Latest news with #NationalLibraryBoard
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
Forum: Kudos to NLB for transforming library experience
I would like to commend the National Library Board (NLB) for its remarkable use of technology and the thoughtful advancements it has made over the years. I still recall the days when borrowing a book meant poring over physical catalogue cards in metal cabinets, jotting down reference numbers, locating the book on the shelves, and proceeding to a manned counter to borrow it, all marked with a date stamp for return. It was a routine many of us accepted, but looking back now, it highlights just how far we have come. Over time, NLB has steadily embraced innovation. Library cards could be issued through self-service kiosks. Then came the integration with our NRICs, followed by machines that allowed us to scan multiple books at once. Today, I can borrow a book simply by scanning the barcode with my mobile phone, a process that is fast, intuitive and seamless. Personally, I am most impressed with the digital offerings, especially audiobooks, which I can borrow from the comfort of home and enjoy while commuting or during a quiet evening walk. NLB's thoughtful, user-focused adoption of technology has made reading and learning more accessible than ever. It deserves credit for transforming the library experience while preserving its core mission of promoting literacy and lifelong learning. Loh Kee Yong
Time Out
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This Star Wars-themed library at Changi Airport has robots, quizzes and more
May the Force be with you at Changi Airport, where Singapore's first-ever Star Wars Pop-Up Library has landed. Located on Level 2 of Terminal 3, right by the Skytrain and link bridge to Jewel, this immersive pop-up invites fans, travellers, and the curious to explore a galaxy of stories, from now till January 24, 2026. Brought to life by the National Library Board (NLB) in collaboration with Disney and Changi Airport Group, the pop-up is part of NLB's 30th anniversary celebrations and its LAB25 vision of taking reading to unexpected frontiers. Inside, you'll find over 2,000 Star Wars books, featuring 380 unique titles specially picked by NLB librarians. From junior fiction and graphic novels to adorable board books for the tiniest Padawans, titles include The Mandalorian: The Manga, Darth Vader – Dark Lord of the Sith, The High Republic series, and even The Padawan Cookbook for whipping up treats with your little Ewoks at home. eBooks are also available. Unlike your typical library, there aren't any librarians here. Instead, you'll find robotic arms that zip around, retrieving and shelving books like your own personal droid. Simply pick your title from a touchscreen kiosk, and the robot will deliver it to you. You can borrow up to 16 books and eBooks for 21 days, and return them to any NLB library islandwide – though a themed 'Return' bookdrop is available onsite strictly for titles borrowed from this pop-up. To borrow, download the NLB Mobile app, sign in with your myLibrary ID, tap the scanner icon, and scan the book's barcode or QR code. And if you accidentally try to exit without scanning, the gate will prompt you. Beyond the shelves, there are loads to geek out over: take a personality quiz to discover your Jedi or Sith alter ego, test your knowledge at the trivia wall, and strike a pose with your lightsaber against digital screens looping iconic Star Wars scenes. Outside, R2-D2 and C-3PO are waiting for their next snap with you. To enter the library, scan your library-compliant ID card or NLB eCard. Travellers can also request a QR code day pass with a Singapore-registered mobile number or e-mail here. Whether you're on a layover, on the hunt for your next read, or simply in need of a Force-filled detour, this is one library that's truly out of this world.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
From libraries to living rooms: How reading habits take root in underserved S'pore children
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Non-profit group Heartland Literature held its first reading mentorship programme in 2024, a four-session programme where volunteers read with youth from Boys' Town to help cultivate a love for reading. SINGAPORE - When volunteer Gareth Ki first sat down to read with a restless young boy, he braced himself for a challenge. But after a few sessions – and excerpts of a Percy Jackson book – the boy became more cheerful and sociable. His transformation reflects the impact of a new reading mentorship programme by non-profit group Heartland Literature, part of a growing effort to expand access to books for underserved communities. The National Library Board (NLB) has also expanded its outreach. In August 2024, it launched kidsRead@Home, where volunteers visit children aged four to eight in public rental flats to read to them. Each child receives two books a year, and try their hand at Steam (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) activities. So far, 44 children have joined the programme, with NLB aiming for 100 by the end of 2025. This builds on kidsRead, a nationwide initiative that began in 2004 and has since benefited nearly 80,000 children. It operates in pre-schools, primary schools and community spaces. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore launches review of economic strategy to stay ahead of global shifts Singapore A look at the five committees reviewing Singapore's economic strategy Opinion Keeping it alive: How Chinese opera in Singapore is adapting to the age of TikTok Life Glamping in Mandai: Is a luxury stay at Colugo Camp worth the $550 price tag? Sport World Aquatics C'ships in S'pore deemed a success by athletes, fans and officials Singapore Strong S'pore-Australia ties underpinned by bonds that are continually renewed: President Tharman World Trump says he will 'substantially' raise tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases Over 20 years, nearly 80,000 children have benefitted from kidsRead, a nationwide reading programme by the National Library Board. PHOTO: NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD Seven-year-old Ernest Lim, a regular at kidsRead, now devours up to 10 books a day and creates his own comics. 'He reads a lot more,' said his father, Mr Lim Wen Jun, 42. 'When he's supposed to do other activities, he chooses to read instead, but it's good news.' Ernest has three shelves of books at home, his favourite being the Young Scientists series. Nationwide initiative kidsRead, which began in 2004, operates at pre-schools, primary schools and community spaces. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG But unlike Ernest, many children do not have access to books. A recent study in 2025 by NLB and the National Institute of Education found that most low-income families own fewer than 20 English books. Of the 37 families surveyed, 43 per cent never visit public libraries, citing time constraints, fear of damaging books, or unfamiliarity with borrowing rules. Associate Professor Loh Chin Ee, principal investigator of the study, said: 'A lack of familiarity with library procedures and resources was another potential gap.' To close this gap, NLB's mobile library Molly is visiting more primary schools with children on financial aid, and nursing homes. Mr Ki, 18, a student at SJI International, was a volunteer in Heartland Literature's reading initiative, which ran its first four-session cycle in 2024. This first run, which was done together with youth shelter Boys' Town, involved 13 participants. Volunteers guided the youth through reading excerpts of Percy Jackson in small groups. Non-profit group Heartland Literature held its first reading mentorship programme in 2024, where volunteers read with youth from Boys' Town to help cultivate a love for reading. PHOTO: HEARTLAND LITERATURE One boy was initially uninterested and hesitant to read aloud, often glossing over difficult words, said Mr Ki. But by the end of the programme, with help from Mr Ki, the boy's confidence had grown, and he could read complex sentences on his own. 'We are not only providing these kids with a space to freely express and enjoy, we are also providing them with tools to make their voices heard,' he said. Heartland Literature's founder David Ezra said the programme has since expanded into a public run at Bishan Public Library, which starts on Aug 10. Thirty children will be matched with reading mentors to read Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone. Participants include children from non-profit group New Life Stories, family service centres, and Ministry of Social and Family Development-appointed children's homes, said Mr Ezra. He hopes to bring the initiative to more public libraries and eventually serve 80 to 100 children. Mr Ezra recalls a child saying: 'I don't like reading, but I like reading with my reading mentor.' 'This showed how reading also became about forming and building relationships, and was not just an academic task,' he said, adding that many children went on to read books on their own.
Straits Times
26-07-2025
- General
- Straits Times
From libraries to living rooms, how reading habits take root in underserved S'pore kids
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Non-profit Heartland Literature held its first reading mentorship programme in 2024, where volunteers read with youth from Boys Town to help cultivate a love for reading. SINGAPORE - When Mr Gareth Ki, a volunteer, first sat down to read with a restless young boy, he braced himself for a challenge. But after a few sessions - and excerpts of a Percy Jackson book - the boy became more cheerful and sociable. His transformation reflects the impact of a new reading mentorship programme by non-profit Heartland Literature, part of a growing effort to expand access to books for underserved communities. The National Library Board (NLB) has also expanded its outreach. In August 2024, it launched kidsREAD@Home, where volunteers visit children aged four to eight in public rental flats to read to children. Each child receives two books a year, and try their hand at Steam (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) activities. So far, 44 children have joined the programme, with NLB aiming for 100 by the end of 2025. This builds on kidsREAD, a nationwide initiative that began in 2004 and has since benefited nearly 80,000 children . It operates at pre-schools, primary schools, and community spaces. Over 20 years, nearly 80,000 children have benefitted from kidsREAD, a nationwide reading programme by the National Library Board. PHOTO: NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD Seven-year-old Ernest Lim, a regular at kidsREAD, now devours up to 10 books a day and creates his own comics. 'He reads a lot more,' said his father, Mr Lim Wen Jun, 42. 'When he's supposed to do other activities, he chooses to read instead, but it's good news.' Ernest has three shelves of books at home, his favourite being the Young Scientist series. Nationwide initiative kidsREAD, which began in 2004, operates at pre-schools, primary schools, and community spaces. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG Despite his love for books, many children do not have that access . A recent study in 2025 by NLB and the National Institute of Education found that most low-income families own fewer than 20 English books . Of the 37 families surveyed, 43 per cent never visit public libraries, citing time constraints, fears of damaging books, or unfamiliarity with borrowing rules. Associate Professor Loh Chin Ee, principal investigator of the study, said: 'A lack of familiarity with library procedures and resources were another potential gap.' To close this gap, NLB's mobile library, Molly, is visiting more primary schools with children on financial aid, and well as nursing homes. Mr Ki, 18, a student at SJI International, was a volunteer in Heartland Literature's reading initiative, which ran its first four-session cycle in 2024. This first run, which was done together with youth shelter Boys' Town, involved 13 participants . Volunteers guided the youth through reading excerpts of Percy Jackson in small groups. Non-profit Heartland Literature held its first reading mentorship programme in 2024, a four-session programme where volunteers read with youth from Boys Town to help cultivate a love for reading. PHOTO: HEARTLAND LITERATURE One boy was initially uninterested and hesitant to read aloud, often glossing over difficult words, said Mr Ki. By the end of the programme, with help from Mr Ki, the boy's confidence had grown, and he could read complex sentences on his own. 'We are not only providing these kids with a space to freely express and enjoy, but we are also providing them tools to make their voices heard,' he said. The programme has since expanded into a public run at Bishan Public Library, which starts on August 10, said founder David Ezra. Thirty children will be matched with reading mentors to read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Participants include children from non-profit New Life Stories, family service centres, and Ministry of Social and Family Development-appointed children's homes, said Mr Ezra. He hopes to bring the initiative to more public libraries and eventually serve 80 to 100 children. He recalls a child saying: 'I don't like reading, but I like reading with my reading mentor.' 'This showed how reading also became about forming and building relationships, and was not just an academic task,' Mr Ezra said, adding that many children went on to read books on their own.
Straits Times
26-07-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Almost 8 in 10 adults read at least one book in past year: NLB reading survey
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Despite the growing popularity of digital content, physical books remain the most widely read format. SINGAPORE – Reading habits in Singapore remain positive, with nine in 10 teenagers and almost eight in 10 adults reading at least one book in the past year, according to the latest National Reading Habits Study (NRHS). Conducted every three years by the National Library Board (NLB), the 2024 study also found habitual reading levels have reverted to pre-pandemic norms, with 81 per cent of teens and 89 per cent of adults reading multiple times a week. Reading materials include books, news articles and online content, and exclude textbooks and communications such as e-mails, WhatsApp and Telegram messages. NLB said that the unprecedentedly high levels of reading seen in the 2021 NRHS were likely bolstered by lifestyle changes during the pandemic. Additionally, it was conducted primarily online due to Covid-19 restrictions, unlike the usual door-to-door interviews. The difference in survey methodology is known to significantly skew the results, making direct comparisons inaccurate. Despite the growing popularity of digital content, physical books remain the most widely read format. Among teens, 83 per cent read physical books, compared with 54 per cent who read e-books and 8 per cent who listened to audiobooks. Similarly, 75 per cent of adults read physical books, while 55 per cent used e-books and 14 per cent listened to audiobooks. While almost two in three library loans are physical items, NLB said there has been a shift towards digital formats among older adults. Physical bookstores were the top choice to obtain books, with 62 per cent of teens and 54 per cent of adults purchasing books there. Libraries followed closely, especially among 58 per cent of teens, with 44 per cent borrowing books from NLB. Seniors are also increasingly turning to digital platforms, with 35 per cent of readers aged above 60 now using e-books. While the study showed strong agreement on the benefits of reading, such as broadening world views and improving critical thinking, reading for pleasure did not fare as well. Although 70 per cent in both groups said they found reading enjoyable, only 56 per cent of teens and 66 per cent of adults found it relaxing. Associate Professor Loh Chin Ee from the National Institute of Education said that this is not unexpected as time is an issue for Singaporeans, who are busy. She told The Straits Times that more can be done to encourage Singaporeans to read more regularly, especially youth. 'Investment in school libraries from kindergarten, with attractive and relevant physical collections – this helps to bring books closer to children and teens, to encourage them to find interesting books to read.' She added that secondary schools can introduce the NLB app to students on their personal learning devices and give them time to read on it during school. 'This is to allow them to become familiar with using it to source for and read books.' The 2024 study involved a total of 4,623 residents, consisting of 3,725 adults over 20 years old and 898 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19. NLB chief executive Ng Cher Pong said the findings are a testament to Singaporeans' enduring love for reading. 'Over the past 30 years, NLB has been constantly finding ways to better meet our patrons' needs and to promote the joy of reading. This includes bringing books closer to communities through mobile libraries and boosting our digital collections when the pandemic struck,' he said, adding that as NLB marks its 30th anniversary in 2025, it hopes to bring even more new reading and learning experiences to everyone. Emily Tan, 16, picked up a love for reading in secondary school. The first-year ITE student said she had to bring books to read during morning assembly and the school's reading periods, and that nurtured her love for books. 'At first, I started reading comics, but the school introduced us to Percy Jackson as part of the reading programme, and now I'm hooked on Greek mythology,' she said. Emily has recently discovered romance novels, and prefers buying books from stores like Popular as she finds that some library books are not well maintained, with foxing or missing pages. She is now on her fifth book of 2025, although pursuing a Higher Nitec in biochemical technology has left her with less time to read. 'I have a lot of work to do, so I read mostly at night. But since I share a room with my sister, I have to switch off the lights when she sleeps,' she said, adding that she continues reading in the dark, relying on whatever light filters in from outside, 'and that is challenging'. She told ST she has a list of books she plans to read, and sees herself immersing in books – even in her old age. 'Reading is more than a hobby,' she said. 'I read to unwind and escape from reality, so that I don't get too stressed by daily life.'
