Library focused on helping workers here opens its doors

NLB-WDA effort offers vocational resources for working adults
By Olivia Ho, The Straits Times, 29 Nov 2014

SINGAPORE'S first library dedicated to vocational learning for working adults officially opened its doors yesterday.

Called LLiBrary, it is a collaboration between the National Library Board (NLB) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

The library is located at the Lifelong Learning Institute in Paya Lebar, which provides training and employment resources for adult workers.

Post by National Library Board, Singapore.

WDA chief executive Ng Cher Pong said at yesterday's launch that the new library aims to help adults improve professionally.

"The promotion of lifelong learning and skills upgrading requires concerted efforts," he said. "With the LLiBrary, individuals will have an additional platform to continue to learn and deepen their knowledge and skills."

The library has 8,000 non- fiction books, 30 periodical titles and more than 200 audio-visual materials, and also offers access to NLB's electronic resources.

The collection, mostly in English, covers areas such as career advancement, vocational guidance and industry-specific topics.

The 830 sq m space features cocoon-like chairs, an atrium for hosting programmes and wooden steps that can serve as reading platforms. WDA expects the library to have about 60,000 visitors annually.

The library is working with partners such as the Asian Culinary Institute and the Singapore Institute of Retail Studies to develop its collection.

Training providers at the Lifelong Learning Institute liked the convenience that the new library offers them and their students.

Mr Tan Tat Jin, 62, managing partner at service and management training provider Capelle, said: "Before, we had limited reference books here. Now, it's very easy for my students to browse and pick up books."

The library is also open to the public.

Ms Sujatha Nair, 48, an assistant director at the Dyslexia Association of Singapore, said: "It's aesthetically beautiful and the lit bookshelves and reading nooks are unique. I'll definitely come back."

The library is open from 10am to 10pm from Mondays to Saturdays, except on public holidays. Users can reserve, collect and return books from LLiBrary at other NLB libraries and vice versa.