library@esplanade closing on Jun 30; collection and programmes to be relocated to National Library Building

The library@esplanade will be closing its doors on Jun 30, with its books, art collections and programmes relocated to the National Library Building in the months after.

This is part of the National Library Board (NLB)’s move to “centralise the performing arts collections, services and programmes” to one specific location at the National Library.

In a media release on Tuesday (May 2), NLB said that library@esplanade’s premises at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay will be converted into arts and commercial spaces. Scheduled programmes will be shifted to the National Library Building from as early as August 2023.

The library’s collections, facilities and other services will be made available at its new location from the second half of 2024. This will include library@espanade’s books, music scores, playscripts, and theatre production and film recordings.

Having these arts collections and services relocated to the central building will grant students, researchers and practitioners from the arts field – especially those from the Bras Basah-Bugis precinct – greater access and convenience to the “treasure trove of arts resources and facilities”, said NLB.

They will also have access to a Silent Studio for jamming sessions and a screening room that patrons can rent and watch movies in. Performing arts workshops, Open Stage Originals and other performances will be made available in late 2023 as well.

NLB is planning to add more spaces for arts and culture, as well as for food and beverage outlets at the National Library Building in 2024.

Before its closure, NLB will be hosting a series of events at library@esplanade over the month of June, including performances and movie screenings. An Intermission Party will also be held on the library’s final day on Jun 30 from 6pm.

More information about the Intermission Party will be posted on LearnXArts in the coming weeks.