New programmes, recommended books and interactive literary trails to reinvigorate the love for reading.

 

The National Library Board’s (NLB) annual signature Read! Fest returns from June 25 to 18 July 18, 2021 after a hiatus last year, with exciting new online programmes designed to reinvigorate the love for reading and learning among Singaporeans. Themed “Reboot”, participants can look forward to more than 60 programmes including literary trails, reading sessions, installations and panel discussions with international and local speakers.

Twelve English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil books will be featured as this year’s Read! Fest recommended reads. These books present new perspectives on living in the 21st century especially during these uncertain times. The English books are available in both physical and eBooks formats, while the Chinese, Malay and Tamil books are available as physical books in NLB’s public libraries. Availability of these books can be checked through the NLB mobile app – https://mobileapp.nlb.gov.sg/.

One of the main highlights of this seventh edition festival will be the interactive self-guided literary trails located at three sites – West Coast Park, East Coast Park and the ground floor Plaza of the National Library Building. Titled “The Curious Adventure of The Salaryman”, these trails will be accessible to the public from mid-July to September. Participants will be able to journey through an immersive reading experience by scanning the QR codes of physical markers at these sites to activate the storyline and its sensory elements. NLB has also organised island-wide reading activities such as the Read for Books charity drive and the Big Book Giveaway to share the gift of reading with the less privileged and to raise awareness of reading and learning.

NLB’s CEO Ng Cher Pong said: “This year, we are excited to engage with our patrons through a mix of interactive literary trails, and programmes. We hope to reach out to more patrons in the comfort of their homes and encourage them to come and read with us to find new inspiration in this pandemic.”

Patrons can view the full line up of programmes for Read! Fest 2021 and sign up at www.go.gov.sg/readfest21. To read more about the Read! Fest go to: www.nationalreadingmovement.sg/readfest/main.