SINGAPORE – Some 60,000 books – the largest number to date – will be given away by the National Library Board (NLB) on Sept 13 and 14 to mark its 30th anniversary.
In a press release on Sept 9, the NLB said that unlike previous editions, which were spread across several library branches, the 10th Big Book Giveaway is being organised as a single large-scale event in 2025.
Members of the public who want to take home these pre-loved books can visit the plaza of the National Library Building at 100 Victoria Street on the two dates above from 10am to 4pm. They can scan their library-compliant identity card or NLB eCard, or request a QR code day pass.
Each visitor may take up to 10 books. There will also be 60 winners for a lucky dip but NLB did not disclose details of the prize.
The books come from the library’s collections and are generally older editions. Visitors can pick from a plethora of genres ranging from fantasy and science fiction to mystery and adult non-fiction.
Books will be sorted into categories, with a dedicated section for books about and from Singapore to spotlight them in celebration of Singapore turning 60 in 2025.
The 2024 event drew some 6,000 participants.
In addition to adopting books at the giveaway, members of the public can donate up to 50 books on both dates of the giveaway. Religious materials, textbooks, magazines, annual reports, DVDs, CDs, audiovisual materials and damaged or worn-out items will not be accepted as donations.
The NLB has given pre-loved books to 130 local community partners and international institutions over the years.
The giveaway is part of a series of programmes under the Love Our Libraries and Archives initiative, which aims to strengthen the connections between the community and the library and archives in a month-long effort. This initiative is part of a five-year plan aimed at reimagining libraries and archives in Singapore.
NLB chief executive officer Ng Cher Pong said: “We know many of our patrons still enjoy the touch of physical books for reading at leisure.
“We hope this event, along with other things we offer at NLB, will continue to spark a love for reading among Singaporeans.”
BooksLiteratureNational Library Board