Reopened in October 2017 the Bedok Public Library stands as a beacon of knowledge and community. It is located in the heart of Heartbeat@Bedok. This modern library offers a wide array of resources and services for all ages.
The Bedok Public Library wasn’t always here. It was originally opened on September 28, 1985. Professor S. Jayakumar officiated the opening. He was then Minister of Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Law.
In 2017, the library moved to its current location. It temporarily closed on August 20, 2017 for relocation. The Bedok Public Library reopened on October 28, 2017. Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, reopened it.
Before its relocation, the Bedok Public Library occupied 5,088 square metres. It served residents in several southeastern areas of Singapore. These included Bedok North, Bedok Reservoir, and Kaki Bukit.
Today, the Bedok Public Library covers 4,150 square metres. It spans across the second and third stories of Heartbeat@Bedok.
Inside Bedok Public Library, you will discover a collection of almost 200,000 books. There are over 300 magazine titles. The library also has 13,000 audio-visual items. With a seating capacity of 435, there’s plenty of space to read and study.
The Bedok Public Library has many facilities. There is a 24-hour book drop for convenient returns. Multiple reading areas provide quiet spaces. Multimedia stations offer access to digital resources. The library also hosts various events.
The Bedok Public Library caters to all age groups. Senior patrons will find large print books. Electronic magnifiers enlarge texts. Teenagers have their own study area. Children can enjoy the Story Circle.
On the second floor, you can find English-language fiction books. There are also books for young adults. For-loan magazines and periodicals are available too. A newspaper reading corner provides access to current events. You can also find audiobooks, CD-ROMs, and DVDs for loan.
Discover Health@BECL is also on the second floor. This one-stop service introduces various aspects of health and fitness.
The Malay Library Services is another highlight of the second floor. It has the largest collection of Malay materials. You can find print and non-print resources. Computer systems offer internet access. There are also English non-fiction books. Chinese and Tamil books are also available.
The third floor of the Bedok Public Library features Singapore Collections. General fiction books are available here. There is also a dedicated children’s section. Young children can enjoy the early literacy section.
The Bedok Public Library is easily accessible. It is a short walk from the Bedok Bus Interchange. The Bedok MRT station is also nearby.
The library’s location within Heartbeat@Bedok creates unique opportunities. It can work with other agencies in the complex. This integrated approach enhances services for residents.
Reading spaces were created at the atrium of Heartbeat@Bedok. This encourages reading among residents. The Bedok Public Library continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of the community. It provides knowledge, resources and a love for reading.