The United Chinese Library was inaugurated at this site on 8th August 1910 by the Father of Modern China, Dr Sun Yat Sen. This sole surviving reading room was initially set up to promote general knowledge and culture among the general public but extended itself to disseminate revolutionary ideas and support for the Chinese Revolution against the Manchu Rulers. Between 1908 and 1911, about 50 reading rooms were established throughout Malaya and Singapore. The Library moved to Cantonment Road in 1987.