Can a School Library Do More Than Lend Books? NLCS (Singapore) Thinks So.
What If the Best Thing About a Library Isn't What's on the Shelves?
At NLCS (Singapore), a leading international school in Singapore, the library is far more than shelves of books, it is a welcoming sanctuary where curiosity flourishes and a genuine love of reading take root. Behind this vision is Head of Libraries, Jonathan Guy, whose passion for children's literature and understanding of student wellbeing has shaped a space that supports students academically, pastorally, and through enrichment, reflecting the school’s ethos.
For Jonathan, a successful library is not defined by pristine shelves, but by how well it serves its community. Students do not just gain access to books; they emerge as confident, independent thinkers with research capabilities, critical thinking skills, and an insatiable curiosity about the world. Just as vital is the library's role as a calm haven where students and staff find comfort and support.
"I want students to find and explore information that widens their viewpoints and discover something new," Jonathan shares. "The most important thing is that our library should evoke a sense of curiosity."
At NLCS (Singapore), Reading for Pleasure is a Non-Negotiable
Reading for pleasure sits at the heart of NLCS (Singapore)'s approach, particularly in the Junior School. It is considered fundamental as it is the key that unlocks access to information and the entire curriculum. From the earliest years, students explore what resonates personally, whether through novels, non-fiction, or picture books tackling complex global themes.
This philosophy springs to life each year during Book Week, a whole-school celebration of World Book Day marked in over 100 countries. The annual event brings literature off the shelves and into vibrant, hands-on experiences. This year, coinciding with the UK's National Book Day on 5 March, storyteller Sheila Wee will bring traditional tales to life for First School students, while award-winning author Namita Moolani Mehra returns to share her new book, Veena Red Roti, with Grades 2 and 3.
What Happens When Literature Steps Off the Page?
The library brings literature to life by building bridges between students and the literary world. During the school’s Book Week in 2024, the HandleBards Theatre Company performed Macbeth, with cycling Shakespearean actors carrying their entire production on bikes in an energetic, environmentally sustainable interpretation that captivated students. Author workshops, lectures, and debates throughout the week allowed students to engage with Singapore's local literary scene.
This year's Book Week continues this tradition, with Grades 4 and 5 meeting Weng Wai Chan, author of The Lizard's Tale, a text they're currently studying. In Senior School, students will revisit books that have inspired them from childhood through their teenage years, exploring how literature shapes identity over time.
Mystery readers will surprise classrooms; cross-age reading sessions will connect students, and the community will gather for quizzes, competitions, Clanchy and McCabe lectures, and the annual Closetful Books Book Fair. The celebrations peak with the popular dress-up day, designed to express a love of reading, widen knowledge, and inspire students to venture beyond their comfort zones.
How Independent Scholars Are Nurtured?
The library plays a critical role in academic scholarships. Students learn to research effectively, evaluate sources, and develop the independence required for extended essays and personal research projects. For Jonathan, the true value lies not in the outcome, but in discovery itself.
"The most enjoyable part is learning something new," he explains. "That should be the most rewarding part of research and learning, not just the final essay or project."
What Happens When a School's Literary Culture Gives Back?
The school library fosters connections that extend beyond individual reading. Last year's Book Week culminated in the beloved dress-up day, where students and staff transformed into their favourite book characters. Beyond the fun of costumes, the day sparked meaningful conversations and book recommendations between peers. The community raised $1,107 through dress-up donations and a bake sale, with proceeds purchasing books for vulnerable students through Depot Aid, demonstrating how the school's love of reading extends beyond campus walls.
Why Does a Physical Space Still Matter When Everything Is Online?
In an increasingly digital world, NLCS (Singapore)'s library offers something technology cannot replace - a sense of place.
"The physical place of being in a library and having that sense of feeling that you are somewhere where you are going to learn something and discover something is really important," Jonathan reflects.
Through its library and wider reading initiatives, NLCS (Singapore) continues cultivating curious, independent learners equipped not only for academic success, but for a lifelong journey of discovery.
Want to hear the full conversation? You can listen to Jonathan Guy’s full interview on Youtube here.
About North London Collegiate School (Singapore)
Founded in August 2020, North London Collegiate School (Singapore) is a British International School offering the academically ambitious NLCS curriculum, followed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme and culminating in the IB Diploma Programme.
Drawing on 175 years of educational heritage from its founding school in the UK, NLCS (Singapore) nurtures individuals to be intellectually curious, socially confident, and grounded in compassion through a rigorous academic framework, rich co-curricular opportunities, and exceptional pastoral care.
Situated on Depot Road, the School is part of a global family of schools committed to educational excellence and developing global citizens.
To learn more about NLCS (Singapore), please visit our website (https://nlcssingapore.sg/) and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
For media enquiries, please contact the NLCS (Singapore) Marketing Team
Email: marketing@nlcssingapore.sg