Pop-up self-service Manga library with robot librarian launches in Singapore’s City Square mall

A pop-up library has opened in City Square mall, but you won’t be able to borrow any literary classics here. Instead, this library only stocks manga – yup, comics.

Over 5,000 titles can be found at this initiative by the National Library Board (NLB) including popular series like Pokemon Adventures and Dragon Ball Z.

Manga refers to comic books or graphic novels originally produced and published in Japan.

The fully self-service ‘Grab-n-Go’ library, NLB’s first specializing in manga, opened on Feb. 20 and will operate until August.

The ‘Grab-n-Go’ concept is one where readers can check in and check out automatically simply by using their NRIC cards or their NLB eCards.

On top of Japanese manga, the pop-up also features a showcase of Singaporean comics – all donated by local comic book collectors. However, the books in the showcase are not for loan.

Mr Kiasu at your service. Photo: NLB
Mr Kiasu at your service. Photo: NLB

Need help navigating or making a selection? A Mr Kiasu robot is on hand to help you through the process of borrowing books and also offers recommendations.

And in case you didn’t know, Mr Kiasu is a sort of a comic icon in Singapore, who became popular due to his book series that embodied local humor and relatable scenarios.

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