The manga library at City Square Mall, Singapore, is small and most titles had been loaned out when we were there but the colourful and cosy pop-up is still worth a visit if you are in the vicinity.
I don't read manga but since I was at City Square Mall, thought I drop by the newly set-up pop-up manga library on the fourth floor which houses graphic novels and comics.
Though the library is small and there aren't many books, I quite like the brightly-lit space with its colourful murals and Singapore comics on display. (Sorry I don't have many pics because I wasn't expecting to write a post but do check out the video at the end of the post!)
If you're planning to visit the manga library set up by the National Library Board (NLB), here are 8 visiting tips:
1) Bring your ID
You'll need a library-compliant ID to enter the library. Such IDs include your NRIC, student pass, NLB membership card, FIN card, driving licence and NLB e-card. Entry into the library is then as easy as scanning your ID before the gantry.
2) You might not find anything to borrow
I read that there are more than 5,000 titles at the library but alas when we were there on Saturday - about two weeks since it was opened on Feb 20 - the lending shelves were almost empty! I'm guessing people who have gone there before us have borrowed whatever that could be borrowed. Also, given that library books can be loaned out for 3-6 week, the shelves might not be replenished that soon?
3) You can browse the reference comics
While the lending shelves may be pretty empty, the reference shelves are quite well stocked. These are only for browsing in the library and not for borrowing. We spotted some familiar names like Naruto, Yokai, Cardfight Vanguard, Zelda, Splatoon and Mr Kiasu! The books are very new and my kids browsed the Splatoon comics for a short while.
However, there are no seats in this library. It would have been nice if there were some seats at library and people can actually sit there and read those which can't be borrowed.
4) If you're borrowing for your kids, check if the comics are suitable for them
All of the books we saw during our visit, including Mr Kiasu, were labelled as for adults. So if you're looking to borrow the books for your kids, you might want to check if they are suitable for children.
5) You can self-check out your books
IF you manage to find books to borrow, you can check them out with your library-compliant ID or library e-card when you're exiting the library.
6) Books should be returned to other NLB branches
Books borrowed from the manga library will need to be returned to other NLB branches.
I'm thinking because of this, it might also take some time for the books to be returned to this library, which might also explain the rather empty lending shelves.
7) The manga library is only there for six months
The manga library is open for six months. Its opening date was 20 Feb 2023 so that means it's only around till end-August 2023. Opening hours are 10am-10pm daily.
8) The library is located on the 4th floor of the mall
The library is located on the fourth level of City Square Mall. Walk in the direction away from the foodcourt.
We spent about 10 mins browsing in the library and I think that was the case too for a few of the families who went around the same time on a Saturday morning. It was also quite empty, so no worries about it being crowded!
If you are a manga fan, it's definitely worth a visit, likewise if you happen to be at the mall. I probably wouldn't specifically make a trip there because one, we're not manga fans and two, there weren't many books available for borrowing (at least that was when we were there). So yup, pop by if you happen to be the vicinity!
With the March school holidays coming up, have you made any plans with your kids? If so, do share with us in the comment box below!
Disclaimer: My opinions and reviews here are strictly my and my family’s own.
©Vivian Teo. All content and photos are copyrighted to Vivian Teo unless otherwise specified.