Your next cup of “kopi” can come with extra shots of knowledge from the National Library Board too.
*Updated (27 Apr 2022): added images of 3D Installation.
From 31 March 2022, more people can access the National Library Board’s (NLB) rich resources of content and knowledge in eateries around Singapore through NLB’s partnership with homegrown Food & Beverage company BreadTalk Group.
This is part of NLB’s LAB25 (Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025) vision to build a Learning Marketplace with nodes across Singapore that bring libraries and their array of content to patrons regardless of where they are.
The nodes at food courts and eateries under the BreadTalk Group will roll out in two phases.
Gachapon Machines at Food Courts
From 31 March, gachapon machines will be set up in BreadTalk Group’s food courts at popular malls. Patrons can make a purchase of drinks at any of the selected Food Republic and Food Junction outlets, or of any item at the selected Toast Box or BreadTalk outlets to collect a token. With it, you can redeem a free mini-book keychain which carries a QR code that delivers four eBooks related to food to them.
There is no minimum spend required for these limited redemptions.
Gachapon Machine Locations
31 Mar - 10 Apr 2022:
- Food Junction - Century Square
- Food Junction - NEX
- Food Republic - 313@somerset
- Food Republic - Westgate
31 Mar - 19 Apr 2022:
- BreadTalk IHQ @ Tai Seng
Participating outlets: Food Republic, BreadTalk & Toast Box
Installations at Dining Tables
From 25 April, there will be 3D, life-like installations of dining tables at the various food courts under the BreadTalk Group. These tables will display well-loved local and international dishes aligned with the theme of the respective food courts. Each installation will carry a QR code directing patrons to a food-related eResource. On weekends, patrons will also have a chance to redeem free local food-themed bookmarks at the installations.
3D Installation Locations
25 Apr - 24 May 2022:
- Food Republic - 313@somerset: Modern-food themed
- Food Republic - City Square: Peranakan/Nyonya cuisine theme
- Food Republic - Wisma Atria: Nostalgic-food themed
NLB Nodes
Launched in October 2021, NLB’s nodes, a key part of NLB's LAB25 extend the library experience beyond its physical walls, bringing NLB’s collections to new customers in novel ways. More nodes will pop up through-out this year, to reach patrons at other everyday spaces such as parks and even office pantries or lounges.
Image credits: National Library Board