National Library Singapore

This 1925 newspaper clipping contains one of the earliest known mentions of Vesak Day (spelt “Wesak Day” until the 1970s) in Singapore, capturing how the occasion was observed a century ago.

📖 Discover more about the history and significance of Vesak Day at NL Online: https://go.gov.sg/nlonline-vesakday

🌟 Come unravel the threads of memory and discover Singapore’s visual history through History Tapestry, a virtual gallery that weaves together narratives through data-driven curation.

Start your journey: https://go.gov.sg/nl-history-tapestry-social

A day that commemorates faith and compassion, Hari Raya Haji has long been observed in Singapore through prayer, reflection and the sharing of blessings. Discover more about the history and significance of Hari Raya Haji on NL Online: https://go.gov.sg/nlonline-hrh

Our libraries and archives will be closed on Hari Raya Haji, 27 May 2026, Wednesday as well as Vesak Day, 31 May 2026, Sunday.

Do continue to check out our eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers via the NLB Mobile app!

Once feared and heavily stigmatised, leprosy forced many in Singapore into lives of isolation at Trafalgar Home. Through firsthand accounts from former residents, discover a deeply human story of resilience, separation and life beyond the disease: https://bit.ly/4tGIy4w

👉 Subscribe to our BiblioAsia mailing list to get notified of new content: https://form.gov.sg/616799db4d9b61001398f79b

Journey through Singapore’s evolving relationship with the sea!

From the early colonial years of Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival to Singapore’s transformation into a global port city, uncover the stories, people, and changing landscapes that shaped our maritime history.

The talks are held in conjunction with Singapore HeritageFest 2026.

📚 Featured Talks:

Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles – His Life in Singapore 1819 to 1823
📅 Sat, 23 May 2026
⏰ 10.30 am – 11.30 am
📍 Launch Programme Room, Level 7, National Library Building

Singapore Reconfigured: A Port Across Time
📅 Sun, 30 May 2026
⏰ 2 pm – 3 pm
📍 The Pod, Level 16, National Library Building

Register now: https://go.gov.sg/heritagefest2026-may-fb

Once feared for its deadly grip on children, diphtheria was one of many diseases that shaped Singapore’s early medical history.

From infectious disease outbreaks and pioneering doctors to the development of modern healthcare in Singapore, read more about the people and stories behind Singapore’s medical past on BiblioAsia: https://bit.ly/4dt8af1

👉 Subscribe to our BiblioAsia mailing list to get notified of new content: https://form.gov.sg/616799db4d9b61001398f79b

🛖 While kampungs are no longer a common sight in Singapore, their stories continue to live on in the memories of those who once called them home.

Step into the traces of everyday life in Singapore’s past through this recollection of Kampung Sungei Cina: https://bit.ly/4wBPFxN

Meet Tan Pin Pin and Sonny Liew, recipients of the National Library Creative Residency in 2025. Tap through to learn more about their projects!

The lives of Singapore’s community cats have been written and ready by many. Librarian and cat lover Kevin Seet takes a deep dive into the published heritage of community cats in the National Library’s collections.

The Many Tales of Singapore’s Community Cats Librarian Kevin Seet features the published heritage of community cats in the National Library’s collections.