Singapore's only public performing arts library to shut doors on 30 June
The library’s collections and programmes will be moved from Esplanade - Theatres by the Bay to the National Library Building
SINGAPORE — The only public library dedicated to the performing arts, library@esplanade, is set to close its doors on 30 June.
The National Library Board (NLB) announced in a statement on Tuesday (2nd May) that the library’s collections and programmes will be moved to the National Library Building in Bras Basah.
NLB said its decision to centralise its arts resources in the Civic District would put them close to various arts institutions and practitioners in the area. These include the School of the Arts Singapore, Singapore Management University, and the University of the Arts Singapore.
The move will also allow Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay to convert the library@esplanade premises into commercial and art spaces, such as office space for the Singapore Symphony Group.
Library collections and programmes to move to National Library Building
NLB has also confirmed that jazz appreciation workshops, showcases of original works, and movie screenings will be available at the National Library Building from August.
For those who need access to the music studio, movies, music scores and books, these offerings will be available from the second half of 2024 in the National Library Building.
Before the move takes place, NLB will be hosting a series of events at library@esplanade in June, including performances and movie screenings. And on 30 June, a party will commemorate the library’s last day of operations.
It has also revealed plans to develop the plaza area of the National Library Building by adding more spaces for arts and cultural performances and new food and beverage options.
Library@esplanade has been a cherished institution for performing arts lovers in Singapore since it opened in 2002.
It features an exhibition space, a performing stage equipped with a glass projection wall and a baby grand piano, a practice room with an upright piano and an electronic keyboard, screening rooms, and an archive on the performing arts scene in Singapore.
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