What if you could rent out your own library shelf? | Rebecca Toh | TEDxSingapore

A few months ago, 180 individuals came together in Singapore to establish a unique library, distinct from the existing world-class public library system. This new library, referred to as a "shed library," is situated in the heartlands of Singapore, nestled between a 50-year-old furniture store and an antique shop, surrounded by nature. The library operates on a unique model: it features 180 shelves, each rented and maintained by a different person for $45 Singapore dollars a month. Becoming a bookshelf owner allows individuals to share their favorite books, decorate their allocated space, and periodically change their book selection. Each shelf is described as a "little pocket universe," offering an intimate glimpse into someone's personality, often leading visitors to feel a sense of familiarity with the owners they've never met. Beyond its innovative shelving system, the library is entirely volunteer-run. A roster of about 40 dedicated volunteer librarians ensures the library remains open six days a week, 12 hours a day. These volunteers include bookshelf owners and community members from various professions such as doctors, ex-lawyers, students, mothers, freelancers, and retirees, even a five-year-old librarian. Their common thread is a love for books and a belief in their power. The library welcomes anyone to come in, read for free, make connections, enjoy a cup of coffee, and de-stress. The inspiration for this library came from a sabbatical in Japan, where the founder stumbled upon a similar small, shared community library. Despite not understanding the Japanese books, the founder was deeply moved by the space's powerful energy of love and care. Upon returning to Singapore, an Instagram post outlining the vision for a small shared library garnered an overwhelming response. The founder initially hoped for 50 interested individuals but received around 300 direct messages from people serious about renting a shelf and building the library together. This response highlighted a collective desire for such a community-driven project in a city often perceived as practical and pragmatic. Motivated by this outpouring of support and the realization of how many people cared about books, the founder took a leap of faith. A space was secured within three days of the Instagram post, and the lease signed on the fourth. With the help of many, mostly strangers, the library was built in three months. The individual shelves reflect the diverse interests of their owners. For example, Raymond's shelf showcases his love for CDs and books about Japan, and he even sets up a stall outside the library selling secondhand items and brewing coffee. Wee and Liam, a mother and son duo, share a shelf, with Liam, the five-year-old librarian, responsible for decorating their half, which is filled with children's books. Another owner dedicates her shelf to books from Kinsan, a now-closed Hong Kong bookstore, even replicating its banner with the message "Ideas are bulletproof," ensuring Kinsan's spirit lives on. Mera, a preschool teacher, believes in the power of letter writing, so her shelf includes a mailbox where visitors can write to her, with a promise of a reply. One of the most frequent questions concerns the library's economic viability. The simple answer is that 180 people collectively decided it was possible to build a ground-up book space for the local community, sharing the financial burden of rent. While there's no traditional monetary payment, many have found the library to be a place where they feel truly at home. Beyond its function as a library, the space often doubles as a community center, hosting book clubs, women's sharing circles, curry nights, hot pot nights, and even a "midnight library" that stays open late. The founder sees community in every corner: in people sharing food, drinks, ideas, and resources; in those who promptly return books despite no late fees, driven by a desire to share; in children who remind each other to care for the books; and in volunteer librarians who pour their soul into making the library a welcoming space. The presence of this little library has transformed the founder's perception of Singapore, making it feel more generous, warm, open, kind, joyful, and trusting. In a world where loneliness and societal fragmentation are growing concerns, this library offers a sense of light and regenerative power, renewing hope that people can unite to build what they perceive as missing in their lives, cities, and the world—sometimes, that missing piece is a small, shared, community-owned library.