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TCM Library

Library Introduction 
Thong Chai Library is dedicated to promoting the heritage of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its philosophy dating back to 1928.

On 28 November 1976, the new Thong Chai Building was officiated by the Founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, marking a highly anticipated event in society. With the first generous donation of SGD 100,000 from the Board of Ping Yi Secondary School, the library was named the “Ping Yi Memorial Library.” On 19 August 1979, the library was officially opened to the public under the leadership of Chairman Dato Ng Quee Lam.

Initially, the library occupied two classrooms and contained approximately 7,300 books, including 60% TCM reference books (over 1,000 thread-bound copies), 30% Western medical books, plus newspapers, journals, and magazines. At that time, Cheng Chung Book Co Ltd from Taiwan donated over 200 medical reference books to the library.

All Thong Chai staff have been members since the library’s founding. Following the Institution’s expansion in 2010, the specimen collection was integrated to further enhance public interest in and understanding of TCM.

Today, the total book collection has grown to 18,376 volumes, including English, thread-bound, and bilingual reference books, covering classical medical texts, healthcare, and management.

Over the years, the library has received numerous generous donations from members of the community. It has also benefited from the strong support of major universities and medical institutions in China.

With the support from Thong Chai Library Committee, funds are allocated exclusively for its development. The library has subscribed to China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), acquires new publications and welcomes over a thousand visitors annually, preserving the works of pioneering local Chinese physicians and highlighting the growth of TCM in the community.


Rules and Regulations

1. Any resident of Singapore may apply for membership of the Library.
2. Membership is valid for three years. A membership fee of S$20.00 is payable, and each member will be issued one library card.
3. The library card is for the member’s personal use only and must not be lent to or used by any other person.
4. Each member may borrow a maximum of four books at a time for a loan period of one month. All borrowed books must be returned before the member may borrow additional books.
5. If a member requires more time to finish reading a book, the loan may be renewed once by telephone, provided that the book has not been reserved by another member.
6. An overdue fine of S$0.15 per book per day will be imposed for books returned after the due date.
7. Members are responsible for the proper care and safekeeping of all borrowed books. In the event of loss or damage, members must notify the Library promptly and pay compensation in accordance with the following terms:
• Damaged Books: Members shall pay compensation equivalent to the current market price of the book, together with an administrative fee, and return the damaged book to the Library.
• Lost Books: Members shall pay compensation equivalent to twice the current market price of the book, together with an administrative fee.
8. Where the current market price of a book cannot be ascertained, the compensation amount shall be determined by the Library.
9. The Library does not accept replacement books purchased by members. Compensation paid is non-refundable, even if a lost book is subsequently found.
10. Mobile phones must be switched to silent mode or turned off. Only text messaging is permitted within the Library. All phone calls must be made outside the Institution’s premises.
11. Eating, drinking and smoking are strictly prohibited in the Library. Members are required to maintain silence and take good care of all library materials and facilities.
12. Stealing, defacing, tearing or deliberately damaging library materials is strictly prohibited. Offenders shall be held accountable for their actions, and the Institution reserves the right to take appropriate action.
13. The Library collects and uses members’ personal data in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 and the Institution’s relevant policies for membership administration, borrowing management and related administrative purposes.
14. A4 photocopying services are available at a charge of S$0.10 per page.

Collaboration

Our library is one of the leading resources in TCM research. We welcome any collaboration with local and overseas libraries to form a network for the sharing of information and collections.

 

For enquiries, please contact the Library at 6733 6905.