Star Wars pop-up library opens at Changi Airport's T3

Fans can check out over 2,000 books and 380 unique titles on Lucas' sci-fi universe

- Chin Soo Fang

Visitors at Changi Airport can now travel to a galaxy far, far away — via a Star Wars-themed pop-up library.

Located on the second level of Terminal 3, the library offers fans of the popular movie and television franchise over 2,000 books and 380 unique titles revolving around the science-fiction universe created by George Lucas.

Iconic Star Wars backdrops are projected on digital screens, inviting fans to take selfies.

Patrons can also take a personality quiz to discover which Star Wars Jedi they are, or participate in a trivia challenge for bragging rights over the depth of their Star Wars knowledge.

Launched on Aug 6 by the National Library Board (NLB) in collaboration with Disney and Changi Airport Group, the pop-up library will run till Jan 24, 2026, from 10am to 10pm daily.

Adding to the sci-fi vibe, the library features NLB's first automated book retrieval system: After a visitor selects a book at a touch-screen kiosk, a robotic arm will locate and transport it to the collection point. The books can be returned at the same location or any NLB branch islandwide.

Marketing manager Dave Png, 35, was among the first visitors at the pop-up library when it opened. A Star Wars fan with a collection of about five lightsabers, he said he had 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," he said. "Now Star Wars fans can find out more from the books as well."

Mr Kazuki Ishii, a 39-year-old tourist from Osaka, Japan, was also wowed by the library.

"I'm so surprised and excited. The robot that helped retrieve the book adds to the fun experience," said the primary school teacher who has been a Star Wars fan for over 20 years.

The Star Wars pop-up library is one way NLB is enhancing the experience of reading, learning and discovery, as it turns 30 on Sept 1.