar'15 for vacation along with my parents. Would like to know about the entry fee per adult for this destination. Also, how do I get there using public transportation from Hotel Park Sovereign-Albert?
Thanks.
Written 14 January 2015
Good afternoon from London. There is no entry fee as this is a Public Library. I should walk there as you can take in all the sights and sounds of Singapore on the way. I stay at the Intercontinental Hotel just by the Library and there are
small but interesting shops in the shopping centre. There are also some interesting eateries in the Foodhall for you to try. Make sure you visit Little India whilst visiting Singapore. It is almost as if you are in India ! ! ! try out some of the wonderful food ! I adore Singapore and visit most years, I do hope that you have a most wonderful time.
Written 15 January 2015
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