SINGAPORE – A Smart Nation exhibition to show visitors how to thrive in a digitally inclusive society will be held at library@orchard as it undergoes a revamp.

       This was announced on Oct 27 by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo at the library’s closing event at Orchard Gateway shopping centre before it lowers its shutters for refurbishment from Oct 28.

       Called #Heart&Soul: Connected by Smart Nation, the showcase will illustrate how digital transformation impacts and improves the lives of Singaporeans.

       To be launched in the second half of 2025, the exhibition will take visitors through an immersive journey to experience the power of digital technology and help them gain confidence in using technology.

       Mrs Teo, who is also Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity, said: “It will be a very interesting learning environment that we will create at library@orchard.

       “I’m sure we’ll find a way to help a broader segment of Singaporeans appreciate how digital technologies impact us. So, the idea is to help them find out how digital technologies connect to the past, connect to the present, and connect to each other.”

       Noting that libraries play an important role in combating disinformation, the minister said: “Libraries have always been a place of learning. They allow people to come and discover for themselves how they can discern fact from fiction and truth from falsehoods.

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       “We will continue to find ways to support our citizens’ interests in unpacking the very many streams of information that we get all the time and be able to figure out what makes sense.”

       In September, the National Library Board (NLB) announced that library@orchard, which has been at its current location for 10 years, will be closed for renovation in stages until the second half of 2026.

       The revamp is part of the NLB’s ongoing efforts to rejuvenate its libraries and offer fresh services, spaces and experiences for patrons.

       Ms Sheila Jang, manager at library@orchard, said the public can look forward to new features and vibrant spaces in the library to promote innovation and experimentation.

       “We are excited to create new kinds of programme spaces where people can come and tinker and experiment with new types of technologies,” she added.

       While library regulars are sad that the space will be closed for around two years, they also share the excitement of a brand new space, said Ms Jang.

       One of them is Mr Chen Zhi Meng, 31, who visits libary@orchard once every two months.

       The game programmer said: “I usually come here to chill, get some work done and read books. So I will definitely miss the library because it’s always been a nice place to wind down at when I’m in the Orchard area.

       “But I can’t wait to see what’s to come after the refurbishment is done.”