Longer Operating Hours for National Library and Its Branches

Ms Ellen Lee asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether there are plans to have the National Library and its branches open for longer hours for a start and progressively to 24 hours.

Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: Public libraries in standalone buildings operate from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm daily, while those in shopping malls operate from 11.00 am to 9.00 pm daily in line with the mall operating hours. NLB’s data show that visitorship tapers off significantly in the final hour to closing time. Similarly, the first hour of opening also sees modest visitorship. While NLB recognises there could be a small group of library users who would appreciate extended operating hours, the current usage patterns do not suggest there would be significant demand for it.

Besides the physical libraries, NLB provides a collection of over three million e-Books. These can be accessed anytime. Over the last five years, usage of NLB’s electronic content has grown substantially, attesting to their growing popularity with library users. Many users who visit our libraries regularly are also active users of our electronic services and content.

There are, therefore, no plans for NLB to extend its branch operating hours.