today marks the final day of operations at the Bukit Merah Public Library. I have many happy memories of using this library – from reading storybooks on the weekends when I was a kid, to grading work there as a working adult, and more recently, bringing my niece and nephew there to borrow books before letting them play at the playground next to the library.
I approve of NLB’s strategy to situate the libraries where there will be greater footfall, but last week, as the day of closure loomed close, I couldn’t help but weep for the memories past. I paid a few farewell visits to soak in the place and say goodbye.
here’s the children’s section that allowed me to be that auntie associated with books and reading
and look how the niece has grown! I no longer have to read to her; she looks for me when she needs help with a word or two.
the adult section is upstairs. see the fantastic Singapore Collection in the corner – these shelves were indispensable when I prepared GP lessons based on Singapore.
on one of the visits, a familiar logo caught the nephew’s eye and he snatched it up excitedly.
the fictional aisles that gave me tomes of agatha christie and elif safak.
and the mandarin section that usually sank into the blind spot
I am also deeply indebted to the travel section where I did much of my travel research before free-falling into a new country.
and lastly, the loan counter, which has seen many many iterations. frequently, I would hurry through this section because sambal would be waiting for me in the carpark outside, and then he would frown at all the books I’m laden under, and shake his head because it’s obvious I wouldn’t be able to read all that within 3 weeks.
thank you for the services and memories you provided, dear bukit merah library. I didn’t think I would be this attached to you, but I guess it is a case of 日久情深. I will miss having you around, and miss exploring your depths full of mystery and adventure and profound sadness.
farewell.
cutting the map 