SINGAPORE – Rebecca Toh, a Singaporean freelance photographer, had always dreamed of opening a bookstore. After spending a decade working in photography, she decided to take a one-year sabbatical, only to find herself diving into a new venture that brought her closer to her childhood dream. Instead of opening a traditional bookstore, Toh decided to create a library—a space where books are not just borrowed but shared, in a community-driven model inspired by her travels to Japan.
A Concept Inspired by Japan’s Community Libraries
During a trip to Japan in April, Toh stumbled upon an innovative library model that caught her attention. The Minna no Toshokan Sankaku library in Yaizu, a small town in Shizuoka Prefecture, operates on a unique concept. Rather than being a traditional library, this community-driven space allows individuals to rent shelves to display their books for others to borrow. This model is not only a great way to share books but also supports the local community by encouraging participation. Since its opening in March 2020, similar community libraries have sprung up across Japan, revitalizing neighborhoods and creating spaces for connection.
Toh found the concept fascinating and thought it could work in Singapore. Unlike public libraries or community spaces that sometimes struggle with maintaining books, this model ensured that books were well cared for because shelf owners had a vested interest in their upkeep. Inspired by the idea, Toh returned to Singapore determined to replicate this model in her own way.
Casual Poet Library: Bringing the Concept to Life
Casual Poet Library, located in the heart of the Alexandra Village in Bukit Merah, is set to open to the public on August 5. The library’s unique feature is its rental system, where individuals can rent shelves to display their personal collections of books. In return, they share the cost of renting the space and allow others to borrow their books. This community-based approach reduces the financial risk for any one person, as everyone shares the burden of the rental cost. Toh wanted to create a space where people could experience the joy of reading and sharing books, while fostering a sense of connection within the local community.
The idea resonated with the people of Singapore. After Toh posted on Instagram about the library concept and gauged interest, she was overwhelmed by the response. Within days, 180 shelves had been rented out, and there were already over 40 people on the waiting list. Additionally, over 200 people volunteered to become librarians for the space. Toh was amazed at how quickly the community embraced the concept, which reflected a desire for a space that was both functional and meaningful, without the pressures of commercialization.
A Space for Everyone
Casual Poet Library isn’t just a place for books; it’s a space that encourages community interaction. The shelves, which hold a variety of books, often come with personal notes from their owners, explaining why they chose those titles and what the books mean to them. These intimate stories create a unique bond between the books and the borrowers, transforming the library into more than just a place to borrow books, but a space for shared experiences.
The library is located in a traditional neighborhood estate, with a cozy café and a long-standing furniture shop nearby. Toh purposely chose a void deck for its location, hoping to create a space that was easily accessible for residents and would help bring attention to the heartlands of Singapore. The area, which may face gentrification in the future, holds nostalgic value for Toh, and she hopes her library will help preserve these old-school businesses and spaces.
Building a Community Around Books
The success of Casual Poet Library lies in its ability to create a sense of belonging among its patrons. The community-driven nature of the library fosters relationships between people who share a love for books. For example, the library’s shelf owners not only share books but also discuss their reading habits and provide recommendations to each other. The library has become a place for people to connect over common interests, and the conversations that emerge from these exchanges are just as valuable as the books themselves.
The idea of sharing books also brings people together in a way that traditional libraries may not. Shelf owner Kevan Chew, who shares his shelf with friends, said that while you might not know the other people whose books are on the shelves, there’s still a strong sense of connection because of the personal touch that each shelf owner brings to the library. It’s this shared space, filled with curated collections, that gives Casual Poet Library its unique charm.
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A Sustainable Library for the Future
One of the challenges of running a community library is ensuring its sustainability. Toh has created a system where the rental fees for the shelves cover the costs of the space, and the library is volunteer-run. The library’s success will depend on whether people continue to feel connected to the community and whether they maintain their commitment to the space. Toh is optimistic, knowing that her library has already attracted a loyal following. While she knows that the novelty may wear off, she believes that the sense of ownership and the connections people make through the library will help it thrive.
Casual Poet Library represents more than just a new place to read—it’s a testament to the power of community, books, and shared experiences. For Toh, it’s the culmination of a dream that has taken years to realize, and she’s excited to see where it will go. As she puts it, “A sabbatical is about making space for something else. This project is exactly what I was meant to do.”
For more information on Casual Poet Library, visit their website or drop by 123 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-110, from 9 am to 9 pm daily, starting August 5.
