library@esplanade was established as part of the Government of Singapore's plan to develop the nation into a renaissance city of the 21st century.

The library was officially opened on 12 September 2002, by Khaw Boon Wan, then Senior Minister of State for Transport and Information, Communications and the Arts.

This arrangement seeks to create a conducive environment that supports creativity, learning and entertainment for both the layperson and the professional artiste.

The collection comprises books on history and biography, instructional textbooks, periodicals and magazines, screenplays, play scripts, dance notations, and music scores.

The library works closely with practitioners and groups in the local performing arts scene to deliver programmes that reach out to various target audiences.