After over two years of renovation works, Bukit Batok Library opens its doors with National Library Board’s first-of-its-kind immersive audio and visual experiences.
It has doubled its size to include spaces on Levels 1 (entry), 2 and 3 to over 2,700 square metres with almost twice the number of seats available for patrons. Level two does not feel like a library with its cave-like spaces inspired by Little Guilin, mini “Ford Factory gallery” and a teahouse-esue space for those reading and studying.
Bukit Batok Library Reopens: Inspired by the Scenic Little Guilin
Those living in Bukit Batok and its vicinity would be familiar with one of the iconic attractions – Little Guilin. What patrons will experience is inspired by the quarry now a popular park. It’s a highly sensorial experience at the Bukit Batok Library especially its 2nd floor.
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The SingLand Soundscape: Sound Cave, Time Caverns, Sound Library and Sound Pavilion
From the mall entrance via Level 1, patrons will be surrounded by copper-coloured rocky surfaces with hanging boulders likened to the Little Guilin facade. The contrast of sounds from the bustling mall to the soothing sounds as one enters the library can’t be more apparent.
Listen out for the commissioned soundtracks by Singaporean sound artist Mervin Wong right from the entrance and at level two. The soothing soundscape incorporates field recordings of everyday sounds captured around Bukit Batok.
The SingLand Soundscape comprises four visually and aurally immersive spaces: Sound Cave, Time Caverns, Sound Library and Sound Pavilion.
The Sound Cave
Walk past the reading and multimedia corners and enter a sound cave. This sound cave encourages mindfulness and patrons who want to sit by a pebble-shaped seat to soak in the sounds. Listeners can experience Bukit Batok’s serene ecology and urban environment.
Just sitting there and keeping still was calming in the dim environment with text projected onto the walls. It felt like a therapy session in a cave, except you’re actually in a public library!
Time Caverns
Those familiar with Bukit Batok’s history will know about Ford Factory, the pre-WWII village days to the Japanese Occupation and the horrific deaths at Sleepy Valley then a transformation into a modern town today.
Patrons can learn about the stories of Bukit Batok through images, sounds and oral history recordings. Images are displayed on display panels in the caverns which made walking through the passage of time even more surreal.
The mini gallery designed to be like Ford Factory gives patrons a rundown of what car production in Singapore used to be like. Imagine that! It also includes some WWII history on the role of the factory during the war.
Then step into a grim-looking corner where patrons can look through little windows and listen to sound recordings of those who have experienced the war.
Head to the space where modern-day Bukit Batok awaits. Here you can see memories contributed by the public, browse books related to Singapore’s history and heritage and be reminded of how Bukit Batok has grown over the past decades.
Sound Library
To continue the auditory journey, stop at Sound Library. It showcases the sounds of Singapore from the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore collections. There are four themed albums to listen to: Festivals & Arts, Community, Environment, and Animals.
From now to 30 September 2026, Singaporeans are invited to share their photos, sounds or stories about Bukit Batok through Bukit Batok Memories at https://go.gov.sg/bbmemories and help create a vibrant digital collection celebrating the neighbourhood’s history and heritage.
Sound Pavilion
Is there a new cafe at Bukit Batok Library? This space might look like one with its tea house-inspired seating.
Patrons can read and decompress here. Drinks with lids are allowed at specific tables. Bring your own tea or coffee.
Other New Features at Bukit Batok Library
Walk to the booth seating at Level 2 where you can find a booth for wheelchair users. As you head down the corridor, you will reach Ripples Circle.
This mini-amphitheatre like space has reading spaces with moving kinetic art inspired by gravel raking in Zen gardens. Patrons can enjoy their books in a zen-like setting.
Look out for a digital display screen where patrons can discover audiobooks. The touchscreen interface allows one to sample audiobooks selected by NLB librarians and borrow them by scanning the QR codes with the NLB Mobile App.
At Level 3 entrance, try the Scan-n-Discover display. Simply scan any book’s QR code to watch the screen “explode” with relevant physical books and eBook recommendations available for immediate borrowing.
Look for the Infinite Shelves too at the Travel, Health and Adult Fiction sections where you can scroll through interactive displays offering eBook collections available for borrowing. These are right next to the physical bookshelves, making it easy and accessible for patrons in borrowing more reads.
The Children Zone on Level 3 now has Story Caves that offer cosy nooks for reading with children and an open space for storytelling sessions.
Extended Hours at Bukit Batok Library
Paying Tribute to the History & Heritage of Bukit Batok
Bukit Batok Library has certainly become more than a conventional library. It is a place where residents can retreat to, explore, learn and be connected to their neighbourhood. The connection to the past and heritage of Bukit Batok is distinct and uniquely brought out through the many features.
SingLand’s General Manager, Commercial (Retail), Chan Yien Mei, said: “SingLand is proud to support the revamped Bukit Batok Library at West Mall as a vital, vibrant and accessible
third place for the community – a welcoming environment beyond home and work, where residents can connect and grow. Libraries today play a crucial role not only in providing access to knowledge and heritage, but in shaping inclusive places that foster belonging and shared experiences. Through this partnership, we are pleased to contribute to placemaking efforts that bring the Bukit Batok story to life, creating an inspiring place where residents of all ages can explore, learn, and feel deeply connected to their neighbourhood.”
Before you leave, don’t forget your bookmark available at the Stamp Rally stations. Go on a Stamp Rally to get your bookmark embossed with animals native to Singapore. The stations are located at Level 2’s Time Caverns.
Bukit Batok Library
Where: 1 Bt Batok Central, #02-01, #03-01 West Mall, Singapore 658713
