Singapore furniture companies transform NLB library spaces in second Community TakeOver.
Singapore, 21 March 2025 —The National Library Board (NLB) is bringing back its Community TakeOver initiative, this time partnering with three homegrown furniture brands FortyTwo, Glamping Society and Scanteak to transform its spaces, namely at three libraries in Jurong, Bishan and Punggol respectively.
Community TakeOver, an initiative by NLB to showcase Singapore brands, will see partners transform sections into immersive storytelling spaces to spark imagination and inspiration for more ways families can spend time together. This includes fitting out spaces with cosy bedroom-like setups, tents and other locally designed furniture. Patrons can enjoy immersive, themed storytelling areas — featuring elements of science fiction, fairy tales and mystery — where stories come to life and families can engage in meaningful reading moments together to foster close parent-child connections.
From today, which coincides with the March school holidays, the companies’ furniture will be featured at the following libraries:
Library visitors can explore these specially curated spaces at Bishan Public Library for three months and at Punggol Regional Library and Jurong Regional Library for six months. In the first edition of Community TakeOver in July 2024, other partners, including FortyTwo, reimagined library spaces in Serangoon Public Library, Jurong West Public Library and Central Public Library.
NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Cher Pong, said: “As part of LAB25, we are always on the look out for ways to reimagine our libraries and archives, to enhance the experience for our patrons. In partnering with these homegrown brands, including FortyTwo, Glamping Society and Scanteak, we can build a more vibrant Learning Marketplace that inspires learning and discovery for all.”
NLB’s LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025), launched in 2021, aims to work with partners and the community in a journey of innovation and experimentation to reimagine libraries and archives in Singapore.
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About National Library Board
The National Library Board (NLB) nurtures Readers for Life, Learning Communities and a Knowledgeable Nation by promoting reading, learning and history through its network of 28 libraries, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore. NLB also forges strategic partnerships that encourage awareness, appreciation and greater discovery of Singapore's history through its rich collections in Singapore and the region.
NLB achieves excellence through innovation, focusing on citizen engagement and co-creation, resource and digital innovation. This creates learning opportunities, greater access to library resources, services, and archival collections, as well as a continual development of innovative library spaces. Established on 1 September 1995 as a statutory board, NLB is under the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI).
For more information, please visit the NLB website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube channels.
For media queries, please contact:
Koh Zhi Min
Weber Shandwick
+65 9002 6323
ZKoh@webershandwick.com
Hoe I Yune
Weber Shandwick
+65 9324 2061
IHoe@webershandwick.com
Quotes from NLB’s Partners
Glamping Society’s Director, Ms Christabelle Lee said: “At Glamping Society, we believe in creating unique experiences that provide comfort and spark imagination. Together with the National Library Board, we are thrilled to be able to play a part in fostering creativity, learning and exploration among children and parents. We wish to allow library patrons to not just read stories but to live them.”
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Scanteak’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Jamie Lim, said: "Since 1974, Scanteak has always believed in the importance of bringing families together. Our Scandinavian-centric designs are meant to create conducive spaces to inspire family moments. Using quality teakwood sustainably sourced from Indonesia, we hope to make everyone feel at home - home within the family, home within the community and home within Our Mother Earth."
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FortyTwo’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Naveed Lee, said: "We are thrilled to partner with the National Library Board once again for the second Community TakeOver. At FortyTwo, we’ve been a proud Singaporean company for 18 years, and we share the library’s mission of nurturing a love for learning and heritage. We believe that everyone deserves a beautiful space to read, connect and grow.”
Annex