New Children's Biodiversity Library To Open In January 2024

Parents and children can explore the ocean’s wonders through marine biodiversity-themed zones and programmes, developed in partnership between NLB and S.E.A. Aquarium by RWS

The Central Public Library, located at the National Library Building on Victoria Street, will reopen on 12 January 2024 with a refreshed children’s section, which brings the wonders of biodiversity – with a focus on marine life – closer to young explorers. This is the first marine biodiversity-themed learning space for children at a public library in Singapore.

Children's Biodiversity Library Open Ocean Zone - Coral Zone

To be named the Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium, this partnership between the National Library Board (NLB) and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) will offer new opportunities, including monthly programmes, for parents and children to have deeper learning in marine biodiversity. RWS, home to the S.E.A. Aquarium, will also be committing staff volunteers to facilitate regular educational programmes at the space. The integrated resort has committed S$1 million in funding through its community development arm, RWS Cares, to support the set up of the space and related programmes.

a. Interactive Zones

Children's Biodiversity Library Intertidal Zone

The Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium takes visitors on an exciting journey of discovery about marine biodiversity, offering a diverse range of engaging and interactive features. These include the Open Ocean Zone where children get close to specimens including shark jaws and coral skeletons, and a floor-to-ceiling column with coral-like features. There are also infographics to help parents and children learn about the important role that coral reefs play in marine biodiversity. To heighten the experience, library patrons can, through a video projection of marine life from the S.E.A. Aquarium, immerse themselves in the habitats of sea jellies, which have many important roles within the marine ecosystem. The Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium also features an Intertidal Zone where young learners and their parents can learn about the multitude of organisms living on marine shorelines through interpretive displays.

The space will also house the Central Public Library’s children’s collection, comprising books and reading material across a wide range of topics to enhance learning and love for reading.

b. Educational Programmes

Children can look forward to new monthly programmes on marine biology and conservation led by trained volunteers in a dedicated space, designed to resemble a submarine, in the Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium. These include an interactive human library activity where children get to meet real-life divers and aquarists, intertidal animal art workshops, storytelling sessions, upcycling workshops, and more. The programmes, developed by NLB and the S.E.A. Aquarium teams, combine an immersive learning experience with engaging activities and are designed to better captivate children’s interest and help foster a deeper understanding of marine biodiversity and conservation.

Helmed by trained educators well-versed in the topics of marine biology, RWS’ S.E.A. Aquarium team has been designing educational programmes, content, and tours for adults and children from different age groups since 2013, reaching out to over 50,000 individuals every year.

Leveraging its expertise, the team has worked with NLB to design and develop the children’s section at the Central Public Library.

The revamp of the Central Public Library is in line with NLB’s LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025) aim of working with partners to build a robust Learning Marketplace, to bring new learning experiences to patrons.

Members of the public who have an interest in marine conservation and biodiversity are welcome to join the S.E.A. Aquarium Outreach Programme and be part of the team to support and facilitate educational programmes at the Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium. To learn more about the Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium and sign up for the Outreach Programme, members of the public may register their interest via SEAAvolunteer@rwsentosa.com. Those who are also keen to volunteer at the wider Central Public Library may register their interest at here.

Highlights of the Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium

Through a series of interpretive and interactive displays, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of marine biodiversity. The showcase is designed to inspire a deeper appreciation of our oceans through experiential learning and highlights the importance of protecting our marine life.

Interactive Zone

Open Ocean Zone

Coral Zone

At the heart of this public learning space is a floor-to-ceiling column with coral-like features. There are also infographics to help parents and children learn about the important role that coral reefs play in marine biodiversity.

Sea Jelly Zone

Children's Biodiversity Library Open Ocean Zone - Sea Jelly Zone

Visitors can immerse themselves in the habitats of sea jellies, which have many important roles within the marine ecosystem, through a projection of marine life at the S.E.A. Aquarium.

In addition, they can get close to S.E.A. Aquarium’s collection of specimens including shark jaws and coral skeletons.
Intertidal Zone In this zone, designed to help foster a deeper appreciation of intertidal biodiversity, young learners and their parents can learn about the multitude of organisms living on marine shorelines through interpretive displays.

Submarine Room

Children's Biodiversity Library Submarine Room

A dedicated space, designed to resemble a submarine, is set aside for educational programmes. They are led by trained volunteers – including RWS staff volunteers and members of the public – on marine biology and conservation.

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