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