Imagine stepping into a world of stories right here at Marine Parade Public Library. This isn’t just a library. It’s a community hub brimming with history.
The Marine Parade Public Library first opened its doors on November 10, 1978. Mr Goh Chok Tong, then Senior Minister of State for Finance, officiated the opening. It was a significant moment. The library represented a plan to bring reading closer to the people.
Originally, the library was known as Marine Parade Branch Library. It stood at 6 Marine Parade Central. In September 1995, it was renamed Marine Parade Community Library. This happened when the National Library Board became a statutory board.
In April 2000, the library began its move to the Marine Parade Community Building. Goh Chok Tong officially opened the library at its new location on May 28, 2000. This marked a unique milestone. The Marine Parade Community Library became the first in Singapore to be housed with a community club and an arts group.
The library’s old premises were transformed into an NTUC FairPrice supermarket. In 2008, it received its current name: Marine Parade Public Library.
Spanning four floors, the Marine Parade Public Library offers a vast space of 3,534 square metres. The second floor is entirely dedicated to children. This floor features murals, trivia, and multimedia tools. The library boasts a collection of over 150,000 books and 2,500 videos.
You could spend hours here. There is a café on the ground floor. Comfortable couches and benches are placed throughout the library. Multimedia stations, DIY service stations, and music posts with headphones are also available.
Interestingly, the Marine Parade Public Library was the third full-time library built by the National Library. It was also the first branch library with full air conditioning. It even had an auditorium with a stage and dressing rooms. Plus, there was a multipurpose lecture hall.
The library was designed to serve 160,000 residents. These residents lived in areas like Mountbatten, Katong, Siglap, Marine Parade, and Joo Chiat. Many were professionals who expected high-quality library services.
The Marine Parade Public Library closed for renovations in May 2022. It is scheduled to reopen in 2025. The library is a testament to the importance of community and accessible knowledge. It is more than just a place to borrow books. It is a vibrant space that enriches the lives of those it serves.
As you leave the Marine Parade Public Library, remember its story. It is a story of community, learning, and a commitment to bringing knowledge to the people. It is a place where stories come alive.