Since the opening of the new National Library, I had wanted so badly to visit it. Yet, after months of waiting and only being able to find time to go today, I have nothing nice to say except that I am COMPLETELY disappointed.
Oh, it’s big alright. But it’s also cumbersome in terms of the different levels of security checks. Plus the collections aren’t exactly exceptional from what I’ve seen.
Can you imagine that before I was allowed into the central library, I had to have my bag rummaged through before walking pass a frigging security gate to collect it? Sounds familiar? Because this is exactly what we are subjected to when we have to board an airplane. Except that this is a public library.
At one point, on another storey, I was told that my bag is too large and I should put it in a locker. I just walked away really annoyed. And I didn’t mentioned that the car was being checked before it could enter the carpark. Well, they only looked at the boot and didn’t check that I had liquids on my seat. A total waste of time cos they weren’t at all thorough. They were just going through the motion following some mindless procedures.
For someone who is usually very contented amongst books, I can only say my mood was COMPLETELY dampened today. So much so that I didn’t feel like browsing through the bookshelves and of course left the place empty-handed just after 45 minutes.
You think I want to go back there? Hmpf. Unless they make the place more people friendly. Otherwise, over my dead body.
Wow.. how come the security is so tight in a library??
It only happens in M’sia if it’s some big shot visiting that place.
Comment by zara's mama — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 @ 6:43 pm
Relax… This is not the usual case in the library…
The Israeli embassy is having some presentations and shows regarding Israeli and jewish culture since last friday if I’m not wrong… thus, the high extra security.
I’m sure I won’t need to go further into why that extra security is needed, especially with the current middle east crisis.
By the way… Imagine seeing policemen at the counter welcoming people to view the israeli print to screen on Saturday. That’s a visual “treat” I had last saturday.
Prabakaran: Really? I wasn’t aware at all! I thought it was standard procedures all year round cos there were no explanations. But it sure was a real dampener.
Comment by Prabakaran — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 @ 9:39 pm
New library? Wow.. I always envy you Singaporean.. at least the government makes the effort to build new bigger library.. not like those Indo govt.. I don’t even know if we have one in Indo..
Anyway, perhaps they just open that’s why? Mebbe it wouldn’t be like this after a few mths/yrs?
Erika: So someone has said it’s not the usual practice. Not because they’re having an exhibition. Blame it on my bad timing…
Comment by Erika — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 @ 2:22 am
How senseless..! i would never let someone rummage thru’ my handbag..!! they donch do this to me.. even in the airport..!!
How stupid is that..! just to visit the national library..!! i rather pay for my books then..!
MB: You bet I was annoyed big time! But someone here said it’s cos of an exhibition only…
Comment by Mama Bok — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 @ 2:50 am
So much restrictions? I probably forgot what it’s like being in a library in Singapore. I’m too used to free and easy, and even noises in library overseas.
Comment by earthember — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 @ 6:08 am
I hate these sort of hassles esp when it’s only a library where people go there to read and sought for material and peace…kekekek
btw, i haven’t been to the new library yet and by the looks of it (after your description on how troublesome it is)…i will not be going there anytime near!
Jan: Me too. But according to someone who commented here, it’s cos of an exhibition. So maybe I went at the wrong time lor…
Comment by Jan (My lovely Rays) — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 @ 9:14 am
Guess what I do whenever I visit this particular library, not to borrow books but to use the washroom. keke…
Ashes: Huh? You go all the way there to use the washroom? Then got security check or not? Hahaha…
Comment by Ashes — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 @ 11:00 am
I did the same as Ashes…done that a few times already…
Eileen: You gals are so funny…I didn’t think the place is so accessible though.
Comment by Eileen — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 @ 12:56 pm
Yah… most probably due to some event of big shot coming… IMF?
Hven been there but didnt heard my mum complaint any…
Comment by wtpgrr — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 @ 3:28 pm
No lah of course not purposely go all the way there to use the toilet. Just so happen that whenever I go bugis I will walk to city hall so on the way I will drop by the washroom, it’s cleaner there.
Comment by Ashes — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 @ 5:17 pm
haha, from the description, you must have gone there during the israeli’s sefer exhibition. wrong timing, but i reckon you’ll have better impression next visit!
mel: Ya…wrong timing! :sad: Now I don’t know whether can find another time to go back or not…
Comment by mel — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 @ 11:00 pm