Collection Highlights
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.