When parents ask their kids where they would like to go, most parents would frown at answers like “playground!” but they would be delighted to bring their kids to libraries no matter how many times they have been there.
Libraries are a great place for kids because the child would be exposed to books and reading, which is always a good thing, and also because many libraries in Singapore are so interesting and beautiful that they become places for fun and learning! Here are some libraries that you can take your child to if you run out of ideas on where to go for the school holidays.
My Tree House @ Central Public Library
My Tree House is the children’s section of National Library. As the name suggests, it is designed to look like a tree house with over 45,000 books available for children between ages 4-12. Besides books, My Tree House has fun and interactive e-reading kiosks that allow children to access more than 180 ebooks about the environment and going green. There is also a fun Q&A game called The Knowledge Tree, which is projected on the wall for children to have an interactive session. On the other side of the library is a quiet and cosy section for kids to sit comfortably on cushioned seats and beanbags and read a book. Weekly storytelling sessions and school holiday sessions are available at the Central Public Library with themes that are closely related to green living and “my tree house”!
100 Victoria Street, #B1-01, National Library, Singapore 188064
Monday – Sunday: 10am – 9pm
https://www.facebook.com/CentralPL/
Singapore Sports Hub Library
If My Tree House focuses on green themes, the Singapore Sports Hub Library specialises in sports and active living. But this does not mean that all the books are about sports and fitness. There are other sections with the general genres. Besides print materials and books, there are audiovisuals and electronic resources for use. For your kids’ enjoyment, there are virtual sports stations and a giant chess and checkers set for play. The second floor of the library has a wide selection of children’s books on sports and others too!
4 Stadium Walk, Singapore Sports Hub, Singapore 397697
Monday – Sunday: 10am – 8pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1054070281338253/
Bishan Public Library
Bishan Public Library is located next to Bishan Junction 8 and it is close to Bishan bus and MRT interchanges, making it a very convenient location for parents to bring their kids to. Bishan Public Library is big with five storeys, each dedicated to different age groups and resources. The entire basement is dedicated to kids, giving children ample space to play and learn in. Parents can also enjoy some time reading at the adults’ section and even pick up books on parenting, as there is a section on parenting books.
5 Bishan Place, #01-01, Singapore 579841
Monday – Sunday: 10am – 9pm
https://www.facebook.com/BishanPL/?fref=ts
Tampines Regional Library
Not the newest libraries but Tampines Regional Library is good for kids because it offers many children programmes. For this September holiday, Tampines Regional Library paired up with Okto for an okto @ The Library Screenings and it’s free admission for all! Besides, the library has different storytelling sessions such as Chinese storytelling and special programmes by the World Organization for Early Childhood Education such as puppet shows and art & craft for children ages 4 to 6. Storytelling falls on every Tuesday 4 – 4.30pm, every second and fourth Saturday from 11.30am – 12pm and Sundays from 12.30 – 1pm.
31 Tampines Avenue 7, Singapore 529620
Monday – Sunday: 10am-9pm
https://www.facebook.com/TampinesRL/