| Evolution
of the boutique library |
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| The
arts community helped to provide
ideas for the look and feel of
the library, as well as for the
materials that have gone onto the
shelves. |
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The National Library
Board has reinvented the concept of libraries in
Singapore. In fact, two of its
boutique libraries, library@orchard and library@esplanade,
have won rave reviews from visitors and the media.
Library@orchard
and library@esplanade were launched in 1999 and
2002 respectively. They were used as test beds
for NLB to introduce new services and products
which could then be adapted for future projects.
Before embarking on an innovative service, NLB will review the needs of the
wider community. In fact, library@orchard was created based on feedback in
the National Reading Survey.
Initially, the librarians had concerns about setting up a library that catered
only to young adults as they were used to libraries that served everyone — from
children to senior citizens. This uncertainty was assuaged after the development
team discussed the concept with focus groups made up of our target customers — young
adults.
As it turned out, library@orchard was a big hit with young adults. Its success
paved the way for more innovations, such as the music@orchard series of programmes
that saw rap artistes and rock bands entertaining huge crowds. Another innovation
was comics@orchard where comics went on loan in Singapore’s public libraries
for the first time.
The success of the first niche library developed for a specific audience led
NLB to set up Singapore’s first public performing arts library — the
library@esplanade.
NLB engaged the arts community to provide ideas for the look and feel of the
library, as well as for the materials that have gone onto the shelves. The
NLB team also gained ideas from state-of-the-art libraries overseas.
When library@esplanade opened a month ahead of the Esplanade, its mix of dance,
music, film and theatre materials, as well as its smorgasbord of programmes
such as a drum clinic, an evening of songs with local personalities and Open
Mic — an opportunity for daring members of the public to perform on stage,
quickly drew the crowds. In fact, on the first day, 14,000 visitors walked
through its doors.
As a result of taking the first step to innovate library@orchard and by engaging
the wider community, NLB ushered in a new age of boutique libraries that are
cool, hip and happening. In the process, NLB managed to not only engage its
target audience but also draw the general public into areas they might not
otherwise be engaged in. |
