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I haven’t been able to write for a long time. But now I’m back! I’ve been sick this past week, and weeks prior to that, I didn’t even have the time to pick up my laundry. It’s been hellish for sure. But, I have saved so many interesting blog topics, so stay tune for more update!
Okay, now let’s talk about this heaven-on-earth called Library@Orchard, Singapore! For those of you who haven’t heard about this, maybe you ever stumble upon the photo of book rows with white curvy book shelves in your Instagram timeline. That iconic picture was exactly the one which sparked my curiosity. So when I finally got to Singapore again, I knew just where to spend my day.
Library@Orchard is not a stand-alone building, it is located in the 3rd and 4th floor of Orchard Gateway Mall, right next to that hip 313 Somerset Mall. The nearest MRT station is Somerset, it only takes around 5 minutes to reach the library.
A Serenity likes No Other
From the first step, I already knew I want to spend at least a week immersing myself in this chic library. As an avid reader and bibliophile, even the sight of books make me happy. So imagine my excitement when I found that Library@Orchard has HUMONGOUS collection of books. First of all, you will see hundreds of magazine covers, from fashion, photography, to agricultural magazines. You can simply open the drawer and get your preferred issue.
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Peeking deeper inside, I feel like I’m already dead and now reach my heaven. It’s nothing but rows and rows and rows of books. Never-ending maze. What’s even better is that the library was so quiet you can hear if a needle fell. I put out my mirrorless camera but even the click of the shutter feels way too loud. So I keep it in my bag and put out smartphone instead. Oh my God, it feels so serene, so peaceful, it’s so different from the busy town life right outside of its walls.
At that moment, I feel genuinely envious. How happy would I be if I can come to this library every weekend and just putting my thoughts together, reading some books, or simply spending some me-time without any distraction. Library@Orchard also provides a lot of single chairs or reading stools. But if you want to come with friends, there’s also the communal areas and co-working space inside the building. So awesome!
Huge Collections
The interesting concept of Library@Orchard doesn’t stop there. Basically they divide the sections of the library into so many categories. Even if you’re not a fiction fan like myself, you can still find your favorite books here. From a quick research, Library@Orchard is a leading library for design references. Needless to say you can browse any kind of book from product design, interior design, to architecture book.
I used the little time I had to skim Lonely Planet books, since they are pretty expensive to buy, thus it was a good time to read it for free. I’m pretty sure Library@Orchard has ALL the collections of Lonely Planet books. This is what an ideal library should look like. It’s not enough just to stuff the shelf with books, it has to be a wide range of collections so people can choose which one they like best.
It was a day well-spent. After strolling around the library, I went to the 313 Somerset and had a Garrett’s Caramel Popcorn and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Couldn’t feel happier. I truly love everything about Library@Orchard. I just hope that someday my country has something like this too. Library@orchard, te amo and I will be back!
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