|
17 Kim Yam Road. Tel: 6737 2630
History
Before the library came into being, SBL shelved its humble
collection of over 1000 books, for the exclusive use of its members, in a
small room. Over the years, as SBL intensifies its efforts to propagate the
Dharma, the need for a big scale library arose and plans for expansion were
initiated in 1982. Three years later, the library was inaugurated. Having
undergone continuous expansion and upgrading over the past twenty five
years, the library now occupies an extensive area of over 5200 sq feet,
houses a collection of over 30,000 books, over 3000 CDs and draws a
membership of over 8000. Its operations are manned by 3 full-time staff and
headed by Miss Ngin Kwok Wah
who contributes on a voluntary basis.
Collection
The library is divided into six sections namely Chinese books,
English books, children's books, reference books, periodicals, and audio
visual aids (AVA) sections. There are about 85% Buddhist books and 15%
non-Buddhist books. 77% of the books are in Chinese. The Buddhist books
cover various aspects of Buddhism including general, history of Buddhism,
doctrines and dogmas, Vinaya, Abhidhamma,
etiquette, monasteries, Chinese Buddhist sects. Its special collection
includes Buddhist Canons like Qianlong Da Zang Jing (乾隆大藏经), Zhonghua Da
Zang Jing (中华大藏经), Fangshan Shi Jing
(房山石经), Dazheng Da
Zang Jing(大正大藏经), Song Qisha Jing
(宋碛砂经). Its collection comes from public donations as well as
regular purchases.
Membership &
Services
Membership is open to all.
Singaporean/Permanent
Resident:
Membership
Fee -- Free of charge
Registration
Document -- NRIC
Loan Quota
-- 10 items (includes books, VCDs, CDs, DVDs,
MP3s; maximum 4 books)
Loan Period
-- 21 days
Renewal --
21 days
Reservation
-- Free of charge
Overdue -- 10
cents per day
Foreigners:
Membership Fee -- Free of charge
Registration Document -- Passport + student pass or work permit
+ a guarantor (Singaporean or employer)
Loan Quota -- 2 items
Loan Period -- 21 days
Renewal -- 21 days
Reservation -- Free of charge
Overdue -- 10 cents per day
Library Opening Hours:
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am-5pm / Wed & Sat 9am-7pm / Sun 9am-6pm / Closed
on public holidays
|
