Thirteen public libraries in Singapore now open one or two hours earlier, admitting visitors from 9am through newly activated entry gantries. They account for about half of the public libraries in operation.
library@harbourfront and Yishun Public Library were the first to introduce the arrangement, in May and July 2025 respectively. In response to queries from Lianhe Zaobao, the National Library Board (NLB) said the gantries allow libraries to test new services. These include personalised push notifications, such as book recommendations based on borrowing preferences being trialled at library@harbourfront, automated checkout lanes and self-service access during extended opening hours.
According to its website, NLB currently has 25 public libraries in operation. Four others — Cheng San Public Library, Marine Parade Public Library, Queenstown Public Library and library@orchard — are temporarily closed for renovation. Ang Mo Kio Public Library closed on 1 August 2026 and is scheduled to reopen after relocating to AMK Hub.
Besides library@harbourfront and the public libraries in Yishun, Chua Chu Kang, Clementi and Bukit Batok, eight more extended their opening hours on 5 October: Bishan, Bukit Panjang, Sembawang, Woodlands, Tampines, Punggol, Pasir Ris and Serangoon. Opening times previously varied across these 13 libraries, with some opening at 10am or 11am. All now open at 9am.
NLB said: “We have seen strong patrons’ demand for self-help services during extended hours, which provide patrons with greater convenience and accessibility to library services from 9am onwards. Hence, we are scaling this service with successive roll out of gantries. Gantries are a useful infrastructure to allow us to better understand how our libraries are being used so that we can continually improve our spaces and services to meet patrons' needs, and lay the groundwork for more personalised services and benefits for patrons in future.”
During the earlier opening hours, visitors can browse the collections, borrow materials through the NLB mobile app or on-site borrowing stations, and use catalogue search stations, multimedia stations, activity areas and seat-booking services.
NLB said it would continue to improve the user experience based on public feedback to ensure that libraries remain accessible to everyone. Seniors, tourists and others who have difficulty using the gantries can seek help from staff.
To enter, visitors can scan a physical library membership card or the digital card in the NLB mobile app. They can also use an identity card, a foreign identity card, a school smartcard, an 11B National Service identity card, a PAssion Card, a Workfare Transport Concession Card, a Pioneer Generation Card or a Singapore driving licence.
Those without any of these cards can scan a QR code at the gantry entrance and enter a Singapore-registered mobile number or an email address to receive a one-time password. They can then use the QR code generated to enter. This entry option is available at all public libraries with gantries.
Children can scan their own physical or digital membership cards to enter. If they do not have a card, a parent or accompanying adult can scan their own identification or digital card to let them in. When visitors leave, motion sensors open the gantries automatically, with no need to scan a card.
Clementi Public Library, on the fifth floor of The Clementi Mall, has opened two hours earlier, at 9am instead of 11am, since 13 July this year. The change has been well received by residents. All three users interviewed said scanning their Singpass on their phones to enter was convenient.
Student: Longer opening hours mean more time to prepare for exams
Catholic Junior College student Chua De Xun, 18, who lives in Clementi, has arrived at the library at 9am almost every day over the past two weeks to prepare for his A-level examinations, usually returning home only at 9pm. He said he studies more efficiently at the library as he tends to get sleepy at home. The longer opening hours give him more time to prepare for his exams.
Retiree Richard Lee, 79, who lives in West Coast, walks about 15 minutes to the library after breakfast every day to read English- and Chinese-language newspapers from Singapore, mainland China and Taiwan on its computers.
He said demand for the library’s 12 multimedia computers often exceeded supply in the past, and he had to queue to use one after the doors opened. With the earlier opening time, there are fewer users and he can get straight onto a computer.
Tutor Mumtazah Mustafa, 38, supports using technology to improve public facilities and feels the gantries make access more convenient for local residents and foreigners alike. She also supports the longer opening hours, saying people need a “third space” away from the pressures of home and work where they can relax or study quietly.
She said: “It’s an excellent and timely initiative, especially with the current haze, as it gives people a comfortable place to spend time indoors instead of being outdoors for too long.”
