Jurong Regional Library

Who knew a library could hold so much history? The Jurong Regional Library isn’t just about books. It’s a story itself. It began its life in 1988 as the Jurong East Community Library. It served the community for over a decade before undergoing a massive transformation. In 2003, it closed its doors for a major upgrade. The Jurong Regional Library as we know it was reborn in 2004. Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Acting Minister for Education at the time, officially opened it. The Jurong Regional Library stands as the largest public library in the entire National Library Board network. It’s actually the third regional library, following Tampines and Woodlands. This building isn’t just big, it’s enormous, covering four floors and a basement. The total floor space reaches an impressive 12,020 square meters. Did you know it temporarily housed the main reference collection? This was while the National Library building was under construction, until its opening in 2005. This library has many unique features. It has a teen library designed by teens, for teens, called “Verging All Teens”. It was also the first library in Singapore to have a 24-hour self-service lobby. Inside, you’ll discover a vast collection of over 500,000 volumes. From children’s books to adult fiction, reference materials, and even a dedicated teen section, there’s something for everyone. Jurong Regional Library is more than just a place to borrow books. It’s a vibrant community hub, a testament to the power of knowledge and a reflection of Singapore’s commitment to lifelong learning. And the story continues, as there are plans to relocate it to the Jurong East Integrated Transport Hub in 2028.