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the National Library of Singapore)

Commemorating the Closing Chapter of the National Library at Stamford Road By Janice Ong Corporate Communications National Library Board Singapore

Ms. Ngian Lek Choh releases the banner symbolising the closure of the National Library It was hard to keep emotions in check when Singapore's National Library at Stamford Road closed its doors for the last time on 31 March 2004. After 44 memorable years of service to the reading public, the familiar much-loved red-bricked building marked its final day in a simple, low-key, yet dignified commemorative ceremony. There were no visible tears among the 200-odd that witnessed the closure. Instead, there was a somewhat carnival atmosphere in the library among the National Library Board (NLB) staff, board members and business associates. The guests mingled around with each other and chatted with some library users who had turned especially for one last look at the library. In a spontaneous and moving display, some staff burst into a rendition of auld lang syne when a banner, announcing the relocation of the National Library to its new premise in Victoria Street in 2005, was unfurled in a symbolic gesture just after the library closed at 9pm. A Place for All Opened in 1960 by Singapore's very first president, Mr. Yusok Ishak, the National Library was the first library, which did not charge entrance or loan fees to its users. Over the years, the library evolved to keep up with satisfying the changing needs of its users, whilst building up its rich collection and developing the expertise and experience of its librarians. The National Library is "more than just a libraryE[it holds] a special place in the hearts and minds of generations of users," said Ms. Ngian Lek Choh, Director of the National Library and Deputy Chief Executive of the NLB, in her speech at the closing ceremony, billed as "The Closing Chapter". "Many people, Singaporeans and visitors from overseas alike, have benefited from the library and what it has been offering, be it reference collections, the enquiry service, rare books from the specialized collection or just a quiet and conducive place to sit back, relax and have a cup of coffee," she added. up Preservation of Memories Ms. Ngian also thanked the ardent fans of the National Library for the continuous support they had given over the years. Hundreds turned up on the last day to take pictures and even savoured the last chance to walk down its historical corridors. Some participated in the "My Fond Memories" contest, one of the initiatives organized by NLB to commemorate the memories of the National Library building. Others took part in the variety of other programmes organized by NLB, including the National Library Virtual Walkthrough, the sale of commemorative items, the photography contest and the National Library Guided Tours. "As we prepare for the opening of the new National Library in 2005, we also recognize the special place that the National Library has in the hearts of the public who have grown up with it," Ms. Ngian said. She could not have said it any better. For the full article :http://www.ndl.go.jp/en/cdnlao/newsletter/051/516.html