Collection Highlights
The Search for a “Lost” Towkay of Malaya
A man looks at his grandfather with new eyes after a mysterious envelope is found in an old workman’s outfit that was about to be thrown away.
The Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Collection: A Treasure Trove of Information
Materials donated by the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan offer unique perspectives into the history of the Hokkien community here and the association’s contributions to the nation’s social and cultural landscape.
The Trishaws and Tricycles of Singapore: Selected Photos by Liesel Strauss
These photos by Liesel Strauss spotlight the humble trishaw and cargo tricycle and remind of us of how Singapore used to be not too long ago.
A History of the Singapore Chin Woo (Athletic) Association
The Singapore Chin Woo (Athletic) Association donated its collection of photographs and materials to the National Library, Singapore, in 2023. Find out more about the history of one of Singapore’s oldest martial arts associations.
By the Public and for the Public: Contemporary Collecting at the National Library
Singapore’s National Library is hard at work collecting new forms of documentary materials today for the sake of future generations.
On Paper: Singapore Before 1867
Paintings by John Turnbull Thomson, poems in Jawi script, an early 19th-century map of Asia and a Russian traveller’s tale of Singapore are some of the paper artefacts featured in the National Library’s latest exhibition, “On Paper: Singapore Before 1867”.
Making History
A treaty that sealed Singapore’s fate, a contract for the sale of child brides, and a drawing of an iconic theatre are among the items showcased in a new book, 50 Records from History, published by the National Archives of Singapore.
When There Were Farms
Zoe Yeo presents a selection of publications on farming in Singapore from the National Library’s Legal Deposit Collection.
Singapore’s Chin Kang Heritage
To mark its centenary, a Chinese clan association recently donated its archives of heritage documents to the National Library. Jessie Yak shares highlights from the collection.
Archiving the Singapore-Wide Web
Recent amendments to the National Library Board Act now allow the National Library to preserve Singapore websites without the express permission of content owners. Shereen Tay explains.
Papers from the Past: The Lee Family Archives
The personal papers of a noted Peranakan family provide a window into the lives of the Straits Chinese community during the colonial era, as Ong Eng Chuan reveals.
சிங்கைப் பத்திரிகைகளில் 1920–1960 வரை வெளிவந்த விளம்பரங்கள்- ஒரு பார்வை
Sundari Balasubramaniam examines Tamil print advertisements published between the 1920s and 1960s, and discovers fascinating insights of life during this period.
Japan in Southeast Asia: The Lim Shao Bin Collection
More than 800 items documenting early Japanese interactions in Singapore and the region have been donated to the National Library. Gracie Lee explains the significance of this repository.
Sporting Glory
Sharen Chua shares highlights of commemorative sports publications from the National Library’s Legal Deposit Collection.
Preserving Nan’an History in Singapore
The National Library recently received several rare items connected to the history of the Nan’an community and Hong San See Temple in Singapore. Ang Seow Leng presents highlights of the collection.
First Issues: Publications from the Past
Launch issues can make or break a new publication. Barbara Quek shares highlights of first issues from NLB’s Legal Deposit Collection.
Textbooks We Remember
Shereen Tay pores through the National Library’s collection of old primary school English textbooks, and uncovers some classics in the process.
Warm Tidings in a Cold War
Remittance letters between Singapore and China during the height of the Cold War from the 1950s–70s recount both the joy and angst of relationships across the miles. Dong Hui Ying delves deeper.
Manuscripts from Our Global Past
An exhibition of old Southeast Asian writings showcases the region as a major centre of learning. Farish A. Noor explains why we should reclaim our heritage.
The Way We Were: Fashion Through the Decades
Singapore has emerged as a leading Asian fashion capital in recent years. Zoe Yeo tracks its evolution through fashion publications from the Legal Deposit Collection.
从馆藏文献资料认识中医药在新加坡 的历史与发展 (Traditional Chinese Medicine in Singapore)
Traditional Chinese medicine in Singapore has a history that goes back to more than a century. Vicky Gao traces its development through the National Library’s collection.
Mr Song’s European Escapade
Ong Eng Chuan pores through the faded colonial-era postcards of Peranakan luminary Song Ong Siang to piece together highlights of his 10-month European sojourn.
50 Years of National Service
National Service is a rite of passage for Singaporean men when they come of age. Sharen Chua shares highlights of books on National Service in the Legal Deposit Collection.
Heaven, Earth and Brotherhood
Secret societies arrived on the back of mass migrations of Chinese to Asia in the colonial era. Makeswary Periasamy highlights the National Library’s collection of early books on Chinese triads.
Party Time at the Raffles
The National Library’s collection of menu cards from Raffles Hotel provides an inkling of lavish parties and fine dining from bygone days. Francis Dorai and Jessie Yak take a peek.
Eu Tong Sen and His Business Empire 余东旋与他的商业帝国
The Koh Seow Chuan Collection at the National Library includes documents from the illustrious businessman Eu Tong Sen. Seow Peck Ngiam describes some of its highlights.
The Bastin Collection on Raffles
The National Library recently acquired a treasured collection of letters and books of Sir Stamford Raffles. J. B. Stanley describes some of the highlights.
The George Hicks Collection
This valuable collection at the National Library is significant for a number of reasons. Eunice Low explains why.
Cover to Cover
Barbara Quek and Zoe Yeo highlight entertainment magazine covers of yesteryear from the collections of the National Library.
Collecting the Scattered Remains: The Raffles Library and Museum
Gracie Lee charts the history of the Raffles Library – precursor of the National Library – and its enigmatically named “Q” Collection.
NL Collections: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Wartime Propaganda: The Battle for Minds and Hearts
Benjamin Seet shares highlights from his collection of World War II Ieaflets air-dropped by Allied Forces over Japanese-occupied Southeast Asia between 1942 and 45.
Travelog Melayu
Lay of the Land: The National Archives of Singapore’s Map Collection
From Singapore’s days as a colony to modern times, maps have been an integral part of the nation’s development. Kevin Khoo highlights the National Archives of Singapore’s 10,000-strong map collection.
The National Library’s Rare Maps Collection
The National Library has a collection of rare maps dating back to the 15th century. Makeswary Periasamy shares the significance and history of these maps and their makers.
Folk Tales from Asia
The Asian Children’s Literature collection at Woodlands Regional Library has some of the oldest and rarest children’s books from Asia. Lynn Chua highlights these treasures.
A Colonial Heritage: Collections of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore
Bonny Tan explores the rich collections of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore, which holds materials such as birth and death records, publications and other documents.
