When you ask your child where they want to go on weekends, some of the common answers you will hear include playgrounds, mall, parks and theme parks. It would be uncommon to hear them ask to go somewhere educational like a library or a zoo.
If you want to give your child a different experience and bring them to somewhere new, the library is the place to go. Libraries offer a vast amount of knowledge your kids can explore and discover. Some libraries may even surprise you because it is not just books which they have on their shelves.
To get you started, here are four best kids-friendly libraries in Singapore where you can take your kids and why they stand out:
Central Public Library
Want to go to an interactive experience as you look into countless books and learn more about environmental protection and awareness?
The Central Public Library is a branch of the Singapore National Library and is the library to go to if you want to learn more about the environment.
It has an extensive library of books and multimedia resources which anyone can borrow through their self-check borrowing stations. It also has a good selection of fiction books depending on the preference of the reader and reading devices for the disabled.
For your kids, the library’s “My Tree House “section will definitely blow their mind away. The area is currently considered as the first green library ever created for kids in the world.
Some of the staff teach kids about environmental protection and awareness, while others guide kids on how they can help the environment. There are also certain sections allotted for key environmental topics.
For example, one section of the area, the Weather Stump, teaches kids about the weather and how it affects the planet. Another section, the Knowledge Tree, gives kids a visual demonstration about environmental issues with the help of shadow puppets.
The library also hosts special programmes, exhibitions and discussions, which families can take part in when they are in the area.
Address: #B1-01 National Library, 100 Victoria St, Singapore 188064
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Website: https://www.nlb.gov.sg/
Singapore Sports Hub Library
Want to help your kids learn more about sports and active lifestyles? If that is a big yes, you should head on to Singapore Sports Hub Library.
Most of the books and other materials the library offers mostly focuses on sports, fitness and active lifestyle. There are also books focusing on sports biographies, business management, medicine and health. They do have books for other genres and interests but it is not as extensive as the other libraries.
Aside from books, magazines and other print materials, they also have games, movies and other resources for kids to use. There are allotted stations for these interactive resources, and they are quite comfortable to use. The library also has an interactive sports station and a giant playset for families to enjoy.
If you want your child to experience a live storytelling session, they can take part in the weekend sessions. Exhibitions and other events are also hosted in the library every month.
Address: 4 Stadium Walk, Singapore Sports Hub, Singapore 397697
Opening Hours: Mondays – Sundays, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Website: Sports Hub Library
Bishan Public Library
If you are looking for a library that is more accessible and has books for all ages, you and your family should visit Bishan Public Library.
The Library is located close to Bishan Junction 8, making it easy to visit by bus or MRT. When you get to the library, its five levels will surely have something for any age.
Each floor has allotted space for every age and offers a variety of resources they can peruse. For kids, they can go wild in the basement because everything they could want is on the floor. There is even a play area for them if they don’t want to read books. Parents would enjoy the books and resources in the adult section, especially the section for parenting.
This library is also one of the prettiest libraries in the world thanks to its unique architecture. When you and your child read here, you will have the perfect amount of light you need as you read the books you got from its gallery.
Address: 5 Bishan Place, #01-01, Singapore 579841
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm
Website: Bishan Library
Tampines Regional Library
Tampines Regional Library may be one of Singapore’s oldest libraries; but, it can surprise you when you come to visit. The library was recently relocated and opened a new area for users to enjoy. It is packed with both reading and audio materials on various topics.
Aside from its vast library, the new regional library has learning spaces for various interests. Some examples include a culinary studio, a playground and a hardware lab.
If you are done with reading and like to break a sweat, the library even has its own 700m track and stationary bikes. There is even a rock-climbing wall, a swimming pool and a gym nearby in case the track was not enough.
The library regularly schedules a variety of events that families can take part in. From regular story-telling to special exhibitions, the library has something different every week. Of course, you need to double check if you need to sign up because some of the events hosted in the library are often sold out.
Address: 31 Tampines Avenue 7, Singapore 529620
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10am-9pm
Website: Tampines Library
Conclusion
Libraries are not just a place where you can read and borrow a book. Libraries can also be places where you can have fun and learn at the same time.
So, when your kid asks you for a nice day out, bring them to one of the libraries we cited above. They wouldn’t know what hit them on their first visit and they will definitely look forward to your next visit.
Looking for ways to encourage early reading habits? Here are some tips for you:
How to Increase Active Reading with Post-It Notes
How To Teach Your Singapore Child To Love Reading From A Young Age
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