Librarian Sharon Teng delves into the fascinating world of urban folklore that have captured the human imagination through a review of titles and stories that illuminate how people have been making sense of the world around them. I remember during one mid-autumn festival when I was 7 or 8, my…

Besides acquiring materials and resources for its collections, the National Library also receives donations that contribute to the preservation of Singapore’s documentary heritage. In this series, we introduce intriguing items generously gifted by our donors. Manager Sandy Toh highlights some of the interesting artefacts from the Lim Shao Bin collection…

These days, sending festive greetings to friends and family is only a click away on our phones. However, a physical card conveys so much more. Librarian Toffa Abdul Wahed gives us a peek at a unique collection of greeting cards collected by one of Singapore’s literary giants. In its collection…

Illustrations in children’s story books not only transport young readers to another world; they are also works of art. Many of our favourite local children’s tales are illustrated by watercolour artists too, says librarian Yu Mei. I was lucky to be surrounded by books when I was a kid growing…

What do talking animals, lovelorn princesses and playful village children have in common? They have been enchanting children in stories all around the world. …

Before and during the Japanese Occupation in Singapore, newspapers were not only tools for public announcements, they were also propaganda devices manipulated by both the Japanese and the British. Assistant Curator Chia Jie Lin delves deeper. “HELP YOUR NEIGHBOURS,” exhorts the headline of the governor’s broadcast on the front page…

What lies in the Rare Materials Collection of the National Library, Singapore? In this series, we explore the gems of this treasure trove to uncover their fascinating stories. To commemorate this year’s Total Defence Day on 15 February, Senior Librarian Gracie Lee looks at a donation of three war-time air…

Most buildings are blocks of rectangles, marked by straight lines and right angles. Librarian Rosxalynd Liu explores the unusual circular building at Holland Link and its deep connection with the Hakka people. “Pa, where are you going?” “My friends and I are going to check out a Hakka tulou in…

The 1990s in Singapore was a time without smartphones, when messages were sent using pagers and internet access was via dial-up connections. Join librarian Rebecca Tan as she explores key personalities and events from the materials collected, preserved and made accessible by the National Library Board. As I was born…