As we grow older and navigate the many demands of life, it’s easy to forget the simple pleasure of getting lost in a good book. But for Koh Cui Shan, that joy has never faded.

Today, as a Manager and Librarian at the National Library Board (NLB), Cui Shan is dedicated to reigniting that spark in others. Through thoughtfully curated programmes, she brings stories to life, making literature exciting and accessible for readers of all backgrounds.

Prologue to Purpose

Like many book lovers, Cui Shan’s story began with childhood visits to the library. Libraries and museums were her sanctuaries, sparking a deep interest in art and its ability to tell stories that transcend borders and languages.

This fascination led her to apply for the NLB Scholarship, which enabled her to pursue a Bachelor’s in History of Art (Asia, Africa, Europe) at the School of Oriental and African Studies, and later, a Master’s in Library and Information Studies at University College London, both of which are institutions under the University of London.

“The scholarship was the perfect marriage between my academic interests and career ambitions,” she reflected. NLB’s aim to promote reading and learning, while fostering an interest in history and heritage, aligned with her personal values and fulfilled her aspiration to work in the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums) sector.

Both courses of study nurtured in Cui Shan a deep appreciation for thorough research and honed her ability to convey information effectively. Whether through visual representation or an understanding of user experience and information behaviour, she learned to communicate ideas with clarity and impact. “These skills are particularly crucial in an era where technology is reshaping our knowledge practices,” she noted. “More concretely, they inform my interdisciplinary approach to programme curation, so I can better engage readers and bring together writers working across the various art forms in conversation with other subject experts.”

Studying in the UK also brought her into a closeknit community of fellow NLBians. This collaborative environment not only allowed her to exchange ideas and form lasting friendships but also broadened her perspective on the diverse world of libraries.

“In London alone, I met librarians working in a myriad of libraries, which opened my eyes to the range of collections that exist out there and the role librarians play in making these collections accessible.” This unique exposure inspired her to develop programmes that link the public’s varied interests to NLB’s collections.

Turning Pages into Experiences

Far from the traditional image of a librarian quietly shelving books, Cui Shan actively engages with a wide network of stakeholders in the local literary and broader cultural scene. In her role, she takes charge of curating literary programmes, overseeing every aspect from concept to execution. This includes conducting research, securing speakers, managing publicity, facilitating events and evaluating their success.

Through partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, Cui Shan plays a pivotal role in delivering NLB’s signature events such as Read! Fest, a biennial literary festival aimed at promoting Singaporean Literature.

“I had the opportunity to work with my alma mater to innovate new ways to bring our services beyond the traditional four walls of our public libraries,” she shared. This was a highlight for Cui Shan as it allowed her to approach a familiar space through fresh eyes, drawing on her background in visual arts.

Another memorable experience was NLB’s collaboration with the Singapore Writers Festival on the Book Doctor programme, where local authors played the role of literary “doctors”, offering one-on-one consultations to prescribe books tailored to each patron’s tastes. “Not only was it a fun way of personalising book recommendations, but it was also fascinating to see people of all ages discover reading again,” she recounted with excitement. “Seeing my ideas come to life and hearing positive feedback from audiences is always rewarding, but it’s the sense of community and contribution to a larger cultural dialogue in the local literary scene that really drives me.”

Libraries as Community Connectors

Cui Shan views every programme and service offering as an opportunity to connect with different audiences in meaningful ways. “By expanding our reach beyond the library’s walls through partnerships and continuous innovation, we create new touchpoints for people to discover reading,” she explained. “Meeting people where they are and helping them to discover how reading intersects with their interests and needs is how I would like to expand our impact!”

In an increasingly fragmented information landscape, Cui Shan anticipates that libraries will play a vital role in equipping patrons with the skills to navigate vast amounts of information, regardless of their stage in life. “I also see libraries continuing in our mission as community connectors, and this will continue to permeate all our touchpoints, from programmes in our physical spaces to digital services at users’ fingertips,” she said.

Penning Possibilities With NLB

For those keen on a career at NLB, the possibilities are endless. Cui Shan highlights the range of opportunities available—from engaging the public through library services and uncovering stories in archival records to driving strategic initiatives that shape the future of knowledge access in Singapore. Officers can explore and access a wide range of library and archives functions within NLB through rotational postings and cross-functional projects in areas such as data analytics, collection planning, records preservation, and public engagement, etc.

Mentorship is also a key part of the experience. For Cui Shan, it has been instrumental in deepening her understanding of NLB’s broader ecosystem and in shaping her professional goals. “The supportive work culture and open communication channels with senior management also ensures that you will have the space to grow and steer your career in meaningful directions,” she encouraged.

This nurturing environment has empowered Cui Shan to excel in her role, pursuing her passion every day while inspiring others to discover their own love for reading and learning.