The first text message I got when I turned on my cellphone in Singapore was from the library, informing me that the book I had reserved was ready for pick up. So this afternoon, I gathered all the books I had borrowed previously and swung by the Ang Mo Kio public library, a good 15 minutes from our place. It was only my second time there, and my first time to see it in daylight. I was awestruck when I noticed that there was a beautiful garden right across the road from it, something that the night had obscured from me previously. I mentally kicked myself for intentionally leaving my camera behind today of all days.
After dropping the books I had brought in the return slot, I ambled towards the bookshelves. This was supposed to be a quick visit as I still had three books (Haruki Murakami’s Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman and Richard Bolles’s What Color is Your Parachute which I bought in Thailand and Mitch Albom’s Have A Little Faith which I borrowed from AA) that I hadn’t finished reading at home but as usual, when I am in the presence books, I got mesmerized and couldn’t help myself. After about an hour of wandering haplessly through shelves of books, I found myself flashing my library card at the self-help borrowing computer station to check out three books – Caprice Crane’s Forget About It, Lauren Weisberger’s Chasing Harry Winston, and Sophie Kinsella’s Remember Me? When I headed to the counter to pick up the book I had reserved, Jodi Picoult’s Handle with Care, I noticed that it was raining outside. I had not brought my umbrella. This was the perfect excuse to stay longer.
So I looked for a place to sit and got drawn to the indoor coffee shop, Cafe Galilee. I took a seat on one of the soft red couches which offered a view of the garden across the street through the library’s glass walls. I’m supposed to be on a diet, but when I saw the tray of truffle cakes, I gave in and bought a piece. It was so delicious with a real chocolate taste and just the right twinge of bitterness, that I don’t regret it. I regretted the mocha latte, though. The coffee taste came on too strong. Next time I’ll just bring my own water, because I’m definitely coming back to my newest haven which has three things I can’t resist – a great view, books, and chocolate.
