Residents petition against relocation of Geylang East Public Library to Tanjong Katong Complex

SINGAPORE: An online petition has emerged calling for a halt to the relocation of Geylang East Public Library to the soon-to-be-refurbished Tanjong Katong Complex. Launched a month ago by local resident Grace Chong, the petition argues that residents were not properly informed about the major decision. It further claims that the National Library Board (NLB) failed to consult the community first. As of 18 July 2025, more than 300 residents and netizens have signed the petition.

Session planned to address residents' concerns

The petition gained momentum through the Facebook page “Save Geylang East Public Library”, which continues to gather support. According to the page, the NLB has scheduled an engagement session next Wednesday, 23 July 2025, from 7 pm to 8 pm. The session will take place at the activity room on level 1 of Geylang East Public Library. The session aims to address community feedback and allow residents to air their views directly. The Tanjong Katong Complex, set to reopen by 2029, will transform into a modern commercial hub featuring retail spaces, offices, and dining options, according to a statement issued by Singapore Land Authority (SLA) on 28 June. As part of this plan, Geylang East Public Library is slated to relocate there, integrating library services within the new mixed-use development.

MP Tin Pei Ling voices support for residents

On 2 July 2025, Tin Pei Ling, Member of Parliament for Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC, posted her support on Facebook. She stated that she shares the same sentiments as her residents and has appealed to the NLB to reconsider the move. She revealed that the Board had organised an earlier session on 25 June 2025 to listen to residents’ appeals. The online petition describes Geylang East Public Library as a sanctuary that has served the neighbourhood since 1988. For nearly 37 years, it has provided a quiet space for generations of students, families, and seniors. Petitioners fear that moving the library into a bustling mall will destroy its calm atmosphere.

Concerns over commercial distractions

The petition stresses that libraries should not be treated like retail outlets driven by foot traffic. Signatories argue that relocating the library into a shopping mall will expose young readers to constant distractions. They point to the presence of noisy shops, toy arcades, and food outlets that could tempt children away from books. Citing the example of Jurong West library within Jurong Point Mall, they question whether children will choose the library over indoor playgrounds. Many families living near the existing library belong to lower- and middle-income groups. Residents say they benefit from being able to walk easily to the library from nearby childcare centres and schools. They argue the new site, surrounded by multiple malls and an industrial estate, will not offer the same accessibility.

A blow to community identity

Beyond logistics, some residents see the move as a threat to the community’s cultural fabric. They argue that the library is an integral part of the estate’s history and that its removal erases a part of local heritage. Supporters feel the value of a library should be measured by its contribution to learning, not just footfall. The NLB has cited declining visitorship and loans at Geylang East Public Library as reasons for the move. According to Tin Pei Ling’s Facebook post, NLB noted that the current building is more than three decades old and has struggled to match usage levels of other public libraries. The Board’s past experience shows that libraries co-located within shopping malls see higher footfall. Under its Library of the Future Masterplan, the NLB aims to relocate stand-alone libraries into shopping malls when opportunities arise. NLB explained that this approach maximises synergy with other activities, drawing more people into libraries. It argues that renovating the ageing Geylang East facility on-site would be too costly compared to moving into Tanjong Katong Complex.

A call for alternative solutions

Residents behind the petition believe better options exist to expand library access without sacrificing the current facility. One idea is to retain Geylang East Public Library where it is. Another suggestion is to use the now-closed Paya Lebar Learning Hub as the replacement library at Tanjong Katong. Residents also proposed building a new library branch at Wisma Geylang Serai, which already houses a reading room and preschool. Petitioners highlight that in the 1980s, Singapore deliberately built libraries as stand-alone structures within heartland neighbourhoods. This strategy aimed to decentralise knowledge and ensure learning resources remained within easy reach. Critics of the move argue that placing libraries inside malls contradicts this original vision. In her Facebook update, Tin Pei Ling acknowledged the deep emotional ties many MacPherson residents feel toward the library. She described the library as an iconic landmark over the past 14 years of her service. She noted that the NLB is exploring ways to maintain library access and content for affected residents. However, she also emphasised that her team would continue to engage the Board to protect the interests of the community.