HV Little Library is a neighbourhood spot built on kindness, mostly disguised as books, food, cats, dogs, gardens, and a healthy amount of nosiness — all conspiring to turn strangers into neighbours.
“Be the Difference” is a KindnessSG film, filmed at HV Little Library. HVLL is part of Singapore Kindness Movement’s Kindred Spirit Circle. Published 22 May 2026 · 2 minutes 46 seconds. Watch on the official KindnessSG channel ↗
Belonging begins small.
A shelf someone tends. A meal passed from hand to hand. A familiar cat noticed. A neighbour remembered. Kindness becomes real through the ordinary ways people keep showing up for one another.
01 · Who we are
Hello!
DewyChief Feline Security Officer
You need a website. We were told.
Okay, I lied. No one said that. Not me.
But we turn four this August — August 2026 — and I thought: why not put together a little web thingy so people can find out more about us?
Truthfully, it’s humbling that anyone wants to know more.
And as I try to type out the copy, I can't, for the life of Dewy, take it seriously.
So, properly:
We are a ground-up initiative — also known as a Ground-Up Movement (GUM) — started on 5 August 2022 with one thought in mind: to grow kindness and bring back the kampong spirit.
Long before there was a library, there were pockets of close neighbours, community cats, dogs, and private makan sessions already happening quietly around Blk 2. HV Little Library didn't start any of that — it just brought all the various threads together and wove them into a most magical flying carpet, soaring and scattering cheeky pixie dust of kindness wherever it goes.
What began with books under Blk 2 has grown through food sharing, community cats, dogs sniffing around gardens, gatherings, and the everyday ways neighbours care for one another.
Blk 2 is the proof. Small places can hold an entire world of belonging.
Co-founded by Wong Kae Chee and Amrys Wang Yun, HV Little Library remains a small, hyper-local place shaped by the neighbourhood life around Blk 2.
And for those who were wondering — no, we are not a charity or a registered society. We did think about it. Then we looked at Dewy and reconsidered.
02 · The place
What lives here
Not everything happens every day. What appears depends on people, seasons and shared resources.
01 · Reading
The reading rooms
Two rooms, donated books across every category, and no doors to close. The library is open twenty-four hours; anyone may borrow on the honour system.
02 · Gatherings
The long tables
Comfortable chairs and large tables make room for small classes, group gatherings, reading the papers, or making memories with friends.
03 · Music
Keys, strings and one drum
Music books share the room with a piano, guitars and a drum. Some players are practising beginners. Some are surprisingly good.
04 · Gardens
Small things growing
Plants and home-grown greens have been tended and shared with neighbours. Like the library itself, what grows depends on whoever notices, waters and helps.
HVLL Community Garden Project, Phase 1 · @hvlittlelibrary · 10 June 2023 · 2:37. A 2023 snapshot—the living garden has continued to change and grow. Watch the original reel on Instagram ↗
05. People & Animals
People, pets and community cats
Community cats, pet cats and dogs are part of neighbourhood life, bringing joy, comfort and companionship to many residents.
We advocate responsible community cat caregiving and responsible pet ownership. Where help is needed, we work with community caregivers, animal-welfare organisations and relevant stakeholders to support sterilisation, responsible care and constructive ways of addressing concerns.
Our care also extends to residents who share their homes with cats and dogs. We pay particular attention to older pet owners, helping where we can so that they and their beloved companions can age gracefully in place together—with dignity, companionship and appropriate support around them. This can begin with listening early, helping neighbours plan ahead and connecting them with trusted animal-care or community support when needed.
A trusted, informal network of animal-loving neighbours helps look out for community cats and other animals around us, share concerns early and connect help when needed.
Sharing space with nature
Native wildlife shares this neighbourhood with us too. These encounters can bring delight, uncertainty or frustration. When we feel uneasy, pausing to understand what is happening can help us respond calmly and proportionately while taking genuine concerns seriously.
A biophilic City in Nature is not only about greenery; it also asks us to learn how people, animals and plants can share space. Living alongside nature is not always easy. Coexistence takes patience, knowledge and adjustment from all of us—and it is worth striving for.
How the rooms grewA library that keeps evolvingPhoto notebookMore glimpses from Blk 2An annual HVLL traditionOur beloved fur babies
Every year, photographs of our community cats, pet cats and dogs - past and present - hang on Firby, HVLL’s live Christmas fir tree. It is our way of remembering them, celebrating them, and keeping our beloved fur babies with us as part of the kampong Christmas.
A Kampong Elf letter · 3 September 2024
A letter from Nadia Lee
Nadia came from the USA and Pedro from Brazil. Both became Kampong Elves. Nadia helped organise the books. Pedro was here for two years and was in the middle of everything. These photographs are from the farewell party before they flew home.
Nadia is our Special Honorary Kampong Elf Librarian. Her letter below preserves, in her own words, what the library and its people came to mean to her.
03 · Food sharing
Makan!
Food sharing at Blk 2 includes Makan Sessions, Veggie Nights, Hotel Food Shares and other food rescue activities. What appears on the table depends on what is available, safe to share and manageable for our Kampong Elves—because even elves have only two hands. Dewy supervises, naturally.
Few things bring a community together quite like food. Thanks to The Red Collective’s network, we’ve been able to support our community through Veggie Nights, Hotel Food Shares and food rescue missions.
Who is it for?
Recently, someone asked whether we screen people to qualify for free meals and vegetables.
The short answer is no. We do not screen, means-test or ask to see a Blue CHAS card. Rescued food does not discriminate—and neither do we. If you wish to receive, you are welcome.
Our mission is to keep good food from being dumped, while supporting neighbours who may be experiencing food insecurity. Opening food shares to everyone helps us do both.
Changing perceptions takes time. We hope more people will come to see that rescued food is not “food for the underprivileged.” It is good food for anyone willing to help keep it out of the bin.
Makan Sessions
We love sitting down to share a meal together—because “Have you eaten?” is sometimes the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
From BYOLunches and potluck tea parties to ad hoc get-togethers, our Makan Sessions take many forms. Sometimes we cook, sometimes we share a meal, and sometimes we simply sit, eat and get to know one another. Each session takes shape around the people, food and helping hands available that day.
Everyone has something to offer: a dish, a story, a pair of hands or an open seat at the table. Bringing a healthy appetite does not hurt either.
Veggie Night
Veggie Night is one of the ways food becomes connection at Blk 2. When fresh produce, Kampong Elves and timing align, vegetables make their way through the kampong with dignity, warmth and the occasional oddly shaped carrot.
Since our first table in December 2024—first on Tuesdays and later on Wednesdays—we have held around 70 Veggie Nights and shared more than 10,000 servings of veggie kindness (July 2026).
Veggie Night is not a guaranteed service or an all-you-can-eat vegetable buffet. On the first Wednesday of every month, our Kampong Elves rest. On other Wednesdays, we’re on standby—and usually won’t know until around 6pm whether there is surplus to share.
Each evening is possible because donors, our Veggie Knights collection team, Kampong Veggie Elves and neighbours each hold one part of the care—and occasionally a very heavy bag of cabbages. All under Dewy’s watchful supervision, of course.
21 Jan 2025 event · published 6 Feb 2025 · HV Little Library · 0:19
Nourishing Our Kampong
The sixth Kampong Food Share turned surplus vegetables supplied through The Red Collective into fresh food shared around the neighbourhood.
5 Jun 2025 event · published 20 Jun 2025 · HV Little Library · 0:26
Fresh from the farm, shared with love
Locally grown, pesticide-free hydroponic vegetables from Greenphyto—the parent company of Hydrogreens—were shared by Kampong Veggie Elves with neighbours at Blk 2.
Good food deserves a second chance, not a date with the bin. Hotel Food Shares help suitable surplus cooked food make its way from participating hotels to neighbours at Blk 2.
Since April 2025, we've served more than 600 meals through Hotel Food Shares (July 2026).
The type and amount of food we receive vary from one share to the next—surplus food does not come with a crystal ball. Each share depends on what is available and safe to distribute, as well as the generosity of hotel partners and the care of Kampong Elves who coordinate collection and distribution.
Despite the challenges along the way, we have so far been blessed with enough food and veggies to share with everyone who turns up. For that, I am deeply grateful to the Big Cheese in the Sky—and, of course, to Dewy for the dedicated supervision.
04 · Stories & media
On record
Since 2022, journalists, broadcasters, community organisations and public institutions have documented different parts of life at HV Little Library.
This archive holds the place and the people around it.
Experienced by neighbours and visitors. Public Google reviews offer another view of how the place feels to people who have encountered it.
Independent portrait · OGS / Our Grandfather Story · 19 Dec 2023 · 1:18
“People you didn’t know existed in Singapore.”
An outside editorial portrait in which Kae Chee, Amrys and neighbours describe how a shelf became friendship, shared food and a place where people no longer feel alone.
Recognition record · KindnessSG · 2 Aug 2023 · 1:39
How Singapore recognised what neighbours built
Made for Singapore’s Friendly Neighbourhood Award 2023, this film records residents describing HVLL as a hub for connection, mutual help and less loneliness.
Hear Kae Chee and Amrys talk about bringing a community together through reading.
Daily Cuts S1E317: “Little Library in Holland V,” hosted by Lance Alexander and Melanie Oliveiro, preserves the co-founders’ account in their own voices.
Shared Community Space — no paid staff or volunteers on duty. Honour System.
Borrowing — take a book anytime, honour system. Bring it back whenever (or don't, no pressure).
Book donations — the library is currently full and not accepting new book donations. Please consider donating to other communities instead.
While you're here — say hi to whoever's around, feel free to play the community piano. Dewy may or may not acknowledge you.
Accessibility — animal-friendly and wheelchair-friendly.
Food & drink — welcome to bring your own. Please clean up after yourself and dispose of rubbish responsibly. Everyone's kindness is what keeps this place clean and tidy.
Security updateThe Chief Feline Security Officer is on duty. Acknowledgement remains entirely optional.
HVLL instructional · 12 Jul 2025 · 1:02
How to raise and secure the library blinds
Especially helpful before it rains:
Unhook the blind from the floor hooks.
Pull the blind up evenly.
Wrap the cord around the wall hook 5–6 times.
Make a larger loop to secure the rest of the cord.
Books don’t ask who you are before they change your life. Neither do we.
Who can visit and borrow books?
Anyone. You do not need to live in Holland Village—or even in Singapore. You do not even have to read to visit. Come by, browse, sit for a while, have a conversation, or simply enjoy being here.
There is no membership fee, registration, library card or borrowing system. Take a book anytime and bring it back whenever—or don’t, no pressure.
Who looks after the library?
No one does. And everyone does.
We do not have paid staff or a roster of volunteers managing the library. Instead, our Kampong Elves—friends, neighbours and even strangers—quietly straighten shelves, water plants, sweep the floor and do the countless little things that help this place feel like home.
No one tells them what to do. They simply notice what needs doing and get on with it. Cape optional. Helping hands preferred.
Can I help?
We do not have scheduled volunteer shifts. People simply lend a hand whenever they can—sometimes for a few minutes on the way home, sometimes for longer, and sometimes by noticing one small thing that needs doing.
Come as a visitor first. Stay for a conversation. Share a meal. Meet a neighbour. Leave wondering how you accidentally became a Kampong Elf.
Can I donate books?
Good problem to have: our shelves are full.
We are currently unable to accept new book donations. Please consider another neighbourhood library, school, charity or community group where your books can continue bringing joy to others.
Do I have to love animals?
No. You do not even have to like them. We simply ask that you respect them by giving them the space they need, just as you would hope others would respect yours.
Treat people, animals, books and this shared space with care.
07 · Acknowledgements
It takes a kampong
HV Little Library is the result of countless acts of kindness by people who believed in the simple idea that neighbours can make a difference when they choose to care.
As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. We believe it also takes a kampong to build a community.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has walked alongside us on this journey.
Minister Chan Chun Sing
In 2022, Minister Chan Chun Sing, together with his support team from Tanjong Pagar Town Council and the People’s Association, believed in our vision and gave their blessing to this community space. We remain deeply grateful.
When HV Little Library began in 2022, none of us imagined how it would grow. What started with a single bookshelf has become a living community where neighbours meet, friendships are formed, meals are shared, books are borrowed, music is played, and kindness finds a home.
Thank you for trusting us, believing in the potential of this space, and giving us the space to explore a unique expression of what a kampong can be—and what it can become.
We hope we have honoured that trust, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.
The Red Collective
Our heartfelt thanks to The Red Collective for believing in our community and welcoming us into your network.
Through your partnerships and support, we have been able to organise Veggie Nights, Hotel Food Share Lunches, and Food Rescue Missions, helping to reduce food waste while supporting neighbours who need a helping hand.
Your friendship, encouragement, and generosity have enabled us to dream bigger and care for our community in practical and meaningful ways.
Yi Xin Vegan Food
Our heartfelt thanks to Yi Xin Vegan Food for your generous donations of vegetables.
Your generosity has helped us share veggies with our neighbours, reduce food waste, and strengthen our kampong spirit of caring for one another.
Hydrogreens
Our heartfelt thanks to Hydrogreens for including HV Little Library in your donation programme.
Your generosity helps us share fresh produce and nourishing meals with our neighbours, strengthening our kampong spirit of caring for one another.
Thank you for trusting us to help ensure that good food reaches the community where it can make a meaningful difference.
Singapore Kindness Movement
Thank you to the Singapore Kindness Movement for recognising our efforts and welcoming us into the Kindred Spirit Circle as a Ground-Up Movement (GUM).
Your encouragement reminds us that kindness grows when ordinary people choose to care for one another.
We are honoured to stand alongside so many inspiring ground-up initiatives across Singapore.
Our Kampong Elves
To every Kampong Elf, thank you.
Whether you swept the floor, watered the plants, organised a shelf, tidied the garden, rescued food, carried heavy boxes, shared your vehicle, donated books, cooked a meal, served a neighbour, cared for our animal friends, offered your professional skills, performed music, shared your stories, or simply stopped by for a conversation—you have helped shape what HV Little Library has become.
Some gave minutes. Some gave hours. Some gave years. Some gave quietly, without ever asking for recognition.
Every contribution matters.
Everything you see here is the result of ordinary people choosing to care.
Our Neighbours
To every neighbour who borrowed a book, returned a book, shared a smile, attended an event, donated food, sang with us, celebrated with us, mourned with us, or simply spent a quiet afternoon in our community living room—thank you.
You are the reason this place feels alive.
Community is not built by buildings. It is built by people who choose to show up for one another.
Every Donor
To every individual, family, business, and organisation that has donated books, magazines, food, fresh produce, plants, furniture, musical instruments, supplies, time, skills, transport, or words of encouragement—thank you.
Every gift, no matter how big or small, has helped us create a place where neighbours feel welcome, connected, and cared for.
Your generosity continues to write the story of HV Little Library.
Our Community Partners
There are many organisations, businesses, schools, and individuals who have partnered with us over the years.
Some contributed once. Some continue to walk alongside us.
Whether through donations, ideas, introductions, encouragement, or collaboration—thank you.
Community is built together.
Photographs
Almost every photograph here was taken by someone in this kampong — neighbours, volunteers, visitors and friends passing through. They were shared with us freely over the years, often without a record of who took what. We do not claim them as ours.
Some photographs on this website were taken by Poh Yu Khing (@pyk.photos), Jack Yam (@jackyamthemidnightgardener) and Erwin Tan from Shade. We are grateful for their permission to share them here.
If a photograph here is yours, please write to hvlittlelibrary@gmail.com and we will credit it properly — or take it down, if you would rather.
To Those Yet to Join Us
Our story is still being written.
There is always room to grow. There is always room to improve. There is always room for another pair of helping hands.
Curious? Join our Telegram channel and visit us during one of our community events—come as a visitor first, and see where it takes you.
If it resonates with you, let us know.
We would be delighted to welcome you as one of our Kampong Elves. 😊
