With the construction of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, as part of the government’s plan to develop the nation into a renaissance city, National Library Board undertook a process to establish within the centre a dedicated performing arts library that brought the arts to the general public. It is one of the few public libraries in the world to be located within a performing arts complex, and caters to the disciplines of music, dance, theatre and film. It was officially opened on 12 September 2002.

Within a irregular shell of approx 2300 sqm, the design approach acknowledged the need to integrate the library within the greater theatre complex yet distinguish it through its need to bring performing arts education to the masses. This included embracing within the brief a dedicated performance stage and cafe, whilst maintaining the discretionary appeal of a traditional library.

Centred around an entrance foyer and customer centre, the four distinct collections were envisaged as inter-connected villages with adequate ability to expand. The design then focused on the spatial qualities and characteristics of a dance hall, a film studio, a theatre box office and music room. These qualities were then abstracted and through the composition of modern library needs and furniture, along with both neutral and accented materials, colours and textures, were integrated into a coherent whole. The transition from zone to zone is seamless.