National Library Singapore

Maps help us navigate our world but during times of war, they also become tools to control territories and the movement of people and resources. Senior Librarian Makeswary Periasamy examines a 1941 German map in the National Library Collection.

[We Like It Rare] German Sea Chart of Singapore and Bangka Straits Senior Librarian Mages examines a rare 1941 German map in the National Library Collection.

✨ From Merchants and Markets to Fields of Play, uncover Singapore’s visual history through History Tapestry.

Start your journey: https://go.gov.sg/nl-history-tapestry-social

Do you have old photos of Bukit Batok? Family gatherings, school days, neighbourhood celebrations, or just a familiar street corner – these snapshots are a precious part of our shared history. 📸 🖼️

Bring up to 5 printed photos to Bukit Batok Library and we'll digitise them for you! You'll receive digital copies by email, and with your consent, your photos will be contributed to the Singapore Memories website.

👉🏻 Pre-registration is recommended at https://go.gov.sg/scanyouroldphotosday

This 1925 newspaper clipping contains one of the earliest known mentions of Vesak Day (spelt “Wesak Day” until the 1970s) in Singapore, capturing how the occasion was observed a century ago.

📖 Discover more about the history and significance of Vesak Day at NL Online: https://go.gov.sg/nlonline-vesakday

🌟 Come unravel the threads of memory and discover Singapore’s visual history through History Tapestry, a virtual gallery that weaves together narratives through data-driven curation.

Start your journey: https://go.gov.sg/nl-history-tapestry-social

A day that commemorates faith and compassion, Hari Raya Haji has long been observed in Singapore through prayer, reflection and the sharing of blessings. Discover more about the history and significance of Hari Raya Haji on NL Online: https://go.gov.sg/nlonline-hrh

Our libraries and archives will be closed on Hari Raya Haji, 27 May 2026, Wednesday as well as Vesak Day, 31 May 2026, Sunday.

Do continue to check out our eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers via the NLB Mobile app!

Once feared and heavily stigmatised, leprosy forced many in Singapore into lives of isolation at Trafalgar Home. Through firsthand accounts from former residents, discover a deeply human story of resilience, separation and life beyond the disease: https://bit.ly/4tGIy4w

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