On 20 July, 2024, Singapore’s Punggol Regional Library welcomed His Excellency Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. His visit focused on initiatives and efforts to promote digital inclusion.

The Punggol Regional Library, which officially opened in April 2023, is a public library under the National Library Board (NLB). Designed with a diverse range of accessible and inclusive features and services, the library promotes reading, learning, and discovery for all members of the community.

Fostering Accessibility and Inclusion
During his visit, H.E. Francis was introduced to the library’s Accessible Collection – a selection of 3,000 English books for children and adults with disabilities, their caregivers, and their communities. Examples include Braille books for those with visual impairment, as well as social stories that help persons with disabilities understand and navigate different situations and settings. This is complemented by NLB’s digital collection of eBooks, audio books, and databases, enhanced with accessible reader technology for persons with visual impairment.

H.E. Francis was also introduced to various assistive technologies available at the library. One highlight was Borrow-N-Go, a book-borrowing station that leverages ultra-high frequency radio identification technology to allow wheelchair users to borrow books with ease.

(Left) H.E. Francis being introduced to Borrow-N-Go and the Accessible Collection.
(Right) H.E. Francis at the magnifier station, which comes equipped with easy-to-use controls to magnify text and convert text to speech for persons with visual impairment and the elderly

Spaces for Learning and Creativity
H.E. Francis visited Spark!Lab, a tinkering space set up in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution from the United States of America. Targeted at children aged seven to twelve, Spark!Lab provides a platform for young minds to engage in hands-on activities at their own pace, allowing them to create innovative solutions to different challenges, fostering exploration and creativity.

H.E. Francis also made a stop at the Stories Come Alive Room. This interactive space at Punggol Regional Library employs moving images, text, and sensory effects to create a captivating and immersive experience for children, transforming storytelling into a multisensory adventure.

(Left) H.E. Francis being introduced to Spark!Lab and its tinkering activities for children.
(Right) H.E. Francis at the Stories Come Alive Room, where he tried out StoryGen, a prototype that allows users to customise well-loved stories using generative AI

H.E. Francis then toured MakeIT, a makerspace that allows the public to experiment with tech-based fabrication technologies, such as 3D printers, digital cutters, and robotics. MakeIT offers beginner-friendly workshops, ensuring that anyone can start learning and innovating without prior expertise or experience.

H.E. Francis at the MakeIT makerspace, where he learned about the unique creations by a MakeIT user

Broader Digital Inclusion Efforts
The visit concluded with a briefing from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), providing insights into Singapore’s broader strategy for digital inclusion. The briefing emphasised the collaborative efforts of government agencies like NLB and IMDA in fostering a digitally inclusive society.

H.E. Francis’ visit to the Punggol Regional Library underscores the importance of fostering inclusivity in our rapidly evolving world. By conceiving innovative approaches and offering inclusive services, libraries can enable individuals of all abilities to participate in the digital age and benefit from library resources.

H.E. Francis with representatives from NLB, IMDA, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Submitted by: Partnership Division, National Library Board