It is not an exaggeration to say that you can get lost inside the massive five-story Tampines Regional Library at Our Tampines Hub.
The Tampines Regional Library at Our Tampines Hub is filled with countless spaces catering to different age groups and interests. It opened on 5 August 2017 to replace the old Tampines Library that was originally located along Tampines Avenue 7.
An interesting fact is that Tampines Regional Library is the first regional public library in Singapore. It was first officially opened on 3 December 1994
At Our Tampines Hub, Tampines Regional Library is now able to accomodate more than 400,000 books. The space is laid out along two sides of the football pitch of the Town Square stadium.
Overview of Tampines Regional Library
Here is a quick look at what you can find at the different floors of Tampines Regional Library.
Level 2
There are two library entrances at Level 2. Here, you will also find:
- Audiovisuals & Magazines
- Cookery books
- Health books
- The Showcase – a mini exhibition space
- Culinary Studios
Level 3
- Early Literacy section
- Indoor Playground
Level 4
- Children’s Section
- Teens Section
- MakeIT at Tampines – a maker space
- Multimedia Stations
Level 5
- Adults Non-Fiction
- Singapore Collection
- Parenting
- Study Lounge
Level 6
- Adults Fiction
- Programme Zone
- Multimedia Stations
- Volunteers’ Corner
The different levels are connected by an escalator. There is also a lift that goes between floors within the library.
In general, the higher up you go, the higher the age range.
What’s at the Our Tampines Hub Library
Here is a more detailed look at what you can expect at the Tampines Regional Library
Level 2: Cooking & Magazines
The massive library is fitted with floor to ceiling glass panels that provide unobstructed views of the football pitch. You will find seating looking out on to the football pitch near the magazine area.
Also on Level 2 is the cooking book section. You will also find culinary studios for programmes lining the wall facing the stadium.
Level 3: Early Literacy Section
The library’s children’s book collection is split over two floors. The early literacy section for younger children is located on Level 3.
Here, you will find low-height shelves filled with picture books for younger children. Books are places facing outwards so that children can choose them by their covers rather than their spines.
This area has a garden theme. Whimsical reading corners in the form of bird cages and hollowed out tree trunks serve as little nooks where parents can share books with their children.
The collection at the Early Literacy Library focuses on key areas that are vital to children’s learning and development. The books are curated to be for children below 3 years. You will find them categorised into the themes of Sense and Sensation, Concepts, Languages, Poetry and Rhymes, and Emergent Reader.
An indoor playground at the library? Yes, you can find one at Tampines Regional Library. The entrance to Playtopia is located on Level 3; young kids can have some fun at the indoor playground after reading books. It is a nice option in addition to the other playgrounds at Our Tampines Hub.
Level 4: Children’s, Teens and MakeIT
The regular children’s section at Tampines Regional Library is located at Level 4. It is tucked away at the far end of Level 4, past a series of study desks, and has an extensive range of books for kids.
Teens also get their own section on Level 4. Designed with cool nooks, the teen section is rather chic with black shelves.
The MakeIT lab can also be found at Level 4.
This is a space to support tinkers and makers; there are different programmes and classes conducted there. This space follows the success of the maker space at Jurong Regional Library where people can book the use of 3D printing machines and other equipment to experiment and create things.
The free-for-public makerspace allows everyone to learn about and try new technologies such as 3D printing, digital cutting, robotics, and more.
The library is no longer just a place to read but a place to do as well.
Level 5: Adult Non-Fiction & Study Lounge
The adult non-fiction collection, including parenting, is located at Level 5 of the Tampines Regional Library.
This is where you can also locate the Singapore Collection at Tampines Regional Library.
Also hidden away at one end of Level is the Study Lounge. There are also discussion spaces around the library.
Level 6: Adult Fiction and Programme Zone
Head up to Level 6 of the Tampines Library to browse through the adult fiction collection.
Up on Level 6, there is also a small area for volunteers beside the lift as well as a programme zone. This is because the entire sixth floor is run by volunteers. They assist with shelving of books and library user education.
Tampines Regional Library Opening Hours & Other Useful Information
Where: 1 Tampines Walk, #02-01 Our Tampines Hub, 528523
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 9 pm. Closed on Public Holidays. Closed at 5 pm on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and the eve of Chinese New Year.
If you enjoyed this story, we think that you will also enjoy this one on Bedok Public Library and Pasir Ris Public Library.
