Making a Difference with Community Service

Thursday 3rd Dec 2009 was a day with a difference for Library Staff from Singapore Polytechnic. It was our first joint community service project with colleagues from the Dept of Corporate Communications (DCC) to reach out to the needs of the community. The idea came from our DCC colleagues and we readily agreed to it as we wanted to do something meaningful for a change, instead of having the usual ‘eat and chat’ staff welfare function.

40 students (aged 16-19) from the Bukit Batok Hostel, a voluntary welfare organization managed by Pertapis, were invited for an afternoon of fun activities at the Singapore Polytechnic campus.  2 supervisors from the Home accompanied them.  

Getting the boys and staff acquainted was easy with an icebreaker game that was enjoyable for everyone.   The staff and boys were paired together and divided into 6 groups.  Each group was given a toilet roll and members could tear off any length of toilet paper. 

Amidst fun and laughter, we had to introduce ourselves based on the length of toilet paper torn.  The longer the length of paper torn, the more we had to talk about ourselves.

The boys were then introduced to in-line skating and skateboarding by the SP Skates Club members. We were really amazed by their ‘gung-ho’ attitude as it was their first time playing it. A few who had some experience in the sports supported their friends and cheered them on. They were also undaunted by the drizzle and downcast sky halfway through their practice.

Skateboarding was followed by wushu and martial arts performances by SP students from the Wushu and Silat Clubs. The impressive performances drew lots of wolf whistles and appreciation.

When it came to “makan” time, the boys tucked into a nice meal from the KFC outlet at Food Court 5.  It was heartwarming to see them enjoying their food and the look of contentment lighting up their faces.  They were also delighted to receive a goodie bag from us. 

From our chat with them, we realized that most did not come from happy families and as a result, had gone astray.  Many said that they felt envious of our students in SP.  Their stay in the Home had strengthened their will to change for the better, with plans to further their education if they pass their ‘O’ level examinations.

In all, it was an enriching and rewarding experience for our staff as we bid them goodbye and wished them well.  Spending time with them had been a worthwhile cause as our interaction with the boys served not only as an eye-opener but also gave us all a rare chance to bond together. And for the boys, I’m sure that day made a difference to their lives too.

Contributed by Charlotte Toh
Singapore Polytechnic Library

National Library Board Launches NewspaperSG, an Online Archive of Singapore’s Newspapers for Public Access

 

NewspaperSG was officially launched on 28 January 2010 by Guest of Honour, Mr Sam Tan, Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.

With the launch, library patrons can search, browse and retrieve full-text news content from as many as 17 newspapers titles through the multimedia stations at the National Library Board’s (NLB) network of libraries. NewspaperSG (newspapers.nl.sg), an online service initiative of the National Library Singapore will also provide library patrons access to selected full text archived news content conveniently from the comfort of their homes through the Internet.

The use of keyword searches in NewspaperSG represents a significant leap in time-savings for both general users and researchers as before the introduction of NewspaperSG, users could only access archived newspaper articles by searching through reels of microfilms manually.

To mark the launch of NewspaperSG, the National Library Singapore organised an exhibition in collaboration with SPH and Mediacorp Press on “Yesterday’s Newspapers”.

The exhibition features selected newspaper articles from The Straits Times and TODAY newspapers on topics that affect the daily lives of Singaporeans such as politics, economy, public housing, public transport, national campaigns, entertainment, fashion, crimes, disasters and sports.

Readers can take a step back into time to appreciate the pertinent issues faced by Singaporeans in the past. The exhibition, held at the Promenade, Level 7 of the National Library Building is open to the public daily from 10am to 9pm (except during the Chinese New Year holidays) till 11 March 2010.

To access NewspaperSG, log onto : newspapers.nl.sg

Contributed by: Sharmini Chellapandi

 

 

 

 

 

Singapore Polytechnic’s New Hilltop Library

A cool, hip and happening place to chill and hangout

A new chapter was written in Singapore Polytechnic Library’s history with the opening of the brand new Hilltop Library on 28th December 2009. The new library replaces the former Business and IT (BizIT) Library, which had been serving SP staff and students in the western sector since 1995. In 2008, when SP Principal Mr Tan Hang Cheong unveiled the construction plans at the Library’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, the news was welcomed by students and staff as the BizIT Library was almost bursting at the seams coping with the yearly increasing campus population.

Located conveniently next to Teaching Block 22, Hilltop Library as well as Hilltop Haven, a social space on the 2nd floor, looks set to become another focal point for the SP population.

Aptly called the Hilltop Library, the building sits on one of the high points in the campus, flanked by greenery on its side and old trees at the rear of the building. Two indoor gardens bring in natural sunlight and add a touch of nature and a breath of fresh air to the entire surroundings.  The new facilities include a PC Room, a media viewing room for viewing DVDs and Blu-ray discs, a meeting room and music listening stations.

Since its opening, students and staff have been streaming in eagerly to check out the new places.  Aside from an extensive range of books, magazines, audio books, music CDs and DVDs, the Hilltop collection also has new materials such as Blu-ray discs, educational and board games.

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To celebrate the happy occasion, opening specials were held from 4-8 January 2010 which coincided with the first week of the new academic term. The Borrow & Dip! promotion whereby users get a lucky dip with items borrowed from Hilltop Library created a lot of buzz and excitement from Day 1. Many were pleasantly surprised and gladly dipped for prizes

A contest aptly named “What I Like About Hilltop” invited users to tell us what they like about the new library.  Here are some of their thoughts:

“I like the architecture of the building.  I love how the glass and metal come together in an artistic fusion.  I also like the beautiful lush green garden at the centre of the library.” – Ho Say Peng, 2^nd-year student from the Diploma in Banking and Financial Services.

“…the new Hilltop Library is a spacious squarish duplex that is easy to move around! PLUS, the natural surroundings seen through glass windows makes it a relaxing & inspiring environment to work in.” – Koh Bi Qi, 3^rd-year student from the Diploma in Tourism and Resort Management.

“I love the new Hilltop Library because it is simply fun, hip, cool and happening! With many unique shapes sofas and vibrant colours, it certainly makes me want to spend time here! All the best Hilltop Library!” – Nur Syafinah Zainal, 1^st-year student from the Diploma in Business Administration.

School of Business lecturer, George Teo who was the very first visitor on opening day sums up most of the feelings of the users, “It is my honour to be the first visitor to the long-awaited library. It is a cool library with a warm ambience… What’s most important — the friendly and helpful staff that make the library’s experience awesome and beautiful. Thank you for the good job!”

 

Contributed by Khoo Ai Ling
Singapore Polytechnic Library

ASK! Chat Trial

Background

Instant messaging (IM) is increasingly becoming a popular mode of online communication among Singaporeans. According to comScore, a market research company, Internet users in Singapore aged 15 and above averaged 21 hours online per visitor during February 2009, with IM topping the list of how Internet users were most likely to spend their time.

While libraries in Singapore have embraced common communication channels such as e-mail to deliver enquiry services to users, as of now, only Republic Polytechnic is making use of instant messaging to meet the information needs of its students.

 The ASK! Chat Trial

As part of ongoing efforts to experiment with delivering library services in user spaces and emerging communication channels, NLB’s Public Libraries started a three-month trial involving the use of online chat as a communication tool.

This bridges the distance between patrons and the library in two ways: First, a chat service makes enquiry services more accessible to OPAC and laptop users in the library who no longer need to approach a reference desk whenever they need help with information seeking. Second, a chat service helps to facilitate reference interviews between patrons and librarians, which currently can only be carried out in person at a library and over the phone.

The trial service, currently branded as ASK! Chat is available from 1pm to 9pm daily, excluding public holidays. Through online chat widgets available on selected NLB websites and catalogue terminals, patrons will be able to communicate with librarians on information desk duty at the three regional libraries (Jurong, Tampines and Woodlands).

ASK! Chat is currently available on the following websites from December 1, 2009 to February 28, 2010:

ASK! Blog: http://blogs.nlb.gov.sg/ask
Public Libraries Just ASK! : http://www.pl.sg/page/PlJustAskContent
NLB eResources: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg

Planning for the trial service took approximately four months. During this period, librarians were trained on the Web-based chat software as well as chat etiquette and other service protocols that differ from other modes of communication.

There were several considerations that had to be noted for the trial service. For instance, to safeguard the privacy and security of member accounts, enquiries that require patrons to reveal personal information such as IC numbers are not handled through  the online chat. Instead, patrons will be referred to the customer service desks at the libraries. Also, abusive patrons will be informed about the scope of the chat service (recommendations, circulation, reference) and recalcitrant ones can be banned from using the service after repeated abuse.

The trial service has been well received by users so far, with some calling for the service to be extended after the trial period. Many have indicated that the service helps to meet their information needs at the point of need.

Contributed by Aaron Tan, National Library Board

Bringing the Library out with a Funfair

NTU Library held its 4th E-Resource Fair from 12 – 13 October 2009 with 9 database vendors.

With its tagline “Learn & Win”, the Library offered a series of activities and games aimed at getting its community to take a closer look at its electronic resources.

7 database vendors set up shop offering quizzes, prizes and souvenirs.

The “shop-front” and quizzes gave them a chance to demonstrate and showcase their databases and interact with the NTU staff and students.

Talks on managing student research projects, online career tools, careers in taxation as well as how to select a journal to publish in were also held.

 

 

To encourage participation, staff and students were asked to collect 4 stamps by participating in 4 activities to qualify for a Grand Draw. Elsevier sponsored 2 big prizes: a Sony E-book reader and a Casio Exilim Digital Camera. The Library also planned a fringe activity called Spotted at E-Resource Fair. Visitors to the Fair were photographed and their photos uploaded to the NTU Library Facebook Page [http://www.facebook.com/ntu.library]. These visitors were encouraged to tag themselves and their friends to stand a chance to win a Flip Video Camera sponsored by Alexander Street Press.

 

In all, the response for the E-Resource Fair was encouraging. For instance, each database vendors spoke to an average of 120 visitors while the Grand draw attracted 149 participants and the Facebook fringe event resulted in 159 people being tagged from the 220 photos taken.

The E-resource Fair was first mooted by the University Librarian in 2006. It was planned and executed by the Library Promotion Division with the participation of all professional librarians.

The key idea is to organize a Carnival-like event outside library premises to bring the library out to meet the community. The Library Promotion Division accomplished this by forging close collaboration with the database vendors as well as designing activities that create a context for resource exploration.

Many have wondered why NTU Library spent so much effort trying to engage what they considered an already “captured audience”. The truth is, although NTU staff and students are all library members, many of them, particularly students are non-users.

By bringing the library out with a fun fair, NTU Library is attempting to become more visible and grab the opportunity to present its resources outside the library setting. The hope is that by attracting the community with fun-filled activities, they will, through the process of play, learn something new about the resources being promoted. Ultimately, the Library hopes to see the newly acquired knowledge lead to an improvement or enhancement of its users’ learning or working life.

Contributed by Phoebe Lim Choon Lan, NTU Library

Quotes about Libraries

This is part of an ongoing but occasional series of interesting and/or inspiring quotes and info nuggets about libraries and librarians.

All that mankind has done, though, gained or been: it is lying as in magic preservation in the pages of books.  - Thomas Carlyle

 

The only true equalisers in the world are books; the only treasure-house open to all comers is a library; the only wealth which will not decay is knowledge; the only jewel which you can carry beyond the grave is wisdom. 

- J. A. Langford

 

 

 

 

10 Things to do at a Library that Don’t Involve Renting Books

I recently received an email from someone in the US who is a staff writer from OnlineDegree.net. She had written a blog article on libraries.  I thought it would be nice to share with all especially with the school holidays and long weekends when visiting the local public library could be one of your agenda items!

Libraries have long stood as a cornerstone of neighborhoods across the world, offering access to books and other resources for entertainment in addition to research purposes. In their continuing devotion to nurturing a love of reading and knowledge in the citizenry, many have expanded their offerings beyond the ability to rent books. Some newer features embrace technological advances, while others provide free services blending education and enjoyment. No matter what extras these libraries offer, all of them continue the tradition of intellectually and creatively stimulating their respective communities.

1. Access digital media :

In addition to the usual databases filled with millions of journal articles, libraries across the world have expanded their virtual offerings in order to keep up with new media trends and advances. MP3s, WMAs, and iPod-compatible audiobooks from a broad spectrum of genres are all available for download or streaming. eBooks have also been made available as well, either for reading online or as a download to a portable device such as Kindle or the iPhone. Some even offer videos of children’s books that blend the illustrations with narration to replicate traditional storytimes. And with an automated checkout and check in system, users entirely dismiss the fear of late fines.

2. Have coffee:

Literature and coffee share an undeniably intimate connection, and many libraries celebrate this revered union with their own shops and cafés. Such measures serve the dual purpose of generating much-needed extra revenue as well as catering to the interests of those who prefer flavoring their mochas with a little Murakami. They also act as an alternative study space for students and other researchers wanting immediate access to information and data while under the influence of a generously stimulating caffeine jolt. Source: Wikipedia

3. Take a computer class :

Because of their status as an integral aspect of communities everywhere, libraries seek to empathize with and address the various stresses and complaints of their patrons. With technology advancing at an alarmingly rapid clip, it comes as no surprise that many individuals – most especially seniors – find themselves intimidated by computers, software, and the associated peripherals. As a result, many libraries have opened up their computer labs and stations to teaching free courses in Microsoft Office, the internet, HTML, and other basics as a means of helping people assuage their reservations and anxieties regarding technology. These classes also help grant established workers and those eagerly seeking employment a much-needed résumé boost as well.

4. Entertain children. :

Not surprisingly, libraries seek to instill their core values of knowledge and curiosity in children while they still remain impressionable and open to new ideas. They accomplish this by hosting a slew of educational and fun events specially tailored to appeal to kids and their interests. Parents can take children to regularly scheduled storytimes, where librarians read books out loud and play games or organize activities around subject matter relating to that day’s featured book. Storytime makes for a fun, stimulating, and no-pressure introduction to recognizing and analyzing themes, characters, symbols, and other literary devices that children will face later on in their schooling. Most libraries also host summer programs, offering prizes, certificates, coupons, and other incentives to children based on how many books they read during their break from school. Best of all, these services come entirely free of charge, allowing parents to keep their children’s attentions occupied in a safe, educational environment without having to worry about denting the pocketbook.

5. Rent movies and music :

Libraries have carried documentaries and other educational or instructional films and videos for decades now, but recently many have expanded into carrying mainstream movies as well. While they frequently lag when it comes to offering very new releases, most of them offer a back catalogue brimming with DVDs of classic, foreign, and older contemporary films. They also carry many television shows and specials as well. Likewise, many libraries stock an impressive amount of music to check out as well. As with movies, they may be slow to acquire recently released albums, but will not balk at offering the back catalogues of popular, independent, and obscure artists alike, either. In defense of the First Amendment, several libraries take no issue with renting music with controversial lyrics, allowing parents to personally discern what they do and do not deem appropriate listening for their children. Source: Wikipedia

6. Entertain young adults :

Like their children’s programs, libraries also offer after school and evening events centering on the needs and interests of young adults. They tend to emphasize a more eclectic variety of activities than the more youthful counterparts, with art or craft classes, book clubs, fiction and poetry workshops, video and board game nights, and cultural exchanges ranking as some of the most popular events. Some have even hosted dance lessons and poetry slams targeted towards young adults as well. For parents concerned about their teenager’s safety and overall mental, emotional, and physical well-being, these programs offer wholesome entertainment that seeks to engage and educate rather than exploit or isolate.

7. Join a book club :

Library activities are not solely relegated to the entertainment and education of children and adolescents. Many also host book clubs for adults, sometimes forming different groups for different genres so fans of one don’t have to slog through the others to find a title that piques their interest. With a librarian assisting in the selection process, the featured reads come recommended based more on merit rather than popularity – a welcome solace for anyone who cringes over empty celebrities or talk show hosts proselytizing about dodgy, flavor-of-the-month novels with little regard to actual content or literary style. Some may even supplement discussions with lectures or workshops regarding themes and subjects similar to the current read. Book clubs make for an excellent, economical way to make new friends, get exposed to some great literature, and learn how to become a more informed, analytical, and intelligent reader in the process.

8. Take an SAT or ACT Practice Exam :

Scourge of college-bound high school students across the United States, the SAT and ACT exams require an exhausting amount of study in order to master. While practice tests can be found online and on the shelves, many students are opting to take advantage of library programs offering free or heavily discounted run-throughs of the real thing. Occasionally accompanied by a prep course, these practice exams replicate the quiet, restrained experience of taking a standardized test without the distractions inherent in the computer or book versions available at home.

9. Attend a job fair : In light of layoffs, unemployment, and other hallmarks of a crumbling economy, libraries have been hosting job fairs for struggling locals to network with other professionals and employers. Every opportunity to learn of new openings and meet with potential connections ought to be explored, and taking advantage of the library’s services opens up so many valuable doors. Some counties also offer complimentary classes on writing striking cover letters and résumés and interview etiquette to help their patrons gain an advantage when trying to re-enter the work force. Interested parties may also want to supplement their job search with the aforementioned computer classes, as it means one more admirable trait to add onto a list of skills. As a necessary component of a healthy community, the library provides a number of valuable resources and services for its friends and neighbors to get back on their feet as quickly as possible. Source: Wikipedia

10. Book a meeting room :

Most libraries have a conference room or two available to rent, either for free or a small fee – some may even check out AV equipment and peripherals for presentations as well. Many local chapters of national organizations and charities elect to convene at libraries due to their convenient proximity to potentially necessary information and free wi-fi connections. Whether or not a library chooses to allow business meetings varies from county to county, but in the event money is to change hands in order to take advantage of their resources, at least it all goes back into the community. In spite of offering a wide variety of valuable services, activities, projects, and events, many people still view libraries as merely a means of renting books and nothing more. However, these treasured institutions have deftly adapted to shifts in technology and patron interests in order to both expand their role in society as well as preserve their allegiance to the pursuit of knowledge and education. Whether they provide safe entertainment for teenagers, computer lessons for the elderly, or employment assistance and placement for the harried jobless, every auxiliary activity these libraries host helps to reinforce and stabilize the backbone of their surrounding communities.

Extracted with permission from:

http://www.onlinedegree.net/10-things-to-do-at-a-library-that-dont-involve-renting-books/

Sylvia Yap gets LAS Professional Service Award 2009

The LAS Professional Service Award was presented to Ms Sylvia Yap on 16 October 2009. Here is her thank you speech:

“Professor Tommy Koh, our Patron, Mrs Yeap, Ms Puspa Yeow, LAS President, Ms Ngian Lek Choh, Immediate Past President, fellow LAS members, colleagues, and friends. Good morning and good evening.

Thank you for giving me this recognition. It is a treasure that will remind me of the many happy times spent promoting the profession, working with dedicated professionals and forging lasting relationships along the way. In my wildest dreams I never imagined that this accidental librarian would one day receive this honor.

In 1973, upon my graduation, I had to meet my mother’s deadline to look for a job by July, or face the prospect of continuing with my studies. I heard that the then University of Singapore Library was looking for a science graduate to be a librarian and temptingly it come with an overseas scholarship. In fact, at that juncture, I would have taken any job that came along. I applied to SU, they accepted me and I took my first wobbly baby steps into the profession.

I was posted to the Cataloguing Department and on my first day at work I was handed the AACR2 tome to read. After a few days, I realized that the job involved just summarising each book into author, title and 3 subject headings. As writing was never my forte, the attraction of not needing to write reports was most appealing. So I innocently thought then that I had found the perfect job – one that did not require me to write, is surprisingly enjoyable and most importantly it didn’t bore me to tears. To me, every book that I handled was unique and something new.

The attraction of profession slowly seeped into my blood and grew into a passion. A job that I took as a temporary stop gap turned into my life’s vocation. This I attribute to God’s quiet nudging, guidance, and always opening new doors to keep me challenged. I am truly blessed.

A major crossroad for me came a few years after I returned from library school. I was getting a bit restless and was looking for more challenges. The call to continue with my academic pursuit was strong. With labs just a stone’s throw away I was so tempted to do a part-time Masters. As I pondered over the idea, I was swept into the thick of LAS activities, again, accidentally. It opened up a whole new exciting world for me.

Now I wish to address some often-asked questions. Why join LAS? What is in it for me? My personal testimony is, serving the LAS is hard work but the returns although intangible are manifold. Through LAS:

• I met many prominent persons and the opportunities to interact and learn from them were priceless
• I made many lifelong friends and experienced their caring and sharing. LAS provided a nurturing environment where professionals can grow and forge trusting relationships. Wonderful relationships were made that lasted a life time, even after retirement. The trust developed is an important ingredient that gelled and held the profession together.
• I learnt management skills beyond the job positions that I held for which I am now reaping the rewards

So from me, LAS, thank you. I owe you so much.

Now as I near retirement, I look back over 36 years with very fond memories and remember all the beautiful people who had shared my working life.

I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge all who were responsible for my many achievements through the years.

• God, for helping me choose this profession and for staying close by me ever since.
• NUS libraries staff for their strong support and belief in our shared vision and values.
• LAS colleagues, past and present, for your friendships, advice, unstinting support and encouragement which I will always treasure.
• Mrs Hochstadt and Ms Namazie, my role models — they made me believe in myself and provided me the opportunities to grow. I learnt from them firsthand what professionalism is all about, how to lead with a heart and to create a caring family culture at work. They both inspired me to grow professionally and instilled in me a sense of mission to promote the profession.
• Wee Joo Gim, once a very active LAS member, who first roped me into the excitement of LAS activities. She taught me the proper way of doing things, the importance of governance and discipline. She took me under her wings and patiently guided me. I remembered, at the beginning, she had to practically write my first Council minutes as I did not even know what was “Matters arising”.

It has been a very long, fruitful and exhilarating journey. And today I am so grateful that you have all surprised me with the pot of gold at the end of my rainbow.

Thank you so very much and I wish all of you a fruitful professional journey too.”

Adventure 200 Singapore: A librarian’s quest to make a difference

From 21 – 23 April 2009, our very own librarian, Dennis Kweh, went on a mission as he raced around Singapore on his state-of-the-art battery-powered wheelchair, to raise funds for charity.

Below is the interview of his experience, challenges and plans:

Adventure 200 1 Person, 1 Metre, 1 Dollar, 1 at a time…is all it takes

By Dennis Kweh, Wheelchair Adventurer

Dennis Kweh with Penny Low, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC

The big horn blew and I just zoomed ahead and said to myself, “Now, on the road for the next three days. Stay focused at all times.” I must say I was focusing on the path in front of me and managing this powerful machine carefully, overcoming road obstacles and not taking my eyes and concentration off at any time.

What are your exact thoughts at the starting line before setting off?

It was like a long preparation for something I’ve always wanted to do and finally the moment had arrived! All the encouraging speeches just before the flag off and being with my family, friends and supporters, it was a bit heady. I tried to calm myself as the flag off master gave the cue to be at the starting line. Did a quick look behind me to see where Ms Penny Low, MP for Punggol- Pasir Ris GRC was. She had sportingly agreed to join me on another motorised wheelchair for the flag off.

What were your difficulties during the course, both physical and mental?

One of the days, the hottest day of April, the temperature hit 35 degrees! This was hot enough to cook an egg! Being prepared for the hot weather, I wore light coloured t-shirts, applied sun block and wore a cap. These helped to make the journey abit more comfortable. I must say the first day was challenging as my escorts from the elite army division and I had to cover a distance of 92km. We reached Sembawang Bottle Tree Park at 11.00pm after being on the road for more than 10 hours at a stretch. Mentally, I was prepared as I let my feelings flow, not exactly taking in the passing scenes as I was concentrating on the next few metres ahead of me and travelling at a speed between 7-12 kmh, and taking in the experience moment-to-moment.

Which was the most challenging part?

Well I would say it had to be the last day or the third day. The footrest of the wheelchair just plonked off! I guessed the gruelling journey took a toil on the footrest. My escorts n improvised on the spot by using a nail found nearby and some nylon wires to put it back in place. Kudos to these great guys

Did you ever think about giving up during the course? What motivated you on?

Not at all. I mean this is premised on the spirit of adventure and doing a charity cause, the motivation is an end in itself. During the course, was there anything you craved for? I was well taken off by my escorts who ensured I was properly hydrated. A kind volunteer even cooked and brought us dinner throughout the journey. It was amazing as she did this totally out of her kindness and generosity. As for craving, well when I was passing through the long stretch of Lim Chu Kang and Neo Crescent, I did look out for durian trees in case we could find some fallen fruits. Being a durian lover, the local variety is the best. But no such luck!

What were your thoughts as you approached the finishing line? What were your thoughts after crossing?

When I was approaching the National Library building, I was told to drive very slowly so that colleagues and supporters could walk slowly in unity to SMU campus, the endpoint of the wheelchair marathon. It was ethereal. I could sense the spirit of friendship and camaraderie as we marched in one heartbeat to SMU. This was my exact feelings and thoughts at that time.

What do you most want to do now after completing the challenge? Any immediate or future plans?

Just to rest and catch up on sleep. I did think of some conceptual challenges ahead. This year’s Adventure200 was a land mission, maybe the future ones could be sea and air missions and later, perhaps go cross-borders. Well, many factors come into play: my health, sponsors and support to make future ones a reality just like the Adventure200 2009.

Lastly, here is a chance for you to say what you want to say to all who have been supporting you, ran beside you or cheered you on, and those who have donated generously.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone for all your support, encouragement and donations. It is heartwarming that civic society is very much alive and well as I experienced it. What I did is just a small part and it shows that coming together, a meaningful impact can be done for a charity cause. My take is we can be a catalyst to do something in our own unique ways to help somebody, one step at a time.

(Interview transcript extracted from the Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore’s Newsletter, Forget Me Not May 2009 issue)

Contributed by Dennis Kweh, National Library Board

Photo Credits: Sebastian Song, 2009

LAS Dinner & LAS Awards on 16 Oct 2009

The LAS Dinner was held on the night of 16 October 2009 with Prof Tommy Koh as guest of honour at the Pod, National Library. This year marked the 15th year that he has been the patron of LAS.

In his speech, Prof Koh talked about books, libraries and librarians. Looking at the statistics published by the National Library Board, he felt heartened that Singapore is doing well. He has seen Singapore develop into a centre for publishing and its citizens become more culturally literate. It is his dream to see Singapore progress to a higher level of literacy similiar to France which celebrates its writers as much as it does their politicians and scientists.

As a book lover, he naturally spent a lot of time in libraries. They include the libraries in the National University of Singapore, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New York and Washington DC. Libraries are a constant in his professional and family life.

In his current position as Ambassador-at-large, he used the MFA Library and valued highly the services of the librarians, Lim Bee Leng and Lau Siew Kheng (former head of MFA Library). They selected relevant sources and obtained the the materials he needed for his speeches. He viewed them as collaborators. He hoped that libraries never become extinct.

He remembered kindly the librarians he had dealings with, which include Hedwig Anuar, Jean Waller, Wang-Chen Hsiu Chin, Peggy Hochstadt, Elizabeth Srinivasagam, Sng Yoke Fong. He also recalled being invited by Rosemary Yeap’s husband to their home for a lovely dinner.

He was proud to be the Patron of LAS and to love books, libraries and librarians. 

LAS also gave out 3 awards on 16 October.

1. LAS Lifetime Contribution Award to Rosemary Yeap in recognition for being a pioneer and leader in the Singapore library community for over thirty years.
   She is well known for her indefatigable spirit, friendship, guidance, passion and dedication to her profession.
2. LAS Professional Service Award to Sylvia Yap for her contribution as a dynamic, passionate and engaged leader, motivator, mentor and spokesperson for Singapore’s librarians, libraries and library users.
3. LAS Library School Scholarship to Herman Felani Bin Md Yunos to support and to encourage him to attain higher education in the library profession. This was the inaugural award of the LAS Library School Scholarship.

Contributed by Yeo Pin Pin