Library of Botany and Horticulture
Established in 1875, the Library of Botany and Horticulture is one of the oldest botanical libraries in the region and a leading reference centre for tropical plant knowledge. It continues to support the scientific community in advancing research and conservation. Its collections, spanning rare publications and historical archives, offer valuable insights into the richness of the region’s biodiversity and its enduring significance to the world.
Last updated 18 May 2026
The Public Reference Library will be temporarily closed till end 2027 to facilitate the digitalisation of SING Herbarium and Library & Archive collections for online access. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
The Library: A Living Botanical Archive
120,000
accessioned items
40,000
books and journals
9,600
botanical illustrations
More than a library, this is a world-class repository of over 120,000 treasures documenting five centuries of natural history.
From 16th-century manuscripts to exquisite botanical illustrations, our collection sits at the intersection of fine art and rigorous science. Here, we preserve the "paper trail" of tropical botany - from original Garden maps to the hand-written field books of pioneering explorers. Today, this irreplaceable resource remains a global lifeline for scientists and students shaping our green future.
The Staff Library
The Staff Library holds the majority of the print media collection. Many important international scientific journals, bibliographies, reference books, botanical reprints, monographs on botany and taxonomic studies are held here.
The collection is a highly regarded resource in Singapore for materials on plant science, horticulture, nature, natural history, ethnobotany, landscaping, botanical research and conservation. They have been acquired by gift, purchase and exchange.
Rare Books Collection and Archives
Located within the Staff Library is a secure room housing the Rare Books Collection and the Gardens’ Archives. The oldest book in the collection dates to 1531. The holdings include approximately 9,600 botanical illustrations (paintings and line drawings) from 1890 onwards, as well as significant archival materials such as documents, correspondence, annual reports, photographs, and slides relating to the Gardens under the colonial administration and subsequent periods.
Access to the Rare Books Collection and Gardens’ Archives is available upon formal request and prior approval.
To ensure the best support for each researcher, consultations are by appointment. We kindly encourage advance requests, as we are unable to accommodate walk-in visits for archival materials.
Resources
This segment offers a curated selection of botanical and horticultural resources and organisations. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and the inclusion of a link does not imply an official endorsement by the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Other Library Catalogues
Botanicus - Missouri Botanic Garden Library Catalogue on historical literature
Links & Databases
Location
Location
Level 1, Botany Centre (opposite the Micropropagation Laboratory with glass windows)
Parking
B1 and B2, Botany Centre. Parking charges apply.
Nearest MRT
Napier Station (TE12) Exit 1
Digitalisation Project
The Digitalisation Project of the Singapore Botanic Gardens Library of Botany and Horticulture will preserve and unlock over 150 years of rare botanical and horticultural knowledge that underpins the Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage significance.
By conserving, cataloguing and digitally capturing more than 120,000 irreplaceable books, illustrations, photographs, and archival records, the project will transform a largely hidden collection into a globally accessible resource for researchers, scientists, educators, and the public.
This initiative will strengthen international research, support biodiversity conservation worldwide, and ensure that critical tropical botanical knowledge is preserved and accessible for generations to come.
Support Our Natural Heritage
Preserving Singapore's Biodiversity Legacy
Help us safeguard the irreplaceable records of Singapore's flora, fauna, and ecological history. Your support drives our critical digitisation and conservation efforts, ensuring this national treasure remains a global resource for generations to come.