Want to borrow a manga? Head down to National Library Board’s first library of Japanese graphic books and comics which will be at City Square Mall for the next six months, from 20 February 2023.
The National Library Board’s Manga Library is also its first fully self-serve “Grab-n-Go” library in a shopping mall.
National Library Board’s First Manga Library
Patrons at the National Library Board’s first manga library can borrow from a colourful and vast collection of 5,000 manga books, enjoy a wide variety of creative digital manga on e-Reads screens, and discover more about the Singapore comics scene at the exhibition space.
Some of the popular manga titles are available at the Manga Library include Dragon Ball Z by Akira Toriyama and Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo.
Close to 1,000 out of the 5,000 titles, including Assassin’s Creed: Blade of Shao Jun and Pokémon Adventures RGB, are donated by Japanese publisher Shogakukan Asia.
Showcase Collection of Singapore Comics
Patrons can also discover more about Singapore’s own rich comic culture at the showcase wall which features local comics donated by local comic collectors from their personal collection.
This showcase aims to draw attention to Singapore’s own strong culture of comics, and features comics that are now hard to find in Singapore. The comics will also be added to the National Library’s collection of heritage materials subsequently.
Amongst the comics in the collection include Captain V, Singapore’s first full-colour comic, as well as Medium Rare, Singapore’s first comic adaptation of a film.
Issues of Bookworm Gang Adventures will also bring back nostalgic memories for Singapore’s comic book fans.
The showcased collection will not be available for loan but is part of a permanent display at the Manga Library.
Mr Kiasu Robot Concierge
Patrons can also look out for the Mr Kiasu robot concierge, based on the lead character in the popular local comic series.
Created specially in collaboration with partners Dex- Lab, a local social robotics company, and one of the co-creators of Mr Kiasu, Johnny Lau, the Mr Kiasu robot concierge will recommend books and provide basic instructions on using Grab-n-Go.
It is programmed with an AI-generated voice.
First Grab-and-Go Library in a Mall
As a Grab-and-Go Library, patrons can scan their ID to enter the space, pick the books that they want to borrow, head to the exit gantry, and check out their books with ease. This concept was first piloted in 2022.
National Library Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Cher Pong, said, “Many of our patrons enjoy creative and inspiring works like manga, and we are happy to collaborate with Dex-Lab, Shogakukan Asia and City Square Mall, to bring this collection to everyone. The new Grab-n-Go library is part of our LAB25 plans to grow our Learning Marketplace by progressively expanding the network of touch-points for patrons to get NLB’s books and resources even more easily.”
The Manga Library at City Square Mall is located at level 4 of City Square Mall, just beside Daiso. It is open from 10 am to 10 pm.
The Manga Library has closed but as of September 2023, a new Comics Library has opened at Anchorpoint and will be open for about a year.
