NLB debuts first pop-up library with board games, comics in Punggol Coast Mall

A new pop-up library with more than 7,000 comics, game-themed reads, graphic novels and board games opened to the public on April 30 at the newly opened Punggol Coast Mall.

Called the Comics and Games Library, the new pop-up - which will be open for a year - a fully self-service library jointly launched by the National Library Board (NLB), JTC and local board games company Origame.

This is the first NLB pop-up which features board games.

Located at the atrium of Punggol Coast Mall in Punggol Digital District, the library's bright designs reflect the "fun, adventurous spirit of comics and gameplay", said the NLB in a statement on April 30.

Patrons can play board games at dedicated gaming spaces within the pop-up space, which also allows them to browse and borrow books.

This pop-up is part of NLB's LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025) plan - a five-year road map launched in 2021 that aims to encourage Singaporeans to read and become more information-literate.

Mr Ng Cher Pong, NLB's chief executive, said in the statement: "We have been encouraged by the responses to our pop-up libraries, which have appeared in malls, community clubs, and other spaces near where patrons are. With each new pop-up library, we take the opportunity to work with different partners, to bring reading and learning to our patrons in new and engaging ways.

"For the Comics and Games Library, we explored creating a board game space with homegrown game designers, for patrons to learn about Singapore culture through play, and also discover local talents in gaming."

Fans seeking the nostalgia of local comic classics can look forward to a showcase wall featuring local comics donated by collectors, including Captain V, Singapore's first full-colour comic.

Patrons can also explore game-themed books like Dune and Ready Player One, as well as learn more about games through the non-fiction collection featuring books on game design history and game strategy.

The library also features dedicated spaces for adults and children, featuring a range of fan favourite comics such as Bluey, Justice League and even Japanese manga collection HunterXHunter. Readers can also explore the library's Mother Tongue and local comics eBook collections via the eReads interactive screens.

To enter the library, visitors can scan their ID or request a QR code day pass.

Besides classic games such as Monopoly and Chess, the pop-up also features 11 Singapore-themed board games designed by local board game designer and co-founder of Origame, Dr Daryl Chow, 43.

Dr Chow, who holds a PhD in linguistics from the University of Ottawa, said that board games provide both education and entertainment, which is in line with the roles of the library.

He hopes that this collaboration would allow for greater visibility for board games.

Among the selection available at the library, Mr Chow highly recommends local game Huat's Up?, a game designed around a local favourite dish, Lo Hei.

Ms Winnie Tan, 27, manager of planning and development at NLB, said: "Games help to develop strategic thinking and fosters social interaction. It's great to have a space for people to be together to read and play."

This initiative has been well-received by members of the board games community, with interest groups and game design companies reaching out to organise workshops and programmes within the pop-up, she added.

Upon opening its doors, the pop-up was greeted with excitement from the public.

One of the library's first visitors were twins Ellery and Averyl Ng, 6, who made a beeline for the games.

"We don't really play games (at home), but we do visit the library quite often," the girls' mother, Ms Koe Sin Wee, 37, said. The family lives in Punggol and happened to pass by the pop-up.

She said that her daughters are interested in games, and that the family would be back again to explore more games.