Daily commutes on Singapore’s public transport system will be an even more enriching experience from today as the National Library Board (NLB) and SMRT Corporation (SMRT) jointly launched Nodes at MRT train station platforms and bus interchanges. Through the QR codes found at these Nodes, commuters can easily access NLB’s rich collection of e-resources such as e-magazines and e-books.

The collaboration with SMRT is part of NLB’s ongoing efforts to bring the library experience beyond its premises, to make learning and discovery accessible in everyday spaces such as offices, malls, parks, and now public transport. This initiative also aligns with SMRT’s efforts to redefine public transport space for community activities, that will enrich the community’s wellbeing.

Launching the first two Nodes on SMRT’s network at Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub and Woodlands MRT station (North-South Line) today, 12 September 2023, was Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment & Ministry of Transport. Following these, there will be Nodes at three other MRT train stations and two more bus interchanges (see further below) around Singapore.

These Nodes, which will be available from September 2023 to March 2024, will provide SMRT commuters quick and convenient access to a selection of e-magazine titles such as TIME, National Geographic, PC World, Reader’s Digest, and NLB’s publication BiblioAsia, as well as NLB’s YouTube videos, and e-books. The titles were carefully curated to cater to commuters of all ages and backgrounds. Most of the content will be refreshed monthly so that commuters have something new to look forward to.

NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Cher Pong, said: “Through our collaboration to bring Nodes into SMRT’s public transport network, NLB can be part of everyone’s learning journey by enabling easier access to our rich collection of e-resources. These Nodes complement NLB’s LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025) goal of working with partners to build a vibrant Learning Marketplace, for everyone to read, learn and discover anytime and anywhere, including at bus interchanges and train stations now.”

Mr Ngien Hoon Ping, Group Chief Executive Officer, SMRT Corporation Ltd, said, “This partnership with NLB is in line with SMRT's vision of Moving People, Enhancing Lifestyles. We are glad to provide our commuters with enriching experiences like reading and learning opportunities simply by scanning a QR code. Through the introduction of this placemaking initiative, we aim to provide quality public transport spaces for everyone."    

All commuters who have a myLibrary username with NLB can start enjoying access to the e-resources curated for Nodes at these train station platforms and bus interchanges. Alternatively, they can also sign up for a myLibrary username through the NLB Mobile app available on the Google Play or Apple’s app stores.

The Nodes can be found at the following SMRT train stations and bus interchanges:

• MRT Stations
  • Woodlands (NS9)
  • Bishan (NS17)
  • Orchard (NS22)
  • Tiong Bahru (EW17)

• Bus Interchanges
  • Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub
  • Bukit Panjang Integrated Transport Hub
  • Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange
     

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