@Signal312 asked about the state of libraries in our place of origin, so here’s me giving a brief account of the health of libraries in Singapore. Read more here: #844269

He has observed that his library was just full of people trying to use the free WiFi and electrical power. We have a similar situation in Singapore, except that we don’t hog the library seats to leverage the WiFi. Our SIM-free plans are rather generous, and people just use their phones to play games or watch videos. No need to make a special trip to the library for that. The purpose of us going to the library is to camp there with our books aka STUDY. Yes, we are Asians. Academic excellence (at the expense of others) is very much a part of our psyche.

However, I will also say that the reading culture is very much alive for kids and their parents. This library, for instance, is carpeted and spacious. Guess where I will take my kids to help them run freely.

It also boasts several funky seats that will entice my children successfully to climb them,

Okay, I didn’t sit down and read with my kids, but there were plenty of parents who did so. And don’t judge me. I did borrow some books on Chinese New Year.

I like how the National Library Board produces educational materials that encourage parents to introduce mathematical or scientific principles with their kids. Examples of library books are typically listed on these handouts so that parents can explore pertinent subjects further with their charges.

Thank you for reading thus far.