RefToGo

For the first time, RefToGo makes selected General Reference Collections from the National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library (LKCRL) available for borrowing.

RefToGo is available from Levels 7 to 9 at the National Library Building and includes these General Reference collections:

• Level 7: Business, Science, Technology and Social Sciences collections
• Level 8: Arts and Humanities collections
• Level 9: Chinese, Malay and Tamil collections

RefToGo is a one-year pilot initiative by the National Library. If you have used the service and would like to share your feedback, you may complete our survey here. Your input is valuable and will help us improve the service.

1. Browse our collections

At the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library
Browse our shelves for your next read from Levels 7, 8 and 9 at the National Library Building.

Getting to the National Library / Lee Kong Reference Library

On the NLB Catalogue
We recommend checking the NLB website catalogue search first to see if a particular book is available, checked out or in-transit. Do look out for the "Note: For Loan" for Reference items that can be borrowed.



2. Borrow and renew items
   

   To borrow an item, use the NLB Mobile app to scan its NLB QR code or barcode. Once “Scan to Borrow” is selected, eligible items will be checked out. Items not available for loan will display the message “Failed to borrow”.

Online reservation and delivery options are currently not available. 

You may renew RefToGo books if the item is not overdue. Each item may be renewed once. You may renew loans via NLB Mobile app or our website. You may also renew loans at our book borrowing stations or catalogue when you are at the library.

3. Return items
   

   Borrowed items should be returned via the Bookdrops at any of our public and partner libraries islandwide, excluding the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Library. 

• To enjoy this service, you must be a National Library Board (NLB) library member, with a myLibrary username and the NLB Mobile app installed on your phone.
• Singapore and Southeast Asia titles on Level 11 and in the General Reference collection on Levels 7, 8 and 9 will not be available for loan. Titles that are part of a series such as multi-volume works are also not available for loan.

1. What is the RefToGo Redemption?

   A promotional campaign where patrons can receive a token when they:

   • Borrow at least 2 selected books from the General Reference collection (Levels 7 – 9, Lee Kong Chian Reference Library).
   • Use the NLB Mobile app for borrowing

2. When is the RefToGo Redemption period?

   1 March – 31 May 2025 (while stocks last)

3. How can patrons redeem a token?

   1. Visit the National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library (Levels 7 – 9)
   2. Using NLB Mobile app, scan QR code/barcode to borrow 2 selected General Reference books
   3. On the same day, patrons are to show their loan activity at:
      Level 8 Information Counter
      National Library Building
      100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064
   
   

4. Who can participate?

   Patrons need:

   • A valid myLibrary account
   • NLB Mobile app installed on patron’s device

5. What will patrons receive?

   An A4 file folder with map design

6. How do patrons qualify?

   Patrons must borrow 2 selected books from:

   • General Reference collection
   • National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library (Levels 7 – 9)

7. Where and when can patrons redeem?

   Location:
   Level 8 Information Counter
   National Library Building
   100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064

   Opening Hours:
   10:00 am – 9:00 pm daily
   (Closed on Public Holidays)

   • Patrons must show their NLB Mobile app loan activity to counter staff
   • Patrons must redeem in person on the same day as borrowing

8. What is the daily redemption limit?

   One token per patron per day

9. What if patrons have questions or feedback?

   Patrons can contact via:

   • Email: enquiry@nlb.gov.sg
   • Online form: https://go.gov.sg/nlb-form-feedback