June 2017 www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
OUR PICK FOR THIS MONTH
Read! Fest 2017
05 Read! Fest invites you to spice up your reading diet through an array of programmes, conducted in the four official languages across the public libraries. Be exposed to works by Singapore authors, fresh perspectives on familiar and new stories, and opportunities to create works that everyone can enjoy.
All Rights Reserved.
ARTS 04 READ 06 BUSINESS 10 WELLNESS 11 OTHER HAPPENINGS 12 BOOK REVIEWS BY THE ALEXANDRIAN 22 NL PRESENTS 34
The National Library Board, Singapore disclaims all liability and responsibility for any loss caused to any person by any act or omission due to the material contained herein. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher, the National Library Board, Singapore. Independent advice and opinions expressed by the presenters do not denote endorsement by National Library Board (NLB), its staff, associates and affiliates. NLB reserves the right to cancel or postpone any programmes without prior notice. All information is correct at the time of printing. For the latest updates, please visit www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary DESIGN Graphic Masters & Advertising Pte Ltd
Dear Readers,
“Where did the time go?” This is the question some of us might be asking ourselves as we approach the second half of 2017. Still, it is not too late if you have yet to draw up a set of resolutions to complete this year. Get inspired when you join us in discovering new things to learn and do this June at the libraries. Start by cultivating the joy of reading with Read! Fest 2017. From 9 June to 29 July enjoy a host of reading-related programmes conducted in the four official languages across the Public Libraries. Pick up a copy of the festival guide to Read! Fest for more information, available at all Public Libraries. Looking for pointers on retirement planning, budgeting and investment portfolio management? Check out Board Game Wongamania: Have Fun and Learn about Finance at Toa Payoh Public Library (page 10). Feeling concerned about your well-being? Get a free scan of your body’s composition and learn about the health risks associated with visceral fat in How Dangerous is Visceral Fat. More details on page 11. Or you could pick up tips on how to use phonetic vowels and consonants to improve your speech at Speaking Well Starts with Phonetics on page 35. Fancy getting crafty instead? Why not try to Design your Own Light-up Felt Brooch with electrical circuits and lightemitting diodes for a buzz-worthy accessory (page 18)? Carpe Diem! Editor: Nazreen Begum
Scan this to visit GO Library
JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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ARTSEEN
Step into the World of Harp with Katryna Tan
[Numbers & Niches] Singapore Poetry and Prose with Tse Hao Guang
We invite you to step into the world of Harp with Young Artist Award winner, Katryna Tan, as she shares her journey and adventures of being a harpist in Singapore. There’s no better way to relax than enjoying an afternoon of beautiful harp music whilst also learning more about the harp as an instrument.
Hao Guang will share his journey of stumbling into poetry, to completing a manuscript, to publication. He will also read and speak more about the poems in Deeds of Light, and give the audience a glimpse into the International Writing Program, where he was privileged to interact with 36 writers from 30 different countries all over the world.
4 June 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm Programme Zone, Jurong Regional Library
No registration required.
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22 June 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Multi-Purpose Room, Central Public Library
About ArtSEEN
Registration Details
ArtSEEn is a community arts and culture node in collaboration with the National Arts Council. Our objective is to create a vibrant and social learning space, where artists, art enthusiasts, and the community converge to engage in authentic artistic experiences. ArtSEEN positions itself as an artistic “scene” which reflects Singapore’s trending or bourgeoning arts landscape and also as a place to “see” the arts and to be “seen”.
All programmes are free with required registration and open to all unless otherwise stated. Please register at the library e-kiosks, or through our website www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary. To cancel a registration or request to be placed on the waiting list for a fully registered programme, please email
[email protected]. To subscribe to our mailing list, please email arts@ nlb.gov.sg with the subject “Add me to EDM”.
JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
陪你看报纸 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Toa Payoh Public Library
由《联合早报》和《联合晚报》组成的义 工团队将为您讲解过去一周的社会焦点、 时事动态、娱乐与生活情报等各项新闻, 让您轻松了解天下事！
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适合50岁及以上人士参与。
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The Story Line 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm Programme Zone, Marine Parade Public Library This will be the final session of Story Line at Marine Parade Public Library, and a very special one where Story Line members will be telling stories! Come join us for an evening of Some Summery Stories!
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壹度书会 (Yidu Reading Club) 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Serangoon Public Library
壹度书会是一个以爱好读书年轻人为主体 的交流平台，通过阅读、讨论和分享实现 大家思维的碰撞和情感的共振。 Conducted in Mandarin. Find out more at www.facebook.com/yidushuhui
Book Lover’s Club 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm Multi-Purpose Room, Central Public Library The Book Lover’s Club is a reading club for singles. Focusing on relationships and inspirational stories, book discussions are held on a monthly basis. To register, please email your particulars (name and contact number) to
[email protected].. WED
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分享读书会 Share Read Chinese Book Club 10.30 am – 12.00 pm Everest Room, Woodlands Regional Library
你喜欢阅读中文书吗？我们诚意邀请您来 参加我们的阅读分享会。每个月的第一个 星期三，我们都会介绍不同的书，进行讨 论，分享阅读心得。欢迎您加入我们的读 书会。
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碧山乐龄读书会
Thangameen Readers Club
Chinese Seniors Reading Club
5.00 pm – 8.00 pm Programme Zone, Toa Payoh Public Library
想结交新朋友、促进华语会话和分享您的 阅读经验吗？碧山乐龄读书会每个月都会 聚集一群活跃的乐龄朋友与图书馆馆员一 同讨论书籍和文章。现在就加入我们吧！ Take part in monthly book discussions with a group of enthusiastic senior citizens. Share how each book relates to your memorable experiences and improve your Mandarin conversational skills.
AfterWords
Thangameen Readers Club is a reading club formed to encourage the confident use of Tamil across the generations. With short film screenings, short story writing competitions and impromptu poetry contests, the club is the total literary package. This reading group is facilitated by readers of www.thangameen.com, a Singapore Tamil e-zine. The discussions will be conducted in Tamil. All are welcome. THU
3.30 pm – 5.00 pm Programme Zone, Bishan Public Library
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Malay in Minutes
7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Programme Zone, Marine Parade Public Library
6.30 pm – 7.30 pm Activity Room, Geylang East Public Library
AfterWords is a platform for the public and literary communities to build ties through books. By giving opportunities to everyone to read and discuss books in a conducive environment, we hope to encourage more people to pick up the reading habit, and expose readers to works and writing from the Singapore community. This initiative is supported by Ethos Book Club. Check out Ethos’ Facebook page for the latest speaker updates: www.facebook.com/ethosbooks
Would you like to converse in Malay with your friends and neighbours? Join us in this monthly book club where we use simple Malay books as learning tools.
Singapore Literature Book Club 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm Multi-Purpose Room, Central Public Library From NLB’s Singapore collection comes a book club with a unique local flavour. Discuss books by both well-known and emerging Singapore authors touching on topics close to home. Get acquainted with local literature and discover national literary treasures right here at the libraries.
Admission to programmes is free and open to all unless otherwise stated. Please register at library eKiosks or www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary. JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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National Reading Day, 29 July 2017 The more you read, the more you discover.
Join us in celebrating National Reading Day with a host of fun and meaningful activities islandwide. Event highlights include Read for Books, a special book charity drive for a selected beneficiary, and Big Book Giveaway, where we give away books. Simply pop by Our Tampines Hub and Westgate from 12pm - 6pm and get three free books* to enrich your reading journey. *On a first-come-first-served basis, while stocks last.
Find out more at nationalreadingmovement.sg Share your read #whatareyoureadingsg
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Communities: Reading Allowed
The Big Read Meet
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Imagine, library@orchard
6.30 pm – 8.30 pm Multi-Purpose Room, Central Public Library
No silence here as we gather to read aloud and listen to stories’ highs and lows. Discover books that you might have otherwise missed, or sit in for an alternative community reading experience with a different book each session.
Join Straits Times Senior Writer Cheong Suk Wai every last Wednesday of the month in a session of The Big Read Meet. She will lead a discussion based on books reviewed for her column Big Read published in The Straits Times.
Co-organised with Read-Aloud SG Book Club. For adults.
For more information on the book discussed for the month, please visit the Read! Singapore website at www.nlb.gov.sg/readsingapore
3.00 pm – 4.30 pm Level 3, Synergy Room, Jurong Regional Library Calling all young adults aged 13 to 19 – learn facilitation skills with the Pseudo Book Club and make new friends with like-minded people! This is a book club facilitated by young adults, for young adults. Highly recommended for student librarians and all young adults who enjoy reading.
This event is organised by The Straits Times and supported by Read! Singapore. If registration is full, please email
[email protected] to be placed on the waiting list. FRI
Pseudo Book Club
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Heartlands Book Club is discussing haiku poems by Matsuo Basho, Kobayashi Issa, Natsume Soseki and others 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm Activity Room, Bukit Batok Public Library What is a haiku? Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry where each poem consists of three lines, with the first and last line comprising five syllables and the middle line, seven syllables. Appreciate the art of writing haikus and bring along your favourite haiku to share!
Admission to programmes is free and open to all unless otherwise stated. Please register at library eKiosks or www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary. JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Toa Payoh Public Library
Quick 6 Strength Exercise
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Learn about additional aspects of personal finance such as emergency cash, insurance and family planning. Understand basic strategies of investing in stocks, bonds and properties, and how these behave in various parts of the economic cycle. Discover the influence of politics; tax and interest rates, and their impact on your investments and retirement plan.
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Dollars and Sense Learning Community 11.00 am – 12.30 pm Level 3 , Synergy Room, Jurong Regional Library Financial literacy is a critical life skill that helps you make informed, long-term decisions for your financial well-being. The Dollars and Sense Learning Community focuses on sharing key financial literacy topics such as retirement planning, basic investing, savings and budgeting. Join us for this month’s session where we will be touching on Budget Planning.
JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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Board Game Wongamania: Have Fun and Learn about Finance!
Wongamania: Banana Economy is a simulation game that reflects economic realities and trains players to make crucial decisions in complex economic situations. Designed by accomplished financial practitioner Xeo Lye, a game of Wongamania promises to engage players while imparting key financial concepts of retirement planning, budgeting, risk management and investment portfolio management.
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BUSINESS
6 & 20 June, 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Sengkang Public Library 7 & 21 June, 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Merpati Hall, Geylang East Public Library Learn fast and simple steps for building fitness with Quick 6 by the Health Promotion Board (HPB). Use a resistance band to strengthen the muscles and bones of your shoulders, arms, chest, back, hips and legs. The low intensity of this set of 6 exercises makes it suitable and beneficial for seniors. Led by HPB’s volunteer Health Ambassadors, this is a 1-hour session conducted in English and Mandarin. Please come in comfortable sports attire.
六招速成力量活动是一组六个步骤的运 动。它采用拉力带来强健我们的胸肌，腿 部和髋部，上背肌，肩膀与手臂的肌肉和骨 头，这项低强度运动不需费很大的力气， 所以适合年长人士参与。这活动长达一小 时，是由保健促进局的义工们，保健大使， 带领的。活动将以中、英语进行。请穿 运动服前来参加。
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WELLNESS
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From Farm to Fork
How Dangerous Is Visceral Fat?
2.00 pm – 3.00 pm Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library
2.00 pm – 3.30 pm Programme Zone, Sengkang Public Library
Do you know where your food comes from and how it has been processed? Did you know that vegetables do not contain as many nutrients as before? Make the right nutritional choices based on the latest on food sources. Enjoy a free antioxidant level scan after the talk.
Many people are unaware of the health risks that visceral fat poses. Find out how to reduce the amount of visceral fat in your body and get a free scan to learn more about your body composition. Brought to you by Whizmeal social enterprise, which promotes healthy eating at home and school.
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This programme is conducted by Whizmeal, a social enterprise championing healthy eating in schools and at home.
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Dental Woes of an Ageing Population 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm Radin Mas Hall, Bukit Merah Public Library Special oral care is required for a fast-greying Singapore. Older adults who experience agerelated motor performance, visual and hearing loss along with increased medication may also be affected in terms of their oral health. Learn how to age well with a range of specific care tips from the dentist. Presented by Jesselton Dental Centre. This talk is jointly organised with Bedok Polyclinic. Conducted in Mandarin.
Admission to programmes is free and open to all unless otherwise stated. Please register at library eKiosks or www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary. JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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2 June, 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm 17 June, 12.00 pm – 1.30 pm PIXEL Labs@NLB, Jurong Regional Library This briefing is compulsory to attend if you would like to reserve and use the 3D printer in PIXEL Labs@NLB. This session will guide you on how to operate the 3D printer and other safety aspects of using the equipment in PIXEL Labs@NLB. Upon completion, you can reserve to use the 3D printer, subject to availability and prevailing policies. This briefing does not cover the basics of 3D design and modelling.
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Participants must be at least 13 years and above.
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Finding Safe Drinking Water Overseas 7.15 pm – 8.15 pm Programme Zone, Bishan Public Library It is easy to take clean drinking water for granted as it is readily accessible in Singapore. When you’re in a foreign country, it pays to know the quality of your drinking water. Find out how to improve your chances of consuming safe and clean water, and not succumb to the dreaded Traveller’s Diarrhoea. Learn about simple tests you can administer to determine water quality for peace of mind. About the speaker: Kwok Chen Ko is currently a lecturer at the School of Chemical and Life Sciences at Singapore Polytechnic. He has worked on various projects on water quality with NParks and the Public Utilities Board (PUB), and collaborated with PUB on the book, Your First Guide to Water Quality Monitoring in Singapore. 12
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Community in Bloom 11.30 am – 12.30 pm Garden Area, Queenstown Public Library Join the Community in Bloom project at the Queenstown Library garden! We welcome anyone who is interested in simple planting and caring for our garden, as well as taking part in gardening activities facilitated by library staff. We meet every alternate Saturday, 11.30 am – 12.30 pm. Help us create a garden sanctuary for all at Queenstown Public Library! DIY Session: 17 June You are welcome to carry out simple planting and maintenance in our garden at your leisure. WED
PIXEL Labs Equipment Briefing (3D Printer)
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[乐龄康乐活动]制作杯垫 9.00 am – 11.30 am Programme Zone, Bedok Public Library
想要体验集体活动的乐趣，结交新朋友并 与图书馆员一起探索新知识吗？诚邀大家 一起来做运动、玩游戏和做手工！
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Artists’ Trading Cards Club 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm Programme Zone, Bishan Public Library Come join the Artists’ Trading Cards Club and create your own little piece of art! Let your creative juices flow and pick up valuable tips. Trade your miniature works of art with other art enthusiasts at the end of the session.
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Legal Talk on Wills & Intestacy
The Drawing Room
2.30 pm – 4.00 pm Activity Room, Cheng San Public Library
3.00 pm – 5.00 pm Radin Mas Hall, Bukit Merah Public Library
Making a will is an important and yet often neglected part of estate planning. Some of us are not aware of the adverse consequences (added costs and unnecessary delays) of not having a valid will when we pass on whereas the rest of us are simply procrastinating. Learn about what a will is, the who’s who in a will, what assets you can give in a will and much more.
Welcome to The Drawing Room, home to a community of art lovers for learning to draw using books with step-by-step instructions. Improve your skills with a variety of monthly topics. Basic drawing materials provided.
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IT Talk: Digital Video Management 10 June, 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm 15 & 22 June, 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Radin Mas Hall, Bukit Merah Public Library We all have a story to tell – our memories, our experience and our legacy. Join us at this talk and learn how to make a movie of your story with your own write-up and pictures. This talk is conducted in English. Participants must commit to all 3 sessions, and bring along a laptop (Windows 7 OS or newer) and a 1GB thumbdrive.
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This talk is brought to you by FortisWills Pte Ltd, set up in 2004 to provide affordable will writing and estate management services.
This session focuses on botanical illustration, offering tips and exercises to capture nature’s splendour in detail.
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唐城DIY Club 11.00 am – 1.00 pm Programme Zone, library@chinatown
唐城DIY Club欢迎您参与我们每月的第 三个周五所主办的手工艺术。您将有机会 学习制作各类精巧可爱的小品。例如：天 鹅串珠，吸管虾，毛根条小狗，红包鱼等 等。 唐城DIY Club将由我们多才多艺的热心 义工所主导。课程免费，座位有限。现在就 通过图书馆内的电子服务站报名吧！
Admission to programmes is free and open to all unless otherwise stated. Please register at library eKiosks or www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary. JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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Read &
WIN! Calling all readers – here’s your chance to win an iPad Pro! Simply borrow 2 physical books from any public library or go digital with our ebooks on NLB Mobile App.
From 1 June – 30 July 2017, visit nationalreadingmovement.sg and register for our lucky draw. Registrants must be aged 18 years and above to be eligible Terms and conditions apply.
Read for Books 2017 Do your part for Read for Books, a special book charity drive by reading on your own or to others from 22 - 29 July 2017. For every 10 persons who read for 15 minutes, a book will be donated to a selected beneficiary. For more information, visit nationalreadingmovement.sg Sponsored by:
Supported by:
SHARE A READ Let’s talk about books Get Singapore excited about the books you like. Be an influencer! It’s easy:
Simply recommend any book you want others to read.
#whatareyoureadingsg
Post a picture of you and the book on Instagram and Facebook and tell us why more people should read it too, using #whatareyoureadingsg.
Remember to follow @readingnationsg, and make your account public so we can see your post.
The best 10 book recommendations will each win $100 worth of vouchers The contest runs from 9 June - 29 July 2017.
Terms and Conditions apply
@readingnationsg
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When the Police Wore Shorts: A Return to the 1940s 10.00 am – 11.30 am 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm Former Ford Factory, 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192 Meeting Point: Level 1, Information Counter
Held in conjunction with Children’s Season Singapore.
Origami Workshop 11.00 am – 12.00 pm Activity Room, Bishan Public Library Make your very own origami model in just 10 minutes anytime during the session. All ages welcome!
当亲子学华语遇上弗洛依德
In this interactive drama programme for kids aged 7 to 12, participants will return to the 1940s in Singapore, role-playing as police officers. As the ‘police officers’ move around the exhibition to solve a crime, they will meet characters from Singapore during this tumultuous period. These characters will share stories of perseverance, sacrifice and love. As part of “Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies”, a permanent exhibition at the historic Former Ford Factory. Limited to 25 children per session.
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Application of Freud’s Theory to the Learning of Chinese 11.00 am – 12.00 pm Programme Zone, Bishan Public Library
您是否：想和孩子用中文沟通，但孩子却 以英语回应？想在孩子不同的阶段一起阅 读和讲故事，却不知从何着手？想为孩子 创造一个愉快体验和应用华语的机会？ 本讲座将为您以上的问题提供多层面的建 议。讲座大纲：语言学习在心理学中的过 程。认知心理如何协助您的孩子的语文能 力。创意艺术活动如何激发您的孩子学习 语文的潜能。从玩、游戏中学习语文。有效 的心理辅助工具帮助特殊儿童学习母语。 主讲者 云威铭老师（临床心理师/艺术治 疗师）杨慧芳老师（儿童心理师/艺术治疗 师）本讲座适合育有6岁及以下小朋友的家 长。若有兴趣参与,请到图书馆内的电子服 务站或浏览www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary报 名。入场免费。
Admission to programmes is free and open to all unless otherwise stated. Please register at library eKiosks or www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary. JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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Design your Own Light-up Felt Brooch! 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm PIXEL Labs@NLB, Jurong Regional Library Did you know that electrical circuits can be sewn? Learn how to make an e-textile circuit using conductive thread and a light-emitting diode, and you’ll be all set to make a light-up felt accessory or ornament!
[Garden Talk] Salads from the Garden 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library
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From the green recipe collection of Community in Bloom Ambassador Lynnette Terh comes Thai green papaya salad and other delectable treats. She demonstrates how you can easily whip up natural and nutritious fare from her time sharing the love of gardening on blogs and online forums, and at special events.
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Game On! – Board Games 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm Programme Zone, Serangoon Public Library Never thought you could play games in the library? Now you can! Join us for an afternoon of board games with gamers from the Singapore Boardgames Meetup group. This programme is suitable for teens, adults, and older children with their parents.
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Lim Kopi, Let’s Talk 11.00 am – 12.00 pm Programme Zone, Toa Payoh Public Library Take part in this interest group for seniors to discuss about the current happenings in Singapore. You may also pick up useful health tips, share an interesting recipe and more over a cup of morning coffee or tea. Target Audience: Seniors THU
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故事迷 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Ang Mo Kio Public Library
您有多久没听故事了呢？听故事不是小孩 子的专利，成人也能享受其中的乐趣。诚 邀大家一起来听故事，让馆员们带您穿越 古今中外的各个故事。 适合50岁及以上人士参与。 WED
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Communities: Travel and Culture Explorers 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Share, library@orchard Now Boarding: Wanderlusters, adventurers and culture enthusiasts. Communities is an alternative learning environment in which you can pick up a plethora of skills by sharing and experimenting with others. This fortnightly series is built on the belief that teaching and learning can happen without a teacher. For more information on this session, please visit www.meetup.com/sgtravelmeet
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The Smurfs 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library
In the throes of a quarter-life crisis, Megan panics when her boyfriend proposes. Taking an opportunity to escape for a week, she hides out in the home of her new friend, 16-year-old Annika, who lives with her world-weary single dad.
Very far away, sprouts a little village full of mushroom-shaped houses and within, live the Smurfs. Blue and dressed in white trousers and caps, these easygoing, happy and peaceful creatures are no taller than three apples high. Join the Smurfs in their constant run-ins and adventures with the nasty and devious wizard, Gargamel.
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6.30 pm – 8.30 pm Open Stage, library@esplanade
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4.00 pm – 6.00 pm Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library A geophysical team, who are investigating the effect radiation from other solar systems has on the Earth, learn that the planet’s core is heating up and warn the President of the United States. While the leaders of the world race to build ‘arks’ to escape the impending doom, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes of unprecedented strength wreak havoc all over the globe.
Admission to programmes is free and open to all unless otherwise stated. Please register at library eKiosks or www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary. JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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SILVER INFOCOMM JUNCTION @ THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES Computer Courses for Seniors June 2017 六月份电脑班课程表 Register at our library e-kiosks today! You can also go to www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary and key in “SIJ” for more details.
现在就通过图书馆内的电子服务站报名吧！您也可浏览 www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary 输入 “SIJ” 以搜寻更多详情。
WOODLANDS REGIONAL LIBRARY iKnow Computers & Social Communications (2-session course) Part 1 of 2: 13 Jun (Tue), 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Part 2 of 2: 14 Jun (Wed), 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Fees: $4
Learn how to connect with people through Facebook. Create a Facebook account and share updates about yourself, using functions such as update status, comment, like and share. Access built-in tools like messenger and video-calling to easily contact and chat with friends. Explore Facebook pages from NLB and keep in touch with us too! Prerequisite: Participants are required to have a working email address.
iKnow网上社交与通讯(共两堂课) 第一堂课: 20/06/17（星期二）,下午2点至5点 第二堂课: 21/06/17（星期三）,下午2点至5点
Facebook是时下最受欢迎的社交网站之一，能开拓您与亲 友之间沟通的新桥梁。此课程除了教您如何创建个人账户 和使用Facebook，也教您留言、按赞、分享动态等。同时， 您也将学习通过Facebook使用视讯和聊天，并且探索图 书馆的Facebook网页，发现更多有趣的资讯。
收费: $4 学员须具备基本电脑知识、上网的经验及拥有电邮账户。
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Register at our library e-kiosks today! You can also go to www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary and key in “SIJ” for more details.
Library Services For the 50Plus
iPad Courses For Seniors June 2017 六月份iPad班课程表
现在就通过图书馆内的电子服务站报名吧！您也可浏览 www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary 输入 “SIJ” 以搜寻更多详情。
BEDOK PUBLIC LIBRARY iKnow iPads & Navigational Apps (2-session course) Part 1 of 2: 14 Jun (Wed), 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Part 2 of 2: 15 Jun (Thu), 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Fees: $4
苹果iPad平板电脑与网络社交 （共两堂课） 第一堂课: 22/06/17（星期三）,下午2点至5点 第二堂课: 23/06/17（星期四）,下午2点至5点
Find out how GPS works and learn to make your way around using iPad apps. Try out a variety of navigational apps such as Google Maps and SG Buses. Navigating around Singapore will be a breeze! Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of operating the iPad including typing with on-screen keyboard and touchscreen swiping, pinching and zooming. 此课程让你学习使用Facebook的流动平台应用程序。除了 用它创建帐户与亲友分享您的最新动态之外，您还可学习 如何在亲友的脸书上留言、按赞和分享资讯，或者使用相关 的Messenger应用程序与他们通讯。此外，您也可以通过 图书馆在Facebook上的不同网页掌握图书馆的各项活动 与节目并与我们联系。
收费: $4 学员须具备基本使用iPad的知识、上网的经验及拥有个人 电邮账户。
Registration closes 2 days before the day of the course. You must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before registering for a course. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Participants must be Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents. Participants must be 50 years old and above. Maximum intake for each class is 10 participants at Woodlands Regional Library and 15 participants at Bedok Public Library. Registration is only confirmed upon payment of the full course fee. Fees paid are non-refundable. NLB reserves the right to postpone the courses.
JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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Program mes to look out for in
Central / Downtown Region Thu
01
SUN
陪你看报纸 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Toa Payoh Public Library Fri
02
Sat
03
壹度书会 (Yidu Reading Club) 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Serangoon Public Library Book Lover’s Club 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm Multi-Purpose Room, Central Public Library Wed
07
THU
Singapore Literature Book Club 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm Multi-Purpose Room, Central Public Library Fri
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For Seniors
COMPUTER COURSES
The Big Read Meet 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm Multi-Purpose Room, Central Public Library
iKnow iPads & Navigational Apps (2-session course) 14 & 15 June, 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Programme Zone, Bedok Public Library
苹果iPad平板电脑与网络社交（共两堂课）
Communities: Travel and Culture Explorers 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Share, library@orchard THU
22 & 23 June, 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Programme Zone, Bedok Public Library
Ongoing 陪你看报纸 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Toa Payoh Public Library
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唐城 DIY Club 11.00 am – 1.00 pm Programme Zone, library@chinatown
Law of the Land: Highlights of Singapore’s Constitutional Documents 10.00 am – 7.00 pm (Sun-Thu & Public Holidays) 10.00 am – 10.00 pm (Fri, Sat & Eve of Public Holidays) Public tours on Fri & Sat (selected dates, except Public Holidays) Chief Justice’s Chamber and Office, National Gallery Singapore Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies 9.00 am – 5.30 pm (Mon-Sat) 12.00 pm – 5.30 pm (Sun) *Open on Public Holidays except for first day of Chinese New Year Former Ford Factory, 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192
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Thu
Origami Workshop 11.00 am – 12.00 pm Activity Room, Bishan Public Library
Artists’ Trading Cards Club 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm Programme Zone, Bishan Public Library
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Board Game Wongamania: Have Fun and Learn about Finance! 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Toa Payoh Public Library
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06
Quick 6 Strength Exercise 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Sengkang Public Library
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Wed
Lim Kopi, Let’s Talk 11.00 am – 12.00 pm Programme Zone, Toa Payoh Public Library
THU
READ
07
Quick 6 Strength Exercise 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Merpati Hall, Geylang East Public Library
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WELLNESS
Singapore Literary Pioneers Level 11, Promenade, National Library Building
[乐龄康乐活动]制作杯垫 9.00 am – 11.30 am Programme Zone, Bedok Public Library
OTHER HAPPENINGS
For more information and programme registration, please visit www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
HERITAGE
08
Sat
24
How Dangerous Is Visceral Fat? 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm Programme Zone, Sengkang Public Library
Turn Your Passion into Profitable Business 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm Level 3, Programme Area, The LLiBrary
Thu
THU
15
Malay in Minutes 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm Activity Room, Geylang East Public Library Tue
20
Quick 6 Strength Exercise 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Sengkang Public Library Wed
陪你看报纸 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Toa Payoh Public Library
BUSINESS
The Donors Gallery Level 10, Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, National Library Building
AfterWords 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm Programme Zone, Marine Parade Public Library
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Quick 6 Strength Exercise 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Merpati Hall, Geylang East Public Library Thu
ARTS
From Books to Bytes: The Story of the National Library Level 5, Promenade, National Library Building
02
The Story Line 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm Programme Zone, Marine Parade Public Library
Game On! – Board Games 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm Programme Zone, Serangoon Public Library
THU
Legal Talk on Wills & Intestacy 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm Activity Room, Cheng San Public Library
Fri
Tue
Mon
01
Parents, Kids & Money 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm Level 3, Programme Area, The LLiBrary
当亲子学华语遇上 弗洛依德 Application of Freud’s Theory to the Learning of Chinese 11.00 am – 12.00 pm Programme Zone, Bishan Public Library Sun
iKnow网上社交与通讯(共两堂课) 20 & 21 June, 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Silver Infocomm Junction, Woodlands Regional Library
EASTERN Region
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碧山乐龄读书会 Chinese Seniors Reading Club 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm Programme Zone, Bishan Public Library
iKnow Computers & Social Communications (2-session course) 13 & 14 June, 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Silver Infocomm Junction, Woodlands Regional Library
Exhibitions
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Communities: Reading Allowed 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Imagine, library@orchard
陪你看报纸 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Toa Payoh Public Library
Sat
15
陪你看报纸 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Toa Payoh Public Library
SAT
Laggies (PG13) 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm Open Stage, library@esplanade
Wed
Thangameen Readers Club 5.00 pm – 8.00 pm Programme Zone, Toa Payoh Public Library THU
Finding Safe Drinking Water Overseas 7.15 pm – 8.15 pm Programme Zone, Bishan Public Library
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J u n e 2 0 17
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Rejuvenate Your Career: Enhancing Your Executive Presence 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm Level 3, Programme Area, The LLiBrary
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Speaking Well Starts with Phonetics 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm Level 3, Programme Area, The LLiBrary
western Region Fri
02
SAT
PIXEL Labs Equipment Briefing (3D Printer) 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm PIXEL Labs@NLB, Jurong Regional Library Sat
03
09
From Farm to Fork 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library SAT
10
PIXEL Labs Equipment Briefing (3D Printer) 12.00 pm – 1.30 pm PIXEL Labs@NLB, Jurong Regional Library
Help Children Develop Self-Control 15 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Jurong West Public Library 18 June 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm Programme Zone, Sengkang Public Library Give ‘Pocket Money’? Teach Money Management! 17 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Bishan Public Library Baby Lapsit Programme 20 June 3.30 pm – 4.00 pm Everest Room, Woodlands Regional Library
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30 June 3.30 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Jurong Regional Library
When the Police Wore Shorts: A Return to the 1940s 10.00 am – 11.30 am 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm Former Ford Factory, 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192 Meeting Point: Level 1, Information Counter
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Thu
My Sparky Fire: Fire Safety Awareness for Children & Parents 24 June 11.00 am – 12.00 pm Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library
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Read & Bond
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Read & Bond: Trip, Trap! Trip, Trap! Who’s That Trip Trapping over my Bridge? 1 June 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm Activity Room, Ang Mo Kio Public Library
IT Talk: Digital Video Management 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Radin Mas Hall, Bukit Merah Public Library
IT Talk: Digital Video Management 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Radin Mas Hall, Bukit Merah Public Library
Sat
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Read & Bond: Pirate Party 1 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Jurong West Public Library Read & Bond: Talented Elephants! 2 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Serangoon Public Library Read & Bond: Holiday Special 5 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Room, Sembawang Public Library Read & Bond: Are You Afraid of Monsters? 6 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Multi-Purpose Room, Bedok Public Library Read & Bond: Itsy-Bitsy Insects 7 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Activity Room, Choa Chu Kang Public Library Read & Bond: Rabbit Tales! 9 June 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm Programme Zone, Clementi Public Library Read & Bond: Stories and Craft 12 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Everest Room, Woodlands Regional Library Read & Bond: Where’s the Starfish? 13 June 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm Storytelling Corner, Bukit Merah Public Library Read & Bond: Balloon Blast-Off! 14 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Jurong West Public Library Read & Bond: Pandas 16 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Activities Room, Bukit Batok Public Library Read & Bond: Fishy Tales 20 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Activity Room, Cheng San Public Library
16 The Smurfs (PG) 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library
Dental Woes of an Ageing Population 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm Radin Mas Hall, Bukit Merah Public Library SAT
Community in Bloom 11.30 am – 12.30 pm Garden Area, Queenstown Public Library
Little Library / Tots’ Cove 6, 13, 20 & 27 June 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm Programme Zone, Marine Parade Public Library
Sun
The Drawing Room 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm Radin Mas Hall, Bukit Merah Public Library
Fri
BabywearingSG: Choosing the Right Carrier 4 June 2.30 pm – 6.00 pm Programme Zone, Sengkang Public Library
[Garden Talk] Salads from the garden 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library
2012 (PG) 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library
Thu
How to Implement Healthier School Meals at Home 3 June 12.00 pm – 1.00 pm Programme Zone, Sengkang Public Library
Design your Own Light-up Felt Brooch! 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm PIXEL Labs@NLB, Jurong Regional Library
IT Talk: Digital Video Management 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm Radin Mas Hall, Bukit Merah Public Library
Wed
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When the Police Wore Shorts: A Return to the 1940s 10.00 am – 11.30 am 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm Former Ford Factory, 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192 Meeting Point: Level 1, Information Counter
Community in Bloom 11.30 am – 12.30 pm Garden Area, Queenstown Public Library Fri
For Parents
Fri
17
northern Region WED
30
分享读书会 Share Read Chinese Book Club 10.30 am – 12.00 pm Everest Room, Woodlands Regional Library
Heartlands Book Club is discussing haiku poems by Matsuo Basho, Kobayashi Issa, Natsume Soseki and others 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm Activity Room, Bukit Batok Public Library
Pseudo Book Club 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm Level 3, Synergy Room Jurong Regional Library
THU
Dollars and Sense Learning Community 11.00 am – 12.30 pm Level 3, Synergy Room Jurong Regional Library
ARTS
READ
07
22
故事迷 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Ang Mo Kio Public Library
BUSINESS
WELLNESS
OTHER HAPPENINGS
For more information and programme registration, please visit www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
HERITAGE
Read & Bond: Monster Triangles 22 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Activity Room, Choa Chu Kang Public Library Read & Bond: Pandas 22 June 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library
Jiggle, Read & Rhyme 8 June 4.00 pm – 4.30 pm Programme Zone, Jurong West Public Library 12 June 3.30 pm – 4.00 pm Activity Room, Cheng San Public Library 15 June 4.00 pm – 4.30 pm Programme Zone, Marine Parade Public Library 20 June 4.00 pm – 4.30 pm Multi-Purpose Room, Bedok Public Library 20 June 7.30 pm – 8.00 pm Level 1, Programme Zone, Jurong Regional Library 21 June 3.00 pm – 3.30 pm Programme Zone, Clementi Public Library 22 June 7.30 pm – 8.00 pm Programme Zone, Sengkang Public Library 27 June 3.30 pm – 4.00 pm Programme Zone, Serangoon Public Library 27 June 7.30 pm – 8.00 pm Everest Room, Woodlands Regional Library 29 June 7.30 pm – 8.00 pm Programme Zone, Queenstown Public Library
The Nakano Thrift Shop
BOOK REVIEW
T
he Nakano Thrift Shop is owned by Haruo Nakano in Western Tokyo. He has been running it for 25 years by the time the narrator, Hitomi Suganuma, begins her narrative. He used to work long hours, but after Hitomi joins him, Nakano works till about 2.30pm daily and then he leaves with Takeo Kiryu to pick up new goods for his shop. Well, new old goods because thrift shops like Nakano’s usually sell secondhand goods. Nakano himself is also quick to point out now and then that his is a secondhand goods shop and not an antique shop. Nakano is thrice married. He has a sister, Masayo who is in her fifties, and not married. When Nakano finds out that she is getting close to a man and might even let him stay at her home, he gives Hitomi ¥5,000 and sends her to Masayo to find out what Masayo is up to. Masayo sees through that, and despite liking young Hitomi very much, she merely hands her ¥10,000 and asks her to make up a story to report to Nakano. As the narrative unfolds, different aspects of love are revealed through the relationships between Hitomi and Takeo, Nakano and Sakiko, and Masayo and Maruyama. The author very subtly explores the difference between platonic and sexual love, and may be suggesting that the first is an aspect of the other, and that love is love, whether sex is involved or not. The novel is not explicit and requires thoughtful appreciation as it drifts from the events of one day to the next. But that is not to say that there is no development. The episode in which Nakano is found stabbed by a
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JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
Hiromi Kawakami 2016 Portobello Books Call No. English KAW
customer with an old letter opener that she had bought from him, is exciting, and conveys rich underlying themes of obsession, and aspects of Nakano’s character as well. He has a more casual attitude towards life and love. His sister is a strong-willed woman but is more cautious in life and in love to the point of insecurity. She has a fear of her lover “keeling over”. Hitomi falls in love with Takeo but finds that the path to love is strewn with obstacles, mostly of one’s own making. Takeo, a quiet man who apologises a tad too much at times, is a contrast to the more effusive Hitomi. He proves to be a talented artist, but it is his talent that proves to be the undoing of his relationship with Hitomi. One day he decides, on the spur of the moment, to paint a portrait of her. She is lying in bed fully clothed and he thinks he is painting her like Goya’s The Clothed Maja. One day, a customer walks into the shop and finds a painting that she wants to buy. It turns out to be a nude painting of Hitomi. The Clothed Maja became ‘The Nude Maja’. Hitomi is incensed and breaks off her intimacy with Takeo. The story then turns to events surrounding Nakano’s shop. A certain Tokizo appears. He seems an old man whose age is not revealed although Nakano thinks he could be as old as 90, but because he has spoken about his pension, Nakano concludes that he must be at least 65 years old. He helps out with the valuation and sale of unusual items such as the life-sized poster of Seiko Matsuda, a jazz artist from the 1980s.
The Little Paris Bookshop Nina George, 2015 Abacus Call No. English GEO
Hitomi has second thoughts about her rash decision to break up with Takeo, but she also discovers the enigma of love. “I loved Takeo,” she says to herself. “When I scrutinised love, I still found myself in a world that felt empty.” She tries to rekindle her love with Takeo but he proves obstinate – and silent, refusing to acknowledge her. Silence, it seems, is becoming the death knell of their love.
affect the lives of each and every individual. Sakiko and Masayo also become entwined in the final stretch. Love, it seems, has a strange way of winding itself around those who have love in their hearts.
The Alexandrian
One day, a young man named Hagiwara goes to the shop and hands Nakano a bowl. It seems to be valuable. Probably ¥20,000 but he tells Nakano that he does not wish to sell it. Nakano, perplexed, then asks him what is his intention in bringing the bowl to the shop. Hagiwara explains that the bowl was given to him by his girlfriend whom he ditched because his boss found him another woman. He thinks that there is a jinx on the bowl. He does not want to sell it, but he does not want to keep it either. In the end, Hagiwara accepts a receipt for ¥20,000 showing the rental price for placing the bowl in the shop, but not without having Masayo chiding him, “You should never have left a girl you were comfortable with so easily.” Finally, Nakano decides to close his shop and open a new one. Hitomi and Takeo thus leave his employ, but they end up having a meal with him – one of those rare times the three eat together. The string of events leading to that meal reflects the profound interactions of people close to one another; whose actions
JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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Carpe Diem Regained: The Vanishing Art of Seizing the Day
BOOK REVIEW
H
orace effused the Epicurean philosophy in his Odes thus: “Be wise, strain your wine and not hope for a long life in our short time. / In the moment of our talking, envious time has ebbed away. / Seize the present; trusting as little as possible in tomorrow.” This is encapsulated in modern day as #yolo (you only live once). Carpe diem, Krznaric tells us, has been hijacked. This seemingly wonderful way of living has been taken away from us by consumer culture, management culture, digital life culture, and mindfulness culture. Just Do It, Krznaric laments, has become Just Buy It – or Just Plan It; or Just Watch It; or, in the case of mindfulness culture, simply Just Breathe. Where is the living? Do we even know how to live? How would we, on our deathbed, look back on our lives? Would we look back like Tolstoy’s judge, Ivan Ilyich, and see a broken, wasted life spent in vain and on superficial pursuits?
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Roman Krznaric 2017 Unbound Coming to libraries this month
from the point of view of imminent death. He discusses the lives of real persons such as the Buddhist monk Kamo Chomei and fictional ones depicted in films such as The Bucket List and Ikuru. The lesson he hopes to impart here is that even though “we are immersed in a universe of impermanence . . . We spend our lives striving to create permanence – the homes we build, the careers we pursue” and he asks, “Why become attached to material wealth or strive for prestige when in the end, it is destined to disappear?”
It is because life is brief and there is nothing before or after that we, in the words of R.D. Laing, “must invent, conjure up meanings and values, sustenance and succour out of nothing [for]”, but, Krznaric claims, there is another approach whose possibilities remain untapped, and whose potential is fast disappearing: carpe diem.
It is as though modernity and the comforts of modern life have the magical essence to keep boredom and death at bay. In truth, Krznaric would suggest, they can do neither. He tells us that if we live to 75, we would have spent up to nine years of our lives watching television. He condemns television as “an unusually passive way of engaging with life”. Carpe diem has also been hijacked by the brand strategists and e-commerce managers who have conditioned us, not to seize the day, but to seize our credit card. Google’s design ethicist, Tristan Harris, admits that digital technology is designed to “[hijack] our psychological vulnerabilities”. Krznaric warns us not to be fooled. We are told that we live in an age of unprecedented choice. “But in truth,” he says, “our age of choice is an illusion of near-mythic proportions.”
The essence of this book is about regaining purpose, but first, Krznaric is compelled to show us what seizing the day meant and how we came to lose it before he explores the idea
The bulk of his book focuses on the five main ways to seize the day: “opportunism, hedonism, presence, spontaneity and politics”. Each is in turn discussed in much detail. In the
JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
The Little Paris Bookshop Nina George, 2015 Abacus Call No. English GEO
art of seizing opportunities, Maya Angelou is a controversial example. She seized her day and left America for Europe on four days’ notice to take up her dream job as a dancer in Porgy and Bess. She left her nine-year-old son with her mother for a year. Her son was psychologically affected by the enforced separation. That may be regarded as collateral damage by some in the course of seizing one’s day. Other examples follow – Pink Floyd, Richard Branson, and Eve Hoare. We seize opportunities to become what we hope to become but carpe diem role-playing may affect the authenticity of our very being. The waiter in Sartre’s Being and Nothingness is cited as an example of a person playing a role so intensely he stops being himself. That waiter became a caricature of a waiter.
Buddhist mindfulness because he thinks that that version has a moral content which can satisfy our “existential hunger for a life of meaning”. Existentialism makes a number of cameo appearances throughout the book. That is because carpe diem is a philosophy of action. It is inseparable from a life of choices – we are what we choose. And carpe diem demands that we choose action, and not be like Beckett’s Vladimir and Estragon, the inert characters in Waiting for Godot. We cannot tell ourselves to get going – and then stay put.
The Alexandrian
Nothing can be as life-affirming as hedonism. Robert Herrick advises young virgins to “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, / Old Time is still a-flying; / And this same flower that smiles today / To-morrow will be dying.” Krznaric warns of the problems that mindfulness poses to carpe diem. Adherents of mindfulness tend to live in the moment, to think of nothing but the present. That will not help one who wants to seize the day for carpe diem requires action, and action requires judgment. Without awareness of past events and anticipation of future ones, how can we make sound judgments? Krznaric is sympathetic to
JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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SUGGESTED READINGS
You can check the availability of these titles via our online catalogue at www.nlb.gov.sg
Mona Lisa: A Life Discovered Author: Dianne Hales Publisher: New York: Simon & Schuster, 2014 Call No.: Adult Lending English 759.5 HAL - [ART]
More than 9 million visitors queue for hours for a glimpse of her allseeing eyes every year. But who was she and what was her life like? Author Dianne Hales goes on a journey to the hometown of La Gioconda, more widely known as Mona Lisa. As she retraces Mona Lisa’s footsteps in the oldest neighbourhoods of Florence and sees the world through her eyes, the story of one of the most well-known works of Leonardo da Vinci comes together in a stunning concoction of anecdotes, history, and biography, taking readers on a jaunt from the medieval to the modern age. Contributed by Rosxalynd Liu
Little Boy Blue Author: M.J. Arlidge Publisher: London: Michael Joseph, an imprint of Penguin Books, 2016 Call No.: Adult Lending English ARL - [TH]
Little Boy Blue is the fifth instalment of the Detective Helen Grace Thriller series. The plot opens with the death of someone from Helen’s past, and she grapples with the dilemma of unveiling the truth or lying to protect her darkest secrets. And as another familiar person from the past turns up dead, Grace’s credibility as one of the finest detectives is questioned for the first time. First-time readers of this series will still be able to grasp the story as the author has carefully crafted in crucial details to ensure that this novel succeeds as a stand-alone. Be warned though, you will likely be searching for the remaining books of the Helen Grace series after finishing this page-turner masterpiece. Contributed by Rasyidah Angullia
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JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
You can check the availability of these titles via our online catalogue at www.nlb.gov.sg
SUGGESTED READINGS
Society of Cats: Awesome Felines That Call Singapore Home Creator: Cat Welfare Society (Singapore) Publisher: Singapore: Darby Media Pte Ltd: in collaboration with Cat Welfare Society, 2016 Call No.: Adult Lending SING English 636.8 SOC
“Animal welfare advocacy isn’t just about the animals. It is about our humane conduct as well.” These opening words for this book from Mr K. Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, encapsulate the need for better understanding towards cats among the community. The book intersperses posturing cats with meaningful quotations and cat care tips to guide cat lovers in providing better living environments for these feline creatures. Cat lovers also contribute stories about their mission, satisfaction, and sense of responsibility towards providing ‘rights’ for cats against the backdrop of preserving our heritage. A worthy read that documents the emotional connection between locals and the cats that share our urban spaces and form part of our cultural and social heritage. Contributed by Herman Rothman
Thirteen Reasons Why Author: Jay Asher E-book
Clay Jensen discovers a mysterious package in the mail with 13 cassette tapes. Curious, Clay manages to get his hands on an old school Walkman and, to his horror, realises the tapes are from Hannah Baker, his crush who had recently committed suicide. Hannah dedicates each of the 13 messages to a different person, describing their role in her life and her tragic end. Readers follow Clay and Hannah’s narratives as they navigate the bizarrely tragic turn of events. An empowering book about the importance of speaking up and how one’s actions can lead to disastrous or life-changing reactions, this bestseller has gained polarising reviews – from apprehension about the author glorifying suicide to grateful readers applauding Jay Asher’s insight into the subject matter. And with the Netflix series executive produced by multitalented sensation Selena Gomez, here’s your 14th reason why you should read this book. Contributed by Khairiyah Aziz
JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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SUGGESTED READINGS
You can check the availability of these titles via our online catalogue at www.nlb.gov.sg
101 Menu Pesakit Kanser Penulis: Chef Brian Penerbit & Tahun Penerbitan: Selangor: Alaf 21@Grup Buku Karangkraf, 2016 Nombor Panggilan: Malay 641.531 BRI [COO]
101 Menu Pesakit Kanser sangat istimewa kerana disasarkan khusus bagi merawat dan mencegah kanser. Setelah ayahnya tewas pada kanser, Chef Brian bertekad untuk menghasilkan resipi-resipi yang sesuai untuk merawat dan mencegah kanser. Semasa hayat ayahnya, beliau mengambil makanan khas, kerana bertarung dengan kanser. Chef Brian selalu memerhatikan kemurungan ayahnya sewaktu masa makan kerana hidangan khas untuknya, seakan-akan mengingatkan yang dia menghadapi penyakit kanser. Chef Brain berusaha mempelajari dan mencipta resipi-resipi khas untuk pesakit kanser yang juga boleh mecegah kanser. Dengan itu, terciptalah buku 101 resipi untuk pesakit kanser dan juga untuk mencegah kanser. Semua resipi telah disemak oleh pakar diet National Cancer Society of Malaysia dan ditauliah sesuai untuk pengidap kanser dan untuk pencegahannya. Menu-menu mengikut selera tempatan dan bahan-bahannya mudah didapati. Setiap menu disertakan dengan kadar kalori, protein, karbohidrat dan lemak. Informasi ini membolehkan penguna untuk memilih makanan jenis apa yang paling sesuai untuk diri mereka Diulas oleh Johan A Rahman
拯救恶视力,就靠血液力:名医独创“毛巾呼吸法”, 视力超强回复! 作者：福辻锐记著;[翻译,蔡丽蓉] 出版社与年份：新北市:绘虹企业股份有限公司,2016 索书号：Chinese 617.7 FUK - [HEA]
日常生活中，我们不断用眼睛看世界。每天累积下来的疲倦感，久而久 之很可能会造成很多不适的症状，如视力模糊等。尤其现代人平日经 常使用电脑和智慧型手机，眼睛更是容易疲劳。眼睛的疾病目前仍是 无法根治的，而眼睛又是和五脏相关的器官，如果太过劳累，可能会导 致身体的其他疾病。本书针对这些，提醒读者应该注重眼睛的保养。 主要的方式是多运动、多休息、多做护眼法。护眼的方法包括穴位按摩、进食抗氧化食物（如 蓝莓、红萝卜等），以及作者独创的“毛巾式呼吸法”，皆有助于改善血液循环。本书图文并茂， 详细记录了作者的讲解，献给特别想保养眼睛的你。 编写：陈彬芳 (Chan Pan Fong)
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You can check the availability of these titles via our online catalogue at www.nlb.gov.sg
SUGGESTED READINGS
众里寻他千百度：辛弃疾传 作者：布衣 出版社与年份：北京市：中国华侨出版社，2014 索书号：C811.30420092 BY
以小说形式呈现历史人物的传记虽多，但以南宋词人为主人公的文集 却为数不多。 《众里寻他千百度》叙述了爱国忠士辛弃疾一生的点滴， 其中包括了他披甲抗金、归南入仕、屡遭贬谪等，既传奇又坎坷的人生 里程碑。据说，辛弃疾临终前曾大呼三次“杀贼！ “来表示自己从未凋 零的复土心愿，而此书开篇也巧妙地以府中仆人南剑的视角来见证这位孤胆英雄抱憾辞世的 瞬间。在许多人的眼里，辛弃疾是位忠心的文臣、杰出的词人、优秀的军事家，但却因身处腐败 的南宋朝廷而永远只能在灯火阑珊处等待那愿意为他回首并赏识他的人。 编写：林雪婷 (Lim Suet Ting Benita)
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SUGGESTED READINGS
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JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
You can check the availability of these titles via our online catalogue at www.nlb.gov.sg
You can check the availability of these titles via our online catalogue at www.nlb.gov.sg
SUGGESTED DVDs
Wild Yellowstone Publisher: Washington D.C.: National Geographic, 2015 Call No.: AV English 599.0978752 WIL
This beautifully shot video vividly captures the frozen frontier and grizzly summer of the famed Yellowstone National Park in the USA. It is a season of extremes where everyone must ensure their own survival. Wolf packs hunt using divide-and-conquer tactics, and beavers stockpile up to a tonne of wood to feed a family of six over winter. Come summer time, graphic scenes and sounds of headbutting rams, elks and bison challenging one another over harems are oftrepeated over the vast land area, with the carcasses of the vanquished fallen upon by bears, wolves and other predators. In the cycle of nature, nothing goes to waste. This video is truly a celebration of life in the animal kingdom, captured in fantastic slow-motion videography! Contributed by Peter Chan
A LEGO Brickumentary Publisher: Beverly Hills, CA: Anchor Bay Entertainment, 2015 Call No.: AV English 688.72 LEG
A LEGO Brickumentary is an enjoyable 93-minute look at the invention of the plastic construction toy and the early days of the titular toy company. See how the company has sustained itself over the years, especially during a bad period in the company’s history where a new line of toys was failing to sell. Hear from the designers, who proclaim that working at LEGO is one of the best jobs in the world; and the fans who gather at annual LEGO fan conventions. LEGO is not just a toy, it is an outlet for creativity, a prototyping method, and a means of bonding between parent and child. Told with animated characters (just like The LEGO Movie), this documentary will engage both adults and children. Contributed by Eunice Ang
JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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SUGGESTED DVDs
You can check the availability of these titles via our online catalogue at www.nlb.gov.sg
Bridge of Spies Publisher: United States: Touchstone Home Entertainment: DreamWorks Pictures, 2016; Burbank, CA: Buena Vista Home Entertainment Call No.: AV English 791.4372 BRI - [ART]
Called up by the American government to defend Rudolf Abel, a man suspected to be a Soviet spy, lawyer James Donovan does so to the best of his abilities. He even goes as far as to manage to save Abel from the death penalty. Donovan faces a lot of opposition, since this is during the height of the Cold War and the American public is hardly sympathetic. However, when a young American pilot is captured by the USSR, Abel becomes a valuable asset as America can now negotiate a prisoner exchange. This is a great film for people who enjoy movies based on historical events, as well as anyone who wants to watch a thrilling, gripping movie that will keep you engaged throughout. Contributed by Mindy Tan
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Parents, Kids & Money
National Librar y Presents:
Managing finances may be a daily struggle for many of us. In this talk co-organised with Candid Creation Publishing, Ernest Tan will introduce parents to the right money skills, language, and practical tools related to teaching their children about money, and how to incorporate money lessons into fun daily activities. THU
PROGRAMMES
12.30 pm – 1.30 pm Level 3, Programme Area, The LLiBrary
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Turn Your Passion into Profitable Business 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm Level 3, Programme Area, The LLiBrary
Is it possible for you to turn your passion and hobby into a source of income? With the advent of digital technology, it is simple! Hari Das will build your confidence and show you how to:
• Identify and research your passion
• Set up a home for your passion online
• Drive customers to
appreciate your work
• Use available tools and resources to your benefit
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THU
THU
01
22
Rejuvenate Your Career: Enhancing Your Executive Presence 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm Level 3, Programme Area, The LLiBrary
Technology changes business models and impacts work of the future. The challenge of every individual is about staying relevant to the marketplace with self-confidence, an improved skill set and the right mindset. This series focuses on these three aspects of career development for rejuvenating your career through lifelong learning. In the final session, the definition and importance of executive presence will be discussed, and we will share about some of the practical approaches of enhancing it. About the speaker: Wong Woei Fuh, Ph.D. (University of Manchester), is the Consultant for Innovative Education Services Pte Ltd.
THU
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Speaking Well Starts with Phonetics 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm Level 3, Programme Area, The LLiBrary
Good articulation helps us to be engaging, interesting, influential – and even successful. To speak well requires a grasp of the foundation of speech, and understanding phonetics is key to achieving this. National Librar y Presents:
Joseph Wong introduces the fascinating world of phonetic vowels and consonants that make up English words, and shows us how to use them effectively to speak better. About the speaker:
PROGRAMMES
Joseph Wong, principal consultant at Delapro, spent 36 years with Standard Chartered Bank before starting his own training company in 2015, sharing his skills in his training programmes. He regularly writes for the Recruit section of The Straits Times.
Admission to programmes is free and open to all unless otherwise stated. Please register at library eKiosks or www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary. JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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ONGOING Law of the Land: Highlights of Singapore’s Constitutional Documents
National Librar y Presents:
EXHIBITIONS
Ongoing 10.00 am – 7.00 pm (Sun-Thu & Public Holidays) 10.00 am – 10.00 pm (Fri, Sat & Eve of Public Holidays) Chief Justice’s Chamber and Office, National Gallery Singapore “Law of the Land: Highlights of Singapore’s Constitutional Documents” explores the history and development of Singapore’s constitution from Singapore’s founding as a British settlement in 1819 to its emergence as a sovereign republic in 1965. The exhibition features rare constitutional documents from the collections of the National Archives of Singapore and the National Library, Singapore. The documents capture key moments in Singapore’s constitutional history and also throw light on milestones in our island-nation’s history. The exhibition is organised by the National Archives of Singapore and the National Library Board, and is held at the historic former Chief Justice’s Chamber and Office at the National Gallery Singapore. Join our curator-led Insights Tours and docent-led Highlights Tours. All tours are free and conducted in English.
Insights Tour 2nd & 4th Fri of the month (9 & 23 June), 6.30 pm – 7.15 pm Meeting Point: Level 1, Information Counter, Padang Atrium There are 20 places available on a first come, first served basis.
Highlights Tour 1st & 3rd Sat of the month (1 & 17 June), 2.00 pm – 2.45 pm Meeting Point: Basement 1, Tours Desk Registration opens 20 min before each tour There are 20 places available on a first come, first served basis. Visit www.nas.gov.sg/nas/Outreach/Exhibitions.aspx for more information.
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ONGOING Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies Ongoing 9.00 am – 5.30 pm (Mon-Sat) 12.00 pm – 5.30 pm (Sun) *Open on Public Holidays except for first day of Chinese New Year Former Ford Factory, 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192
Admission: $3 per entry
EXHIBITIONS
Free admission for: • Singapore Citizens • Permanent Residents • Children aged 6 and below • Singapore student pass holders • Museum Roundtable members • Persons with Disabilities (and one caregiver)
National Librar y Presents:
“Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies” is a permanent World War Two exhibition presented by the National Archives of Singapore at the historic Former Ford Factory. This is the place where the British forces surrendered unconditionally to the Imperial Japanese Army on 15 February 1942. The exhibition presents the events and memories surrounding the British surrender, the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, and the legacies of the war. Through oral history accounts, archival records and published materials, the exhibition highlights the diverse experiences of the people in Singapore during this period in our history.
Daily Guided Tours Join our walk-in tours led by volunteer guides to learn more about war and its aftermath, and discover the stories behind the rich collections on display. English Guided Tour (60 min) Meeting Point: Level 1, Information Counter There are 20 places available on a first come, first served basis. Mandarin Guided Tour (60 min) 1st & 3rd Sat of the month (3 & 17 Jun), 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Meeting Point: Level 1, Information Counter There are 20 places available on a first come, first served basis. Tours are not available on Public Holidays. Visit www.nas.gov.sg/formerfordfactory for the latest tour schedules. Admission to programmes is free and open to all unless otherwise stated. Please register at library eKiosks or www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary. JUNE 2017 // www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary
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ONGOING From Books to Bytes: The Story of the National Library Ongoing Level 5, Promenade, National Library Building
National Librar y Presents:
EXHIBITIONS
“From Books to Bytes: The Story of the National Library” tells the story of the National Library of Singapore as an integral part of Singapore’s cultural and social fabric. The exhibition traces the history of the National Library of Singapore from 1823 till present. Learn interesting snippets of the library’s rich history and how its function has evolved with the learning needs of the nation.
The Donors Gallery Ongoing Level 10, Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, National Library Building The Donors Gallery was set up to display a sample selection of items donated to the National Library with the hope of creating a sense of rootedness through the preservation of local heritage content and fulfilling the library’s function of being the national memory and repository of Singapore heritage materials in all formats. It is also hoped that more Singaporeans will be encouraged to donate their heritage collections to the National Library.
Singapore Literary Pioneers Ongoing Level 11, Promenade, National Library Building The gallery displays the books, letters, calligraphic works, manuscripts, photographs and portraits of Singapore’s literary pioneers. Some prominent writers have also donated their pens, typewriters and literary awards. In addition, visitors can appreciate audio and video recordings of the writers in two multimedia screens.
Admission to programmes is free and open to all unless otherwise stated. Please register at library eKiosks or www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary.
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LOCATIONS Central / downtown Region BIPL Bishan Public Library
5 Bishan Place, #01-01 Singapore 579841 CNPL library@chinatown
133 New Bridge Road, #04-12 Chinatown Point Singapore 059413 CSPL Cheng San Public Library
90 Hougang Avenue 10, Hougang Mall, #03-11 CTPL Central Public Library
100 Victoria Street, #B1-01 Singapore 188064 EPPL library@esplanade
8 Raffles Avenue, #03-01 Singapore 039802 OCPL library@orchard
277 Orchard Road #03-12 & #04-11 Orchard Gateway Singapore 238858 SRPL Serangoon Public Library
23 Serangoon Central, #04-82/83 NEX (Level 4R) Singapore 556083 NL National Library
100 Victoria Street Singapore 188064 TPPL Toa Payoh Public Library
6 Toa Payoh Central Singapore 319191
EASTERN Region BEPL Bedok Public Library
21 Bedok North Street 1 Singapore 469659 GEPL Geylang East Public Library
50 Geylang East Avenue 1 Singapore 389777 MPPL Marine Parade Public Library
WESTERN Region BBPL Bukit Batok Public Library
1 Bukit Batok Central Link, West Mall #03-01 Singapore 658713 BMPL Bukit Merah Public Library
3779 Jalan Bukit Merah Singapore 159462
278 Marine Parade Road, #01-02, Marine Parade Community Building Singapore 449282
BPPL Bukit Panjang Public Library
PRPL Pasir Ris Public Library
CCKPL Choa Chu Kang Public Library
1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3, White Sands, #04-01/06 Singapore 518457
21 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4, #04-01/02 Lot One Shoppers’ Mall Singapore 689812
SKPL Sengkang Public Library
1 Sengkang Square, Compass One, #03-28 & #04-19 Singapore 545078 The LLiBrary Lifelong Learning Institute
11 Eunos Road 8 #03-02 (via Lobby B) Singapore 408601 TRL Tampines Regional Library
Closed for relocation. Reopens in 2017. NORTHERN Region AMPL Ang Mo Kio Public Library
4300 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 Singapore 569842 SBPL Sembawang Public Library
30 Sembawang Drive Sun Plaza #05-01 Singapore 757713 WRL Woodlands Regional Library
900 South Woodlands Drive Woodlands Civic Centre, #01-03 Singapore 730900 YIPL Yishun Public Library
Closed for renovations. Reopens in 2018.
Closed for renovations. Reopens in 2017.
CMPL Clementi Public Library
3155 Commonwealth Avenue West, #05-13/14/15 The Clementi Mall Singapore 129588 JRL Jurong Regional Library
21 Jurong East Central 1 Singapore 609732 JWPL Jurong West Public Library
60 Jurong West Central 3 Singapore 648346 QUPL Queenstown Public Library
53 Margaret Drive Singapore 149297
Hylam Street, towards Malay Street, 1982 This 1982 photograph depicts Hylam Street, towards Malay Street. Hylam Street and Malay Street are now air-conditioned ‘indoor streets’ located within Bugis Junction shopping mall. Visit eResources.nlb.gov.sg/pictures for more images of Singapore!
Credit: © Lee Kip Lin and National Library Board Singapore, 2017
ISSN 1793-5431 (Print) ISSN 2010-0027 (Online)