The School Library

We’re absolutely delighted to announce that our school library has undergone a magnificent transformation. The revamped library, completed in Mid-July 2024, resulted in a brighter space, with multiple collaborative, reading and studying areas to meet the diverse learning needs of the students. More than just a library, our space is now a vibrant sanctuary for exploration, creativity, and adventure.

Step inside to discover an inviting ambiance filled with cozy reading corners and comfortable furniture that beckons you to unwind and delve into a good book. Equipped with modern digital devices, our library has been thoughtfully designed to create an inspiring environment for both students and staff to read, learn, and explore.

Explore our carefully curated collection, featuring nearly 400 new books! From timeless classics and gripping fiction to insightful non-fiction and captivating audiobooks, you’ll find something to spark your imagination. Plus, we’ve added a special focus on Singaporean literature to celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

For those with a flair for performance, our newly added stage invites you to bring stories to life! Whether you want to dramatise your favorite book characters or share your latest literary discovery with peers, our performing stage is your platform.

Our newly-renovated library is not just a space; it's a vibrant community hub for learning and discovery. We can’t wait for our students to revisit and explore all the exciting offerings we have in store!

To promote the love for reading in our school, our students are invited to participate in the following programmes:

1) Library Orientation

To promote the love for reading in our school, our students are invited to participate in the following programmes:

2) Thematic Displays & Activities

To encourage reading in the school, our library features monthly book collections according to themes. Some of the themes featured are ‘Book Character Day’, ‘Cyber Wellness’ and ‘Earth Day’. Themes and book collections are highlighted during morning assemblies. Our library also promotes books written by authors such as Roald Dahl, Hans Christian Andersen and Louis Sachar. Students can also participate in the various activities (quizzes, games etc) that are tied to the thematic book collections.

Stay tuned for a lineup of thrilling activities designed for each grade level! e.g. For P1: BOOK-a-Date with Parent: This programme encourages parents to read with their daughters, fostering a special bonding session through literature. After selecting a book, students can dress up and use props for a dramatisation, followed by submitting a video recording of their performance. It’s a wonderful way to instill a love for reading!

We are excited to partner with the National Library Board (NLB) to offer fun and engaging experiences that enhance learning and foster a love for reading. More details will be updated soon, so keep an eye out for the upcoming events that promise to inspire and entertain our students!

3) Storytelling @ Recesses

During recess on some days, students get to enjoy storytelling sessions conducted by parent volunteers. The aim of the session is to promote joy of reading and to encourage students to explore books of different genres.

4) Uninterrupted Sustained Silent Reading (USSR)

All students are required to read an English book every Thursday and a Mother Tongue book every Friday at their assembly areas in the morning. Through this programme, we hope to cultivate a routine of self-directed and independent reading.

5) Library Period

Getting students to experience the joy of reading is a regular part of the school’s curriculum. Two periods (one for English, one for Mother Tongue) are set aside every week for our reading programme. On alternative weeks, students are taken to the library to borrow books.

6) Book Buzz Tuesday (BBT)

Join us every Tuesday for BBT! Before morning assembly, we screen captivating short story videos featuring colorful animations and recommendations from students and teachers. Watch our reading ambassadors and fellow students share their favorite books, sparking curiosity and inspiring everyone to discover the stories for themselves. Don’t miss out on the excitement! (Click here to submit BBT video)

7) Read and be Rewarded Programme

Borrow and read books to exchange for attractive gifts! The loyalty card programme rewards students for borrowing and reading books available in our library. Students will submit a book review to complete the card and collect their gifts. Super readers and Master readers are recognized during our termly awards and recognition programme.

8) Assembly Programmes

Book authors are also invited to share their experiences and insights, fostering a deeper appreciation for literature among our students.

9) Books Exchange Day

Let’s save our Earth! Books Exchange Day allows our students to exchange their already read books with ‘new’ books that will allow them to carry on reading while saving our earth.

These initiatives are designed to make our library a vibrant hub for learning and creativity, where every student can find joy in reading. We can’t wait to see our students embrace these exciting new programs!

Library Opening Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13xs7NIakkZ2yYQ-0K9EiRcRkSAWBpcYW/view?usp=sharing

Library Reflections

Useful Links

1) CHIJ (Katong) Primary School Library OPAC:

https://schoolibrary.moe.edu.sg/chijkatongpri

Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) allows you to search through the existing school library resources and find the specific item you are looking for. Students and Staff are able to perform a search of books and resources available in the school library, check for the availability of book titles, check their accounts for borrow/overdue titles and reserve book titles by login with their BC number or FIN number as the user ID.

2) School eResources Repository (SERR)

The School eResource Repository (SERR) is a virtual school library and aims to promote recreational reading as well as support learning for students across various subjects areas. The repository also provided easy access to online resources such as eBooks, audiobooks, videos and web resources. To access SERR for CHIJ (Katong) Primary, please click here

3) NLB Overdrive: https://nlb.overdrive.com/

You can also browse, borrow and enjoy titles from the National Library Board digital collection.

4) NLB discoverReads (Children & Teens Services):

https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/site/discovereads

Access storytelling videos, e-books, book recommendations and other reading-related resources at NLB discoveReads. You will need an account to borrow e-books. Students may sign up for an account, with their parent's Singpass, here

5) NLB eBooks Recommendations (by Levels and Languages) To access, please click here.

a) Chinese Service 中文服务 (nlb.gov.sg)

b) Malay Library Services (nlb.gov.sg)

c) Tamil Language Services (nlb.gov.sg)

6) Periodicals

a) ZB Schools: https://www.zbschools.sg

《早报校园》 - 《大拇指》Thumbs Up，《小拇指》Thumbs Up Junior

Fortnightly periodical that comes with online learning guide, a mobile app, workshops for teachers and parents.

b) Smart Kids Magazine (Cilik Cerdik): https://www.smartkidsukr.com

Bilingual monthly periodical in Malay and English language.

c) Balar Murasu: https://www.tamilmurasu.com.sg

Monthly periodical in Tamil Language

7) National Geographic Kids: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

Discover wildlife, cultures, and geography with engaging articles and fun activities for young explorers.

8) Science News for Students: https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/

9) Storyline Online: https://www.storylineonline.net/

Enjoy videos of children’s books read aloud alongside creatively produced illustrations at Storyline Online.

10) Unite for Literacy: https://www.uniteforliteracy.com/

Enjoy simple books at Unite for Literacy