Community Children’s Library Set Up at Ghim Moh Lift Landing by Resident

Last Updated on 2021-02-25 , 8:52 am

Picture this: you’re craving a good read, but the nearest library is at least a few bus stops away.

“Is the journey worth it?” you ponder to yourself.

Well, anything for a good read.

As you prepare a fresh change of clothes, your younger brother hops into your room and declares with glee:

“Bro, there’s a new library outside our house!”

You carry on with your task, utterly convinced that he’s playing in his imaginary world as usual.

“I’m not imagining things,” your brother pouts. “Just follow me!”

He begins tugging on your sleeve.

Hesitant, you attempt to shake him off, but to no avail. Left with no other choice, you follow him out of the door…

Only to see what is unmistakably a mini community library… staring straight back at you.

And the best part?

It’s not a dream.

Or at least if you’re living in the Ghim Moh area.

Community Children’s Library Set Up at Ghim Moh Lift Landing by Resident

According to Channel News Asia, a Ghim Moh resident has set up her own community children’s library at none other than a… lift landing. 

Admittedly, it may not exactly be a stereotypical choice of location. But from the looks of it, it’s nothing short of perfection.

Set up on the 39th floor, the Little Library comes with two chairs, a number of cushions, loads of natural lighting and dozens of books that range from classic Enid Blyton titles to fairy tales.

Though majority of the collection pertains to children, there are one or two books for the grown-ups as well.

Aesthetically speaking, it may not exactly be the most eye-catching. But add in a plant and an old frame and all of a sudden you have a really quaint, dainty spot that’s more or less perfect for a quiet afternoon of reading.

Architect

Lest you’re wondering, the Little Library was designed by self-described mum Ms Yvonne Looi, who set it up to facilitate reading at her place.

It’s currently less than two months old.

According to the news report, the community library garnered attention after Ms Looi posted about it in several social media groups. Since then, there have been numerous offers from strangers wishing to donate books, and several parents who are keen on visiting the library.

Apparently, the idea first stemmed from a ‘book-rescue incident’, when Ms Looi chanced upon a pile of well-kept books that were being disposed of. Mid-rescue, she wondered whether people might actually be unaware of where to bring unwanted books.

At the same time, she was also keen to start an initiative, in a bid to learn more about the “book-loving families” out there.

It’s heartening to know that her neighbours have proved “supportive” of her venture, with a number of like-minded book lovers gratified by the act as well.

“I feel that reading is really going to become a lost art … If you can do anything to encourage your child to get books when they’re young and hook them in then, it would be wonderful,” said retired librarian Mary Jacobs Mathew, 70.

“I just feel that the books can send you to different worlds and it helps with your imagination.”

The Little Library

Though it is termed as a library, it should be noted that anyone is free to keep or share the books if they wish to. Meanwhile, people can also donate any unwanted books they may have.

And to curb the negative effects of the pandemic, a bottle of hand sanitiser has been left outside. The library is also supposedly sanitised on a daily basis.

Those who intend to bring books back are also advised to clean and disinfect the books beforehand.

Meanwhile, Ms Looi appears to have plans going ahead.

For one, she hopes that the library can have its own space so that it will be more accessible to the public – a notion that she has already raised up with the town council.

For two, she has imagined a future with a number of reading nooks, either situated beside playgrounds or at lift landings.

“So later on, who knows? Maybe at different estates or different neighbourhoods, we can have that ready to promote the act of book-loving and just giving away,” she said.

“I think it would just be to love a book and really to appreciate (them). To connect people together, that’s my aim … and you can share the joy of reading.”

And it appears that her own sons have hopped on the sharing bandwagon too.

“Sometimes my son will say, ‘oh, mummy wait, this one we have two copies, or this one I’m already done, maybe we can give it to other people, who have (no books)’ … It’s the idea of, okay, if I have enough or I’m done, somebody else can take a turn,” she said.

Here’s hoping that lift libraries will become a thing in the distinct future!

Featured Image: (Facebook) Yvonne Looi