library@esplanade To Close; Collections Moving To National Library Building

library@esplanade To Close; Collections Moving To NLB Building
Image: National Library Board
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The current library@esplanade will close on Friday, 30 June 2023 and its current premises will be converted by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay into arts and commercial spaces. The collections and programmes from the library@esplanade move to the National Library Building at Victoria Street.

library@esplanade opened in 2002 and has been an anchor tenant at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay since the performing arts centre first opened.


library@esplanade To Close at End June 2023 

library@esplanade To Close at End June 2023 
Image: National Library Board

With the move, performing arts collections, services and programmes will be centralised together with other existing arts resources at the National Library.

The centralised services will be in close proximity to the academic and arts institutions, as well as the community and arts practitioners in the vicinity. 


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Familiar favourite programmes from the library@esplanade, including recitals, movie screenings, jazz appreciation workshops and showcases of original works will be available at the new location of the National Library Building.

Other offerings at library@esplanade, such as the music studio, movies, music scores and books, will be available from the second half of 2024 at the National Library Building.


Intermission Party in June at library@esplanade

Intermission Party in June at library@esplanade
Image: National Library Board

During the month of June 2023, NLB will host a series of events at the library@esplanade, including performances and movie screenings.

Patrons are also invited to join the Intermission Party on the last day of its operations at the Esplanade, and to celebrate the move to new arts opportunities at the National Library Building.

This Intermission Party will be held on 30 June 2023, 6 pm, and is open to members of the public.

More details of the Intermission Party will be available on LearnXArts Facebook Page in the upcoming weeks.


Consolidated Arts Resource in the Civic District

NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Cher Pong, said: “While we are sad to leave the Esplanade, we are excited by the opportunities of creating a new, consolidated arts resource right in the heart of the Civic District. In addition to the strong performing arts collection carried over from the library@esplanade, patrons can enjoy the convenience of accessing NLB’s rich arts collections under one roof at the National Library Building. We look forward to working with partners, including Esplanade and the arts institutions and communities around Bras Basah-Bugis to deepen the creation, learning, and appreciation of the arts among Singaporeans.”

Ms Yvonne Tham, Chief Executive Officer, The Esplanade Co Ltd, said: “library@esplanade has been a big part of the arts-going and learning experience at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, as well as a valuable amenity to our visitors since our opening. However, our strong partnership with NLB does not end here as we continue to work in synergy with them to further arts and cultural education and learning.”

If you enjoy visiting the Esplanade, you may wish to check out this programme that is taking place for kids till 7 May.


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Chun Fong
Chun Fong thinks that hamsters are cute and loves tucking into chocolate eclairs. Yuzu eclairs are also welcome.