Cheekiemonkies: Singapore Parenting & Lifestyle Blog: Choa Chu Kang Library is the First Public Library in SG with an Indoor Garden, Hydroponics Showcase & AR Learning Trail! Cheekie Monkies

Come 28 October 2021 (Thursday), the Choa Chu Kang Public Library reopens to the public at Lot One Shoppers’ Mall after an extensive refurbishment. And not only is it bigger and better, it is home to many features which are seen for the FIRST time in a public library in Singapore!

From a Community Wall, Nature Walls, Hydroponics Showcase and even an Indoor Garden, kids can also go on an Augmented Reality (AR) Learning Trail within the library. Themed (Re)Connect with Nature, the library combines design with tech, creating an experiential communal space that promotes environmental awareness and interest in sustainable living.

More importantly, the library has pockets of quiet spaces scattered within the premise which allows visitors to have a good read on their own.

The library now occupies two floors at Lot One Shoppers’ Mall.

Level 4 caters to adults, teens, and older children (7-12 years).

While level 5 caters to parents and young children (0-6 years).

Here are some of the best features to look out for at the revamped Choa Chu Kang Public Library:

GREEN GROVE

Level 4

Green Grove is a curated corner that cultivates environmental awareness and literacy by showing the intricate links between humans and their local environments.

Here, the Climate Action Corner displays information on climate change to educate and provide inspiration on minimising one’s carbon footprint while visitors can also access real-time environmental and nature-related information through a Live-Statistics Display.

The Green Grove also features a Hydroponics Showcase, which will be used to run workshops to foster interest in urban farming solutions and food security in Singapore.

Augmented Reality (AR) Learning Trail

Throughout Levels 4 & 5

Kids (and adults) can go on an AR Learning Trail within the library. All you have to do is to scan the QR code at Green Grove and let the kids embark on a journey of discovery through the 8 AR stops located throughout the library.

Scan the AR markers at each stop and watch information about Choa Chu Kang, nature, sustainability and the library's collection brought to life through Augmented Reality! For example, kids can interact experientially to see how rubber tapping was done in the past or have a closer look at the endangered Samba deer.

CHILDREN ZONE @ LEVEL 5

Level 5

One of the main highlights of the library is the Children Zone on Level 5. Catered to parents and young kids aged 6 years and below, this zone boasts the FIRST Indoor Garden in a public library, reflecting the farming heritage and community gardening culture of Choa Chu Kang, and provides a natural and peaceful space for patrons to read.

Personally, this level is gorgeous and I will think that kids will love spending time here, poring over the numerous books available here.

Besides having an Early Literacy Zone for toddlers, the zone also has a Story Circle where story-telling sessions can take place and kids can sit around the tree for the sessions.

There are also Story Pods stations where kids can listen to audio books.

For kids who wish to be more hands-on, the Indoor Garden will the place they will love to be at!

Or maybe the outdoor playground will be more of a draw?

(The playground is the property of the mall and at time of writing, the entrance/exit to the playground remains closed due to COVID-19 measures)

CHILDREN ZONE & TEEN ZONE

Level 4

Teens also get their own cosy area on Level 4 with comfy seating and books dedicated to them.

Older children aged between 7 and 12 can find their age-appropriate books beside the Teen Zone too.

COMMUNITY WALL

Level 4

The first of its kind among all the public libraries in Singapore, this Community Wall features both historical and modern-day sections with elements unique to the Choa Chu Kang neighbourhood, from its agricultural heritage to a transformation to agrotechnology and new generation farms today.

Residents will be able to contribute their own memories, experiences, and thoughts on the wall, and in the process, showcase the kampung spirit that the wall hopes to foster. The wall ends off with an art mural, which illustrates a myriad of flora and fauna commonly found in Choa Chu Kang.

EXTENDED VISITING HOURS

A pilot programme will cater to visitors who prefer to visit and use the library’s facilities earlier (by 2 hours) or later (by 1 hour) in the day, which is outside the library’s standard operating hours. They can do so by scanning their NRIC, library card membership barcode or QR code through the NLB mobile app at the entrance on level 4.

From 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 9.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. daily, patrons will be able to gain access to the Reading Zone, as well as the Study and Multimedia Zone on level 4. Patrons can also access these library spaces during the eves of Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and public holidays, from 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.

NOTE:

- In anticipation of large crowds, a one-hour dwell time will be implemented for both the online booking and seat booking systems for one month till 28 November 2021 (including weekdays and weekends).

- Bookings are required for visits on weekends only. To book your time slot, visit HERE.

- For more information on Choa Chu Kang Public Library’s programmes, visit HERE.