Memories. I remembered that the Library@Orchard opened in the midst of a happening year (1999) that both the “giant” bookstores, Borders (at Wheellock Place) and Kinukuniya (at Takashimaya) also opened. I was a university student during that time, and Orchard, became my second home in the weekends. I will tend to drop by Kinukuniya to read some books or magazines. And when my legs get tired of the standing, I will visit Orchard library to pick up some books, and grab a seat. Following, when it closes at night, I will hop over to Borders for their sofa seats and late closing hours.
Today, I am backed at Library@Orchard, in answer to their call to act as Citizen Reporters who are willing to blog about Library@Orchard, before their closure on 30 Nov 2007. Stepping back into the library, the place feels the same with all the glassy walls and the waterfall feature next to the cafe. The waterfall feature was a highlight which I always love. It was such a new idea at the birth of Library@Orchard. However, as it is situated next to the cafe, I rarely sat at those tables in the past, as I didn’t want to purchase any food and drinks from the cafe. Somehow, I felt obliged to purchase from the cafe as the seats seem to belong to them.
The brief briefing for citizen reporters is held in a meeting room, tucked near the side of the magazine section. I was treated with a truely brief briefing of 6 min 23 sec by Mr Ivan, which was naughty timed by me. 
It is a very causal and friendly briefing, which was accompanied with cakes, donuts, and drinks, which were purchase by our dear friendly Ms Jillian. 
The library looks a little different today. As its closure is approaching, the event “Dream Wall” was organised earlier. The glassy walls are filled with paintwork. One of the extremely nice paintwork is this following shelfs of books. It just has a kind of nostagic feeling.
Library@Orchard. Today feels like home-coming. And yet, goodbye. I will be back again before your closure.
Wow .. You are really fast!
Glad to know people who are so passionate to be the citizen reporter for our beloved Library@Orchard!
Keep up the great work and have a great life always!
@D.D.: Thank you.
[...] blogged about the briefing. Wah! Am truly touched. Simply Jean: Remininsces of the library@orchard Alice in Wonderland: Memories of library@orchard Christine Tjia: Citizen Reporters D.D. The Citizen Reporter????? *Green and Bear It: [...]
Hi Alice,
Thanks for the speedy post! Glad that you enjoyed the briefing
@Jilian: Thank you.
Enjoyed your fun personality and the Q&A too.
Hmm… so you’ve not been back to library@orchard until the call for citizen reporters? Very interesting indeed (from this librarian’s perspective). Well I’m glad we called for citizen reporters then. I’m impressed by the enthusiasm shown by you folks. Thanks very much.
@Ivan: Nowadays, I usually visit my university library. Or occasionally drop by library@bugis. Not much time to read, other than journal and conference papers.
I really miss the Orchard Library. I spent many days during my undergraduate days there, doing my revision for exams. Although it was always crowded, and I had to share the small round table with 1 or 2 (and even 3) others, I did not mind it at all. Being in the heart of Orchard, my favourite haunt at that time, I could always do some window-shopping during small breaks, when I felt mentally tired. These enjoyable breaks refreshed me. The cafes (it was Dome initially, then Cafe Galilee) were great. Their presence was great; it was wonderful to pore over books, whilst enjoying a cup of chocolate at the same time. Not forgetting too, the “water feature”, which sets the Orchard Library apart from the other libraries.
I also remember there used to be a Taiwan food stall just outside the library, which sold yummy traditional beef noodles, fruit milk shakes, dumplings, etc, at very extremely reasonable prices (considering the location). The owner, and uncle and his son, were really polite and friendly. It has shifted a few years ago. I wonder if anyone knows where I can find this stall now?
It was a pity I did not capture any photos of the library before it closed last year. I wonder if anyone has pictures of it?