How 180 Strangers Built a Library Together | Rebecca Toh | TED

In Singapore, 180 individuals collaborated to create a unique shared library, distinct from the city's existing public system. This library, nestled between a furniture store and an antique shop, is surrounded by nature and chickens. It operates on a model where 180 shelves are rented monthly for 45 Singapore dollars, allowing owners to share and decorate their space with favorite books, offering a voyeuristic glimpse into their minds. The library is entirely volunteer-run by about 40 individuals, including bookshelf owners and community members like doctors, students, and retirees, all united by a love for books. It's open six days a week, 12 hours a day, welcoming anyone to read, connect, or relax with coffee. The idea originated from a sabbatical in Japan, where the founder encountered a similar community library. Inspired by its powerful energy, she posted on Instagram about creating one in Singapore. The response was overwhelming, with 300 direct messages from people eager to rent shelves and contribute. This passion, unexpected in pragmatic Singapore, led to securing a space and signing a lease within days. The library was built in three months with the help of many strangers. Examples of bookshelf owners include Raymond, who shares CDs and books about Japan and sells secondhand items while brewing coffee. Wanqi and her five-year-old son Liam share a shelf, with Liam decorating his half. Another owner preserves the spirit of a closed Hong Kong bookshop, Kin San, by replicating its banner and sharing its books. Mira, a preschool teacher, promotes letter writing by including a mailbox on her shelf, promising replies. The library's economic viability comes from shared rent among 180 people, alleviating individual financial burden. Beyond monetary gain, participants find a sense of home and community. It hosts book clubs, sharing circles, and even curry nights. A "midnight library" extends hours for those who wish to stay late. Community manifests in shared food, ideas, and the care people show for books, returning them promptly despite no late fees. Children remind each other to protect books, and volunteer librarians pour their souls into creating a welcoming space. This project has made Singapore feel more generous, warm, and trusting, offering a regenerative power and renewed hope that people can build what they perceive as missing in their lives and cities.