Adjournment motion on the future of libraries
Libraries remain vital to Singapore and we must treasure them, invest in them and ensure that even as they evolve, people can continue to access them meaningfully and freely, said MP Tin Pei Ling. In an adjournment motion in parliament on Tuesday (Sep 23), she told the House of the “deep sense of loss” from the decision by the National Library Board (NLB) to relocate Geylang East Library to Tanjong Katong Complex in 2030. Residents of MacPherson and nearby constituencies had voiced concerns; they have deep emotional attachment to the library and see it as a huge part of their collective memories. Responding, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam said NLB makes its decision based on how libraries can best serve and reach more patrons. From 2015 to 2024, Geylang East Library had declining visitorship. NLB hopes the relocation will help to improve visitorship. It considered retaining and revamping Geylang East Library but it would cost more than two times per square metre to do this. This translates to a budgetary difference of S$22 million.
Libraries remain vital to Singapore and we must treasure them, invest in them and ensure that even as they evolve, people can continue to access them meaningfully and freely, said MP Tin Pei Ling. In an adjournment motion in parliament on Tuesday (Sep 23), she told the House of the “deep sense of loss” from the decision by the National Library Board (NLB) to relocate Geylang East Library to Tanjong Katong Complex in 2030. Residents of MacPherson and nearby constituencies had voiced concerns; they have deep emotional attachment to the library and see it as a huge part of their collective memories. Responding, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam said NLB makes its decision based on how libraries can best serve and reach more patrons. From 2015 to 2024, Geylang East Library had declining visitorship. NLB hopes the relocation will help to improve visitorship. It considered retaining and revamping Geylang East Library but it would cost more than two times per square metre to do this. This translates to a budgetary difference of S$22 million.
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