Speech by Minister Josephine Teo at NLB30 Love Our Libraries and Archives (LOLA) 2025

Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chairman,

National Library Board, Mr Ng Cher Pong,

Chief Executive Officer, National Library Board,

NLB’s Esteemed Guests, Partners and Volunteers, Colleagues and Friends,

1. Good morning! I am delighted to join you to celebrate NLB's 30th anniversary.

2. Over the past few months, I have attended many NLB30 events. One involved our present and former Presidents. Others were with community groups. Each of these occasions affirms the important place of our libraries and archives. You mean a lot to Singaporeans, from the heads of states to citizens in our heartlands.

3. The library also holds a special place in my heart, and not only because I’m the Minister in charge.

4. Libraries are enduring symbols of knowledge, culture and progress. I always remember my first “job” as a class librarian in Primary 3. In later years, libraries became where I “mugged” for my exams, where I paktor, and where I brought my children during weekends to share the joy of reading. Today, I remain an avid user of the library, mostly through the Libby App.

5. Our archives hold rich information about our collective past, making our history discoverable to younger generations. We find it particularly meaningful to learn about our past through the eyes and words of Singaporeans who have come before us.

6. Recently, I met the producers of CNA’s documentary “Separation: Declassified”. They are in their late 20s and early 30s. Neither lived through the tumultuous events leading to our independence. They told me that it was the archives that presented to them such a treasure trove of resources, allowing them to see digitised correspondence as well as hear for themselves the voices of people from that era. It helped them to tell the story of our nation’s birth with renewed verve.

7. The NLB we know today, is vastly different from when it was formed in 1995, when Christopher Chia was the Chief Executive then. This milestone could not have been achieved without the support of our patrons and the dedication of NLB’s many partners, donors, volunteers and staff. Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to enabling learning and discovery for all Singaporeans. You truly deserve a round of applause!

NLB’s Transformation

8. Speaking with NLB colleagues, I am always struck by their conviction that our libraries and archives must evolve with changing times, to serve Singaporeans well into the future.

   1. Globally, digitalisation has transformed the reading landscape. We see it in Singapore too, where digital news is increasingly preferred by many, especially the young. A survey by MDDI found that in 2024, about half of those aged 15 to 34 consume news mostly online.

   2. Many libraries and archives overseas find it challenging to remain relevant. They face budget cuts, reduced visitorship and demand for their services. England lost 150 libraries over 8 years from 2016 to 2023.

9. Singapore has so far managed to buck these trends. NLB's latest National Reading Habit Study reveals that 8 in 10 adults read at least one book last year. Loans and visitorship have also steadily increased since the COVID-19 dip. Last year, NLB welcomed over 20 million visitors and recorded almost 39 million loans. This is no mean feat and illustrates NLB’s continued relevance.

10. They also reflect the deliberate choices NLB has made to adapt and serve our community. In 2021, NLB launched Libraries and Archives 2025 (LAB25) to reimagine the libraries and archives through innovation and experimentation. As NLB turns a new chapter, I would like to share three areas that NLB should focus on.

Discovery

11. First, our libraries and archives must be more than repositories of knowledge and information. They must spark curiosity in Singaporeans, so that learning and discovery never cease.

    1. Technology plays a vital role here. Through the NLB Mobile and Libby apps, NLB has been delivering personalised recommendations tailored to each user’s preferences.

    2. But unlike commercial services, NLB is not driven by profit. Instead of just showing people what they already like, we can introduce them to new content that will support their learning and growth.

    3. This helps Singaporeans spend more time engaging with meaningful content, rather than having to search for it.

Experiences

11. Second, our national memory institutions – the National Library and National Archives of Singapore – must create fresh and engaging ways to connect Singaporeans with our Singapore Story. This is particularly so as content consumption patterns change.

    1. You may recall that PM Wong, at his National Day Rally speech, said that Singapore must be a “We-Society”, not a “Me-Society”. This resonated with many of us in this SG60 year. And I’m glad to say NLB contributes to the realisation of this vision.

    2. For example, the SG60 Heart&Soul Experience at Orchard Library and the "Book Havens of Bras Basah" exhibition at Central Library.

    3. They help bring history to life and grow new shared memories to bind generations together.

Community

13. Third, our libraries and archives must serve as vital community hubs. They are places where Singaporeans foster connections and encourage one another to learn and discover.

    1. Earlier, I met Shamimah Mujtaba, a library volunteer of 10 years. Her work leading arts communities in our libraries has brought over 200 patrons to learn together through common interests like ukulele and dancing. She has also championed Singapore Literature through Sing Lit Book Club sessions, connecting readers with local works and authors.

    2. We want to see many more Shamimahs, so that we can grow communities for us to all learn and grow together.

    3. NLB also intends to scale up our disability-inclusive initiatives. The Punggol Regional Library, which opened in 2023, was our first fully inclusive facility. d. In time to come, we will have accessible programmes and assistive technology in all libraries. This will make NLB’s resources accessible to more Singaporeans.

NLB30 Announcements

14. Underpinning these contributions is the firm belief that everyone should have the opportunity to read, learn and discover. In celebration of NLB's birthday, I am pleased to announce two special gifts:

    1. First, NLB will waive outstanding fines to help affected patrons start afresh and return to our libraries. This is the first time we are doing so, and it is the right move because we want as many Singaporeans as possible to access our services. It sends a powerful message: NLB is keen to welcome everyone back. Please come, learn, and discover with us.

    2. Second, for our regular patrons, NLB will offer free delivery of your selected reads to your doorstep. The delivery service was first introduced in 2023. Usually, a small fee is involved. Even so, it has been well received by patrons who are unable to collect their books in person because of other commitments or mobility concerns. Some simply value the convenience. By making this service free till the end of the year, we will benefit at least 300 patrons every week. We hope they will spread the word about it and help more patrons benefit.

    3. These two announcements – the waiver of outstanding fines and free delivery service – are practical gifts that can deepen the joy of reading and learning. Let’s give NLB another round of applause.

Conclusion

15. To conclude, turning 30 is a significant milestone. This achievement belongs to many. The passionate staff who built this institution, the partners who expanded NLB’s reach, and every Singaporean who made these spaces come alive.

16. As we mark this 30th anniversary, we look not just to past achievements but to the possibilities ahead. It is my hope that NLB will remain rooted in inspiring Singaporeans to read, learn and discover.

17. Thank you again for being here to celebrate with us.