Mr Lim Hng Kiang at the Official Opening of the Clementi Public Library, 23 Apr 2011

SPEECH BY MR LIM HNG KIANG, MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND ADVISOR TO TELOK BLANGAH GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF CLEMENTI PUBLIC LIBRARY ON SATURDAY, 23 APRIL 2011, 9.30AM AT THE CLEMENTI MALL

Mrs. Elaine Ng

Chief Executive, National Library Board

My colleagues :

Mr. S Iswaran, Advisor to Ayer Rajah-West Coast GROs,

Mr. Arthur Fong, Advisor to Clementi GROs, and

Madam Ho Geok Choo, Advisor to Boon Lay GROs,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning. I am pleased to join you for the opening of the Clementi Public Library.

New library adds to the comprehensive amenities at Clementi

Today is a significant day for Clementi residents as we mark the addition of a new and much anticipated amenity to our neighborhood.

Clementi has evolved from a rustic kampong in the 1960s to the bustling urban center we see today. The current amenities and well developed infrastructure here is the result of careful land use planning. The final phase of the rejuvenation of Clementi New Town is almost complete. This modern Clementi Mall, which had its soft opening only recently, is the first hub development in Clementi housing residential units, commercial facilities and a bus interchange in one complex.

This opening of Clementi Public Library could not be more well-timed, given its good complement to these developments. In addition to serving over 91,000 residents [1] in Clementi, this new library is also easily accessible to students and commuters, given its proximity to schools and transport amenities such as the Clementi MRT Station and bus interchange.

Role of the library to a nation

As the continuous progress towards a knowledge economy is key to our nation’s development, it is important for our workers to constantly expand their professional competencies and acquire new skills. This is where our libraries play an integral role in supporting Singaporeans’ lifelong learning and knowledge pursuits.

As a knowledge organization, the library has to constantly monitor emerging trends and provide relevant services that are of value to its users. I am told that for the past three years, the average annual visitor ship to our libraries is approximately 38 million and in 2010, book loans registered a new record of over 31 million. With convenient access to books and resource materials, as well as a wide range of programmes held at the library, workers will be well equipped with the tools to advance their skills and in turn, enhance productivity and economic growth.

Role of the library to the community

Clementi Public Library is an integral social and community space for residents to read, learn and bond as a community. For example, the librarians will actively engage students from nearby schools through regular outreach programmes such as book talks and information literacy workshops.

In addition, the library is also working closely with our grassroots organizations to forge closer community ties through a number of programmes. For instance, the library’s “Faces of Clementi” photo and story contest received strong support, with more than 100 submissions. You can view the winning entries later at the “Faces of Clementi” exhibition here in the library.

The partnerships with grassroots organizations and residents demonstrate how different groups can come together to create a meaningful environment for the community. I encourage our residents to tap on the many resources, services and programmes that the library has to offer. I am confident that our libraries will continue to add value to our communities by fostering a knowledgeable, vibrant and creative Singapore.

Conclusion

To conclude, I thank the NLB, the various government agencies, grassroots communities and partners who have worked hard to make today’s library opening possible. I wish all of you an enjoyable time at the Clementi Public Library.

Thank you. 

[1] Source: Singapore Department of Statistics and HDB Statistics (as at June 2009)