Star Wars Pop-Up Library Transforms Changi Airport into a Galactic Reading Hub
Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 3 has become the unlikely gateway to a galaxy far, far away. In a bold collaboration between the National Library Board (NLB), Disney, and Changi Airport Group, Singapore’s first-ever Star Wars pop-up library opened its doors on August 6, 2025. This immersive literary experience, running until January 24, 2026, is part of NLB’s 30th anniversary celebrations and aims to ignite a passion for reading among travelers, families, and Star Wars fans alike.
Located on Level 2 of Terminal 3, near the Skytrain and the linkbridge to Jewel Changi Airport, the pop-up library is open daily from 10am to 10pm. With free admission and a dazzling array of over 2,000 Star Wars books—including 380 unique titles—this initiative is more than a tribute to the iconic franchise; it’s a showcase of innovation, community engagement, and the evolving role of libraries in the digital age.
What Awaits Visitors at the Star Wars Pop-Up Library?
Stepping into the pop-up library, visitors are greeted by digital screens looping iconic Star Wars scenes, creating the perfect backdrop for selfies with friends, family, or even life-sized droids like R2-D2 and C-3PO. The collection caters to all ages and interests, from young Padawans to seasoned Jedi Masters. Highlights include:
- Star Wars: Darth Vader comic series
- The Mandalorian: The Manga
- The High Republic junior novels
- Thrawn: Ascendancy trilogy
- Board books for children and even The Padawan Cookbook for aspiring chefs
Both physical and digital books are available, ensuring that every visitor can find something to spark their imagination. The titles have been carefully curated by NLB librarians to appeal to a broad audience, from die-hard fans to newcomers curious about the Star Wars universe.
Beyond the shelves, the library offers interactive activities designed to engage visitors in fun and educational ways. Patrons can take a personality quiz to discover which Jedi or Sith character they most resemble, test their knowledge at the trivia wall, and pose with digital backdrops for memorable photos. These features make the library a destination for families, travelers on layovers, and anyone seeking a unique detour at the airport.
Innovation in Action: The Robotic Arm and Automated Library Experience
One of the most talked-about features of the Star Wars pop-up library is its futuristic approach to book borrowing and returns. Instead of traditional librarians, the library is staffed by a robotic arm that retrieves and shelves books with droid-like efficiency. Here’s how it works:
- Visitors select their desired title using a touchscreen kiosk.
- The robotic arm, visible through a glass enclosure, locates the book and delivers it to a collection point for easy pickup.
- Returns are just as seamless—the robot accepts and shelves returned books autonomously.
This pilot system is the first of its kind in Singapore and is part of NLB’s broader push to integrate technology into library services. The aim is to make borrowing more convenient, efficient, and engaging, especially in high-traffic locations like airports. Books borrowed from the pop-up can be returned at any NLB library island-wide, though a themed bookdrop is available onsite for added convenience.
Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive Officer of NLB, expressed excitement about the initiative, stating:
“Pop-up libraries have brought reading and learning closer to where our patrons are. The collaboration with Disney and Changi Airport Group for this Star Wars-themed library is part of our NLB30 celebrations, offering a fun way for everyone to learn more about one of the world’s most fabled universes and to discover the joys of reading.”
The robotic system not only adds a sci-fi flair but also demonstrates how libraries can evolve to meet the needs of modern users, blending physical and digital experiences in innovative ways.
How to Access and Borrow from the Pop-Up Library
Accessing the Star Wars pop-up library is straightforward and inclusive. Visitors can enter by scanning any library-compliant ID card, such as an NRIC or NLB eCard. For travelers or non-members, a QR code day pass can be requested using a Singapore-registered mobile number or email address. Borrowing is managed through the NLB Mobile app, available on both Google Play and Apple’s App Store. Patrons can borrow up to 16 books and eBooks for 21 days, and the system ensures that even those new to Singapore’s library network can participate.
This accessibility reflects NLB’s commitment to making reading a spontaneous and enjoyable activity, whether you’re a local resident, a tourist, or simply passing through the airport.
Why Star Wars? The Franchise as a Gateway to Reading
Star Wars is more than just a series of blockbuster films; it’s a global phenomenon that has inspired generations with its tales of heroism, adventure, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The franchise’s enduring popularity makes it an ideal vehicle for promoting literacy and lifelong learning. By centering the pop-up library around Star Wars, NLB taps into the franchise’s vast universe of stories, characters, and lore, making reading appealing to both fans and those new to the saga.
As one early visitor, marketing manager Dave Png, shared:
“I’ve never seen so many Star Wars books in one place. It’s a good concept since Star Wars books may not be as well known as the movies, and now fans can find out more from the books as well.”
For families, the library offers a chance to bond over shared interests, introduce children to reading through familiar characters, and explore the broader themes of the Star Wars universe. For travelers, it’s a unique way to spend time during layovers or before flights, turning the airport into a place of discovery and imagination.
The Broader Vision: NLB’s LAB25 and the Future of Libraries
The Star Wars pop-up library is not an isolated project. It’s part of NLB’s LAB25 vision, which aims to transform libraries into vibrant learning marketplaces that extend beyond traditional walls. Since 2021, NLB has launched a series of pop-up nodes in public spaces—shopping malls, parks, offices, and even food and beverage outlets—to encourage spontaneous reading and learning.
Other recent initiatives include:
- Book Bugs: Unearthing Memories exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum
- Pop-up libraries featuring curated collections by local personalities
- The Presidential Pop-up Library at Plaza Singapura, showcasing books by and about Singapore’s presidents
NLB’s digital offerings are also expanding. Tools like ChatBook (an AI-powered book assistant) and StoryGen (which creates multimedia stories from text) are designed to enhance the reading experience. The Glue: Curiocity digital platform connects users with Singapore’s historical narratives and hidden heritage sites, blending physical exploration with digital discovery.
Physical libraries are being rejuvenated as well. The Rare Collections Gallery at the National Library Building will be expanded, and several branch libraries are slated for upgrades. A special exhibition on Chinese classic novels is planned for 2026, in collaboration with the National Library of China.
Community Response: Fans, Families, and Travelers Weigh In
The Star Wars pop-up library has attracted a diverse crowd, from local fans to international tourists. Early visitors have praised the extensive collection, the immersive environment, and the novelty of the robotic retrieval system. Kazuki Ishii, a tourist from Osaka, Japan, remarked:
“I was surprised and excited. The robot that helped retrieve the book added to the fun experience.”
Families appreciate the interactive activities and the opportunity to introduce children to reading through a beloved franchise. The library’s location at Changi Airport—a major international hub—ensures that the experience is accessible to a global audience, reinforcing Singapore’s reputation as a leader in innovation and cultural engagement.
Significance and Implications: Libraries in the Digital Age
The Star Wars pop-up library exemplifies how libraries can remain relevant and vital in the 21st century. By embracing technology, popular culture, and community partnerships, NLB is redefining what a library can be. The initiative demonstrates that libraries are not just repositories of books but dynamic spaces for learning, creativity, and connection.
As NLB Chief Executive Ng Cher Pong noted, the goal is to build an informed society, not just informed library users. By integrating physical and digital experiences, libraries can foster serendipitous discovery, encourage lifelong learning, and adapt to the changing needs of their communities.
In Summary
- Singapore’s first Star Wars pop-up library opened at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on August 6, 2025, and runs until January 24, 2026.
- The library features over 2,000 Star Wars books, 380 unique titles, and interactive activities for all ages.
- A robotic arm handles book retrieval and returns, showcasing innovative library technology.
- The initiative is part of NLB’s 30th anniversary and broader LAB25 vision to make libraries more accessible and engaging.
- Visitors can access the library with a library-compliant ID, NLB eCard, or a QR code day pass, and borrow books via the NLB Mobile app.
- The pop-up library has received enthusiastic responses from fans, families, and travelers, highlighting the enduring appeal of Star Wars and the evolving role of libraries.
- NLB continues to expand both physical and digital offerings, aiming to foster a culture of reading and discovery across Singapore.
