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Hallo everyone
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The demolition
hammer has started work on a familiar local icon - the red-brick National
Library in Stamford Road. It is no more its old self. And we, who share this
time-space i.e. circa 2004, are witnesses to its demise.
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A generation of people here in
Singapore grew up in its familiar surroundings. In the course of time, the
building has become part and parcel of what we have accepted as common-place
Singapore icons.
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Despite popular support for its
continued existence, the building has fallen in the name of progress, to make
way for the new Singapore Management University campus.
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Those nostalgic can take heart in
two things:
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1. they have their precious
memories
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2. they can take a virtual
tour of the icon as it was before it closed
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For the rest, mentions of the
red-brick National Library are to be found in books and online articles by
local authors and others. As they read such materials, they may be inspired to
learn more about some Singaporeans' fascination with this building. And they
may come searching for news. And they may even land on this Web site and on
this page.
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Therefore, we are placing some
links to online articles and pictures of this icon here to satisfy that thirst
for information.
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National Library at Stamford Road to close on
1 Apr 2004
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Has
the National Library building got to go?
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Book
Review: Memories And The National Library |
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Look
for the real value before the heritage is lost
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Explore
Singapore - National Library in Stamford Road
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From a
sentimental fool, Many Thanks for the memories, dearest
red-brick National Library. |
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Lastly, I
leave you with these fine words to ponder over: |
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Preserve
the past, ensure the future:
City and people move, proceed,
Landscapes change; Teamy is at work.
The rush of knowledge must be met,
Converted. Yet must the spirit thrive,
On sunsets, quiet trees, gibbons
In a painting, the life of Sages.
So the bud of light that lies within,
Blossoms, renews at Stamford Road
In this edifice, this heart. |
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The words
are part of a poem entitled The National Library,
Singapore by Professor Edwin Thumboo. The full poem
can be found in the Virtual Walk In The National
Library, Stamford Road section of the National
Library Board's Web site at www.nlb.gov.sg. |
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Here's a
parting shot: |
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Have a good
week! |
Monday with the Editor: Red-brick National Library is no more
