Fantasy, sci-fi library opens at upgraded Tampines Changkat CC

The National Library Board's (NLB) first dedicated library for fans of fantasy and science fiction has opened its doors at the upgraded Tampines Changkat Community Club (CC).

The library, which opened on Feb 23, has curated a collection of more than 5,000 popular fantasy and sci-fi books, including 500 in Chinese, Malay and Tamil. To cater to younger readers, it also has a children's collection of nearly 1,000 books for those aged 10 to 12.

The pop-up library is located on the third floor of the CC and will be in operation for a year until Feb 22, 2026.

The upgraded Tampines Changkat CC in Tampines Street 11, which was officially reopened on Feb 23, also features an indoor basketball court, a co-working space and a new drop-off porch that doubles as a venue for community events.

Speaking at the launch of the upgraded CC, Tampines GRC MP Desmond Choo, who is also the North East District mayor, said the space had been "reimagined from the bottom up and rebuilt with our residents in mind".

The CC was shuttered for nearly three years for renovations. It had not had a major upgrade in 35 years.

NLB said the library is designed to look like "a portal to fantasy and futuristic worlds", with seating areas for patrons. The library is open daily from 10am to 10pm, except on public holidays.

To supplement its physical collection, some fantasy and sci-fi e-books will also be available for loan, NLB added.

On whether the pop-up will be extended, NLB said it would monitor public feedback and the response to the collection, and give an update closer to February 2026.

This pop-up is not NLB's first. Previous thematic pop-up libraries include the manga library at City Square Mall and the comics libraries at Anchorpoint and West Coast Community Centre.

Mr Choo told The Straits Times that residents in about 180 Housing Board blocks were asked what they hoped to see in the new CC, so that it could be "designed to meet the evolving needs of the community".

On Feb 23, he introduced a slew of initiatives that will be available at the CC, including a monthly complimentary traditional Chinese medicine clinic for residents and non-residents alike in partnership with the Public Free Clinic Society, a non-profit organisation.

Mr Choo also said that local bakery Puffs And Peaks, run by a mother and daughter pair, will contribute baked goods to community fridges and rental blocks in the neighbourhood.

There are three community fridges in Tampines Changkat, up from one when the initiative started in 2022.

KNS Restaurant at the CC will offer a $3 breakfast deal from May 1, and fast-food chain Burger King will sponsor 600 meal coupons for less privileged families, Mr Choo said.

A corner of the CC on the first floor showcases Tampines Changkat's array of "Do Good" initiatives, which includes community fridges and grocery deliveries to those in need, among other programmes focused on the less privileged in the community.

Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, the constituency's anchor minister, said at the CC's launch that programmes across the constituency's five community clubs have benefited more than 20,000 residents in the past year alone.

About 5,000 residents attended the opening ceremony of Tampines Changkat CC on Feb 23. The community clubs at Tampines North, East, West and Central held open houses, which attracted about 4,000 residents.

Before it was upgraded, Tampines Changkat CC had an "old feel" about it, said financial adviser Sam Chee Yee.

The CC is surrounded by older HDB blocks and was mostly frequented by elderly residents, said Mr Sam, adding that it was "not very bustling".

He said the upgraded CC is "more vibrant" and "has something for everybody", with more activities aimed at younger residents.

The 57-year-old has been a grassroots volunteer for a decade and used to live across the road from the CC in Tampines Court until it was sold en bloc in 2017. While he now lives in Marine Parade, he continues to volunteer in the neighbourhood.

The launch of Tampines Changkat CC was attended by two other Tampines MPs - Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Manpower, and Sustainability and the Environment; and Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment, and Transport.

Dr Charlene Chen - a People's Action Party new face who has been featured on banners with the elected Tampines MPs - was at the launch as well. Dr Chen, an academic, is second adviser to the Tampines GRC grassroots organisations.

Another new face, Mr Gabriel Lam, chief operating officer of Shalom Movers, a Singapore-based moving company founded by his father, was also seen at the event.

The CC was launched a day after the Tampines Town Council unveiled its five-year masterplan for 2025 to 2030. The plan includes a new cycling bridge, an underpass and another 7.7km of cycling paths.