Library Love

Guess who just maxed out her library card again? That’s an 8-book limit, by the way, and each book can be borrowed for 3 weeks, renewable for another 3 weeks for free provided the book has not been reserved by someone else.

This picture perfectly describes me

I think the Singapore libraries are awesome not just because of that, but because it’s automated. You can borrow the books at any of the computer terminals by inserting your library card in the slot and placing the books one by one on the pad infront of the monitor. When you’re done, you just need to remove your library card and the computer will print out a receipt detailing the title of the books you borrowed and when they’re due.

self-service book-borrowing computer stations

Returning the books is easy, too. You can just drop them in the bookdrop slots outside the library. They will reflect as returned in real time, even though the library is closed. This way you can avoid late fees if you can’t return the books during office hours.

return your books here, no need to see the librarian

They also have a website where you can log in using your NRIC or FIN and birthdate. Once inside, you will find a list of the books you have borrowed.

You can also search their database for books or videos (certain branches, like Library@Esplanade, has movie DVDs) you want to borrow. The search will show you which libraries have the book and what status they are in so that you can act accordingly like head to the library where the book is available and borrow it from there, or wait for the book to be available in the library nearest you.

If you don’t want to wait or go out of your way to the library where the book is, you can reserve it and have it delivered to your library of choice. You will be informed via SMS when it’s ready for pick up or you can check it yourself on the same website. This will cost you $1.55 per book, however. That’s what I usually do, though, because I’m lazy and have low EQ.

Library cards cost $50+ per year for foreigners, though, while PR’s only have to pay for $5 or $10. I hate you, AA. Haha! I’ve known AA since we were kids because we went to the same school and I knew her as my classmate Chi’s younger sister. We never actually talked to each other until we were formally introduced here in Singapore, though, but apparently she has also always known me and even has a childhood memory of me. Apparently, she was also always in the library before and whenever she came in, she would always see me in the same chair, reading a book propped up on a wooden book rest. Funny thing is, I don’t remember seeing her. I must’ve been too engrossed in my books.

once a bookworm, always a bookworm

If you don’t have a library card, you can just read the books inside the library and bring along your laptop to surf the internet as they have free wifi. Some of them even have lovely views or cafes. Lucky for me, Ang Mo Kio branch, a walking distance away from my flat, has both. Check it out and try Cafe Galilee‘s truffle pie. And feel free to say hi and recommend good books to read if you see me there.