Central Public Library | Home Tourist Photo Essay 12

By Scribbling Geek

January 16, 2021

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Central Public Library of Singapore at Bras Basah.

Our Central Public Library is home to historical publications, and some of the best cityscape views in the country.

My first home tourist post of the year, and I begin with a town area landmark.

Our Central Public Library. Also known simply as the National Library. Or the National Library Building, etc.

Now, now, I know how insipid this sounds. The building has been around for years. Structurally beautiful as it is, it’s hardly any sort of secret tourist attraction too. Actually, even if it is, please don’t go there and nosily snap pictures, create Rediscover SG YouTube videos, etc.

The above said, if you can keep to yourself and not be distracting, the upper floors i.e. the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library is surrounded by some of the most atmospheric cityscape views of Singapore. Best part being, the library is free for all to enter.

In my case, I haven’t been there in ages and frankly, I was only there yesterday because I had a business meeting nearby. With the evening weather clear and bright, it was a lovely 20 minutes (quietly) walking about the reference library.

I also enjoyed a refreshing pre-dinner snack at the third floor café thereafter. Like the reference library, the café also had airy views.

Lee Kong Chian Reference Library

Modern Lee Kong Chian Reference Library itself is vibrant, spacious, and very tastefully designed.

Lee Kong Chian Reference Library Reading Room. — An enclosed, futuristic looking reading room. (I think this is a new facility. It wasn’t here when I last visited … years ago)

Central Public Library Historical Books. — As a … born bookworm, the sight of such compilations and albums always gives me a tingling sensation.

Central Public Library View. — The views from the Southern windows feature a mix of the intriguingly futuristic and the traditional.

There’s a glimpse of MBS, Esplanade Theatres by the Bay, etc, too.

Singapore City Architecture — With Bras Basah Complex just next door, there’s also a close-up view of a towering HDB residential block, as well as lovely aerial views of the nearby traditional shophouses.

Over the Counter Café (Level 3)

As I mentioned, I had a pre-dinner snack of sorts too during my visit. This was at Over the Counter Café, located on the third level. (I.E. right outside the Drama Centre)

I’ve have never eaten here. Don’t remember seeing “OTC” too when I last came to the Drama Centre to watch a performance.

Anyway, the café is popular! There were students, business people, even a young family. The ambience was also airy and bright. Not a bad place to have a meal before or after a show at the Drama Centre. Or after a few intense hours of studying for an examination.

Over the Counter Cafe. — The views from the full-length windows aren’t as stunning as the ones on the upper floor. But they are still relaxing to sit beside.

Over the Counter Cafe Menu — The menu, as well as the selection of muffins and cakes.

Over the Counter Egg and Avocado Toast. — I had an Egg and Avocado Toast. This took a while to prepare, and I thought the cheese flakes were somewhat too overpowering. But the eggs were well poached. The avocado was also generous. It was like a whole fruit!

All pics taken with my Samsung S20+

Read my other Home Tourist photo essays.

Summary

Article Name

Central Public Library | Home Tourist Photo Essay 12

Description

Quick visit to the upper floors of the Central Public Library. Some of the most atmospheric views of downtown Singapore can be found here.

Author

The Scribbling Geek

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