It’s 2025, and libraries have gone beyond the simple function of book-borrowing – so many upgrades are taking place right under our noses. From modern kitchens to a fully equipped music studio, we’ve scoured the island high and low to bring you a list of hidden gems you’d never expect to find in our public libraries.
Table of Contents
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook like Jamie Oliver or Gordon Ramsay, Tampines Regional Library’s Culinary Studios comes fully equipped with professional cooking equipment – perfect for the budding masterchef in you.
Image credit: Tampines Central
Managed by the People’s Association (PA), culinary workshops include courses on making sushi-baked rice and healthy meals, with halal ones being held in Culinary Studio 2.
The studios are conveniently located right beside the cookery section on Level 2, so you can pick up a recipe book after your session to practise at home.
Image adapted from: National Library Board
Those who love tinkering around with technology should check out the MakeIT at Libraries programme. A collaboration between IMDA and NLB, this creative studio is made for those who want a place to unleash their creativity. This initiative is available on Wednesdays to Sundays from 12pm to 8.30pm, at NLB branches in Jurong, Tampines, Woodlands, and Punggol.
The space boasts a whole assortment of tools, microcontrollers, and even a 3D printer – all so you can build your own electronic prototypes from scratch.
Image adapted from: National Library Board
The facilities are free-to-use for NLB members, but take note that the equipment requires booking to use, and some of them can only be handled with certification.
Here at MakeIT, you can learn how to code, use digital cutters, upcycle, and even use sewing machines to make digital wearables with tech add-ons. Sign up for the Starter Sessions today to weave tech like a pro in no time.
Image adapted from: @publiclibrarysg via Instagram
A jamming studio in a library might sound like a huge oxymoron – unless it’s silent, of course. Tucked away on the 5th floor of the Central Arts Library, the Silent Studio is furnished with all the basic items you need. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or seasoned professional, you are welcome to jam out to your heart’s content in the soundproof studio.
There’s no need to lug your bulky instruments here, either. The studio is equipped with a range of instruments like a guitar, digital piano and electric drum kit; up to 4 instruments can be plugged in. The booking rate is $10.69/h on weekdays and $14.77/h on weekends – so book a slot here and bring the whole posse over, as long as they don’t go over the 7 pax max.
Comfortably cushioned lime green Learning Pods at the Digital Learning Zone.
Image credit: National Library Board
Libraries aren’t all about paperbacks. At the Yishun Public Library, you can also learn and read digital content on screens over at the Digital Learning Zone and at the 7 Learning Pods that were installed back in 2018.
Each pod comes with a touchscreen eLearning console that houses an on-demand library of instructional videos. This allows users to upgrade their professional repertoire through a variety of video courses on topics such as business, creative design and technology.
Other features include TED talks and personalised course recommendations. The best part of all this is that access to all this content is free. All you have to do is sign up through the NLB portal and you’re good to go.
Image credit: National Library Board
Kick back, relax and catch a movie in your own private Screening Room at the Central Arts Library, equipped with a bangin’ home theatre system.
You can loan out anything to watch from the library’s audio-visual collection, which offers ~30,000 titles to choose from – that includes dance, opera, and theatre. Reserve the room here for up to 3 hours per day (from $8.65/hour), and get ready to hunker down for a film marathon.
The AutoSorter book drop at Bukit Panjang Public Library.
Discover the inner workings of the library at the see-through book-drop points located in NLB branches at Bukit Panjang, Bedok, Harbourfront, and the Central Library. This feature provides a behind-the-scenes peek at what happens after you return a book with the Auto-Sorter.
Using a computerised system of conveyor belts and sensors, the Auto-Sorter mechanically sorts returned books for easy shelving and marks them to be placed at the just returned shelves. It’s strangely satisfying to watch.
No more hunting for book-drop stations!
Image credit: Our Tampines Hub
Taking it one step further is the Tampines Regional Library, which has its very own mobile bookdrops. You can find these helpful robots near the entrance of the library, eagerly awaiting patrons to return their completed books – they can hold up to 150!
These smart machines use a complex system of sensors, a network of inconspicuous QR codes and lines on the floor to map out the paths that they’ll be taking. Truly innovative.
Image credit: National Library Board, Singapore via Facebook
If you did not know, Tampines Regional Library has 2 more artificial assistants – adorable ones at that. OrrBot and Eeebot are shelf-reading robots deployed to scan the RFID tags in books on a daily basis, ensuring that no book is misplaced.
Created by Senserbot, these robots were made due to a big issue with misplaced books, and they make a librarian’s job much easier. Catch these robots during their shifts at night as they scan entire shelves with their 4 mechanical limbs – they can also be found in the NLB branches at Pasir Ris, Harbourfront, Sengkang, Serangoon, Bedok, and Tampines.
The NLB Mobile app allows all library members to access NLB services and resources right at their fingertips. Looking for a good read but don’t have the time to make a trip down to a library? Don’t fret, you can borrow ebooks at the touch of a button through the app – just take note that an internet connection is necessary for browsing.
The NLB Mobile App interface.
Screenshot from: NLB Singapore via YouTube
There are audiobooks available too, so you can squeeze in a light “read” during your work commute or jogging sesh. The NLB Mobile app is just like having a library in your pocket – you can even reserve physical books to collect at any NLB branch.
You can also borrow a book after taking it off the shelf just by using the app’s built-in code scanner.
Other features of the app include managing your library loans and making eMagazines, eNewspapers and eLearning resources accessible.
Learn more about this handy app here.
Whether it’s cooking up a storm or doing movie marathons, these 9 unique library features and services prove that libraries are not just a place for books – they are constantly evolving with the times, catering to users across all generations.
Launched in 2016, the National Reading Movement is an initiative by the National Library Board to encourage everyone to Read More, Read Widely and Read Together. After all, there’s no better way to come together and explore new worlds than with a good book.
With a total of 29 libraries islandwide, upgrading and growing your repertoire of skills is made easy and convenient at the National Library Board. With all the hands-on-activities available for patrons of every age, a visit to the library doesn’t have to be an activity left behind from our Secondary school days.
More libraries to check out in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: National Library Board, @publiclibrarysg via Instagram
This post was brought to you by the National Reading Movement.
Originally published on 2nd November 2018. Last updated by Huiyuan You on 14th October 2025.
Book your flights and get ready to jam.
These Christmas exclusive events have magical snowfall shows.
Play Merry-Poly too.
Technically, this is the second time Singapore has qualified for the Asian Cup.
This is your call to get up earlier for work.
As if we need another reason to visit the mall.