{{short description|Public library in Singapore}} {{more citations needed|date=December 2017}} {{Infobox library | name = Bukit Batok Library | logo = | image = Bukit Batok Library, April 2026.jpg | caption = Bukit Batok Library in 2026 | country = Singapore | type = Public library | scope = | established = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1998|11|21}}<ref name=nlb>{{Cite web |title=Bukit Batok Library Fact Sheet |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/main/-/media/NLBMedia/Documents/Visit-Us/Libraries/BBPL/Bukit-Batok-Library-Fact-Sheet.pdf |publisher=National Library Board |access-date=17 April 2026 |format=PDF}}</ref> | ref_legal_mandate = | location = 1 Bukit Batok Central Link, #03-01, West Mall, Singapore 658713 | coordinates = {{Coord|1.349847|N|103.749239|E}} | branch_of = National Library Board | num_branches = | items_collected = | collection_size = 150,000<ref name=nlb/> | criteria = | legal_deposit = | req_to_access = | annual_circulation = | pop_served = | members = | budget = | director = | num_employees = | website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20090626002952/http://www.nlb.gov.sg/Corporate.portal?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=PlLibraryLocations_1_1&PlLibraryLocations_1_1_actionOverride=%2FIBMS%2FplLibraryLocations%2FlibraryDetailsDisplay&PlLibraryLocations_1_1BranchCode=BBCL&_pageLabel=corporate_page_visitus_AllLibraries National Library Board] | phone_num = | public_transit = {{SMRT code|NS|2}} Bukit Batok, Bukit Batok Bus Interchange }}
'''Bukit Batok Library''' is located in Bukit Batok, Singapore, occupying three floors in the West Mall shopping mall. It was the fifth library of the National Library Board to be located inside a shopping mall.<ref name=nlb2016>{{Cite web|date=2016 |title=Bukit Batok Public Library |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=033b51c4-17e0-4f56-89d5-261840eab4da |access-date=17 April 2026 |publisher=National Library Board |archive-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260417035903/https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=033b51c4-17e0-4f56-89d5-261840eab4da |url-status=live }}</ref> The library was officially opened on 21 November 1998 by Deputy Prime Minister, BG (NS) Lee Hsien Loong.<ref name=nlb/>
==History== The library began operating as Bukit Batok Community Library soon after West Mall was opened in 1998. It was the first library in the world to implement the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Electronic Library Management System (ELiMS).<ref name=nlb2016/>
In 2008, the library was renamed to Bukit Batok Public Library.<ref name=nlb2016/>
In 2011, the library underwent its first renovation. The customer service counter was relocated closer to the entrance, with the former counter area converted into a digital services zone. The newspaper reading area was also expanded, alongside other refurbishment works such as recarpeting, repainting, and lighting improvements.<ref name=nlb2016/>
In December 2023, the library underwent a major renovation and reopened in March 2026. The library was doubled in size. Additional features such as soundscape installations and exhibitions about Bukit Batok's history were introduced, together with new digital services to enhance visitor experience. It was the first library in Singapore to incorporate sound as part of the visitor experience.<ref name=ST>{{Cite news |date=27 March 2026|title=Unwind with books and soundscapes at newly reopened Bukit Batok Library |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/unwind-with-books-and-soundscapes-at-the-newly-reopened-bukit-batok-library |access-date=17 April 2026 |work=The Straits Times |archive-date=17 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260417041950/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/unwind-with-books-and-soundscapes-at-the-newly-reopened-bukit-batok-library |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Facilities== Bukit Batok Library occupies a total floor area of {{convert|2700|m2|sqft}}, spanning three floors within West Mall. Its design draws inspirations from the nearby Little Guilin in Bukit Batok Town Park.
The library is wheelchair accessible and includes a customer service counter, an adults’, teens’ and children's section, a storytelling/activity area, a multimedia/study zone, a programme room and exhibition spaces.<ref name=nlb2>{{Cite web|title=Bukit Batok Library |url=https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/visit-us/our-libraries-and-locations/libraries/bukit-batok-library |access-date=17 April 2026 |publisher=National Library Board |archive-date=17 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260417043124/https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/visit-us/our-libraries-and-locations/libraries/bukit-batok-library |url-status=live }}</ref>
The library also serves as a pilot site for new NLB's new digital initiatives, '''Scan-n-Discover''' and '''Infinite Shelves'''.<ref name=nlb/>
===Singland Soundscape=== Located on Levels 1 and 2 of the library, the Singland Soundscape was developed in collaboration with Singapore Land Group, featuring soundtracks incorporating field recordings captured around Bukit Batok by local sound artist Mervin Wong.<ref name=ST/> Featuring four key spaces, namely the '''Sound Cave''', '''Time Caverns''', '''Sound Library''' and '''Sound Pavilion''', the space aims to engage the senses and inspire mindfulness among visitors.<ref name=nlb/>
==See also== * Bukit Batok * List of libraries in Singapore
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090626002952/http://www.nlb.gov.sg/Corporate.portal?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=PlLibraryLocations_1_1&PlLibraryLocations_1_1_actionOverride=%2FIBMS%2FplLibraryLocations%2FlibraryDetailsDisplay&PlLibraryLocations_1_1BranchCode=BBCL&_pageLabel=corporate_page_visitus_AllLibraries National Library Board] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090427110305/http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_703_2005-01-24.html Infopedia Article]
{{Singapore NLB libraries}} {{Authority control}}
Category:1998 establishments in Singapore Category:Libraries established in 1998 Category:Libraries in Singapore Category:Bukit Batok
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