The Buddhist Library -- [Library-in-focus] Text and Photo by The Buddhist Library

2, Lorong 24A Geylang, Level 1. S398526 Tel: 67468435. Website: http://www.buddhlib.org.sg

The Buddhist Library was established by Venerable B. Dhammaratana and a handful of volunteers in July 1984. At that time, there was no Buddhist library open to the public. The public libraries at that time also had a relatively poor collection of books on the Dharma. Seeing that a collection of Buddhist books, especially in English, that is easily accessible to all is crucial to anchoring Buddhist education here, the Venerable undertook the task of setting up the Buddhist Library.

The Buddhist Library is a non-denominational organization that caters to devotees of all Buddhist schools. It has about 7,000 English books and about the same number of Chinese books. There are about 100 or so children's books. 90% of the books are about the Buddha-Dharma. It also has a small collection of periodicals (given that they aren't many in the market), and a large collection of tapes of talks given in the last 25+ years at the Buddhist Library.

The Library operates in a simple, cost-effective way and it does not yet have the means to provide all the trappings of, say, the National Library. Internet access and photocopying (at a cost and in accordance to the copyright laws) are available. Manned by a full time library administrator while its counter, by part time staff, the Library is working towards modernizing its services for its members.

Membership is $50 a year. Life membership is $500. While anyone is free to browse and use the library, only members can borrow books. Overdue fine is at 10 cents a day. Reservation and renewal can be done by phone.

* Operating Hours: Tuesdays to Saturday: 12pm to 9pm. * Sundays: 10am to 9pm.

* Closed on Mondays and the Chinese New Year holidays