Discover cosy reading corners and take home free pre-loved books at NLB's new community spots across Singapore!
The National Library Board (NLB) has rolled out its latest initiative, the Sit-n-Read Nodes, in partnership with various malls and social enterprises across the island. These nodes are self-service, curated spaces designed to promote reading and discovery outside of traditional library settings.
The key feature of the Sit-n-Read Nodes is the collection of more than 3,000 pre-loved books. These books are generally older editions from NLB’s extensive collections, being given a second life through this initiative.
The Collection: Books for the Whole Family
Each node is set up to feature approximately 400 books, ensuring a fresh and varied selection for patrons.
- Mix of Genres: The collection comprises a good mix of fiction and non-fiction titles.
- For All Ages: Books are available for both children and adults, making it a perfect pit stop for a family day out.
- Multilingual Options: Families looking for Mother Tongue reading materials will find titles in Chinese, Malay, and Tamil at selected nodes, including AMK Hub, SAFRA Punggol, SAFRA Yishun, The Centrepoint and The Star Vista.
- Specialised Node: The node at The Caffeine Experience focuses on books for adults, catering to working professionals in the area.
When and Where to Visit
The Sit-n-Read Nodes have been opening progressively since August 2025. They are expected to be available for a few months to a year, depending on the venue, with plans for the initiative to expand to more locations over time.
Parents can plan a visit to the Nodes at the following locations:
- AMK Hub (Level 4)
- Margaret Market (Level 2)
- SAFRA Punggol (Level 3 Atrium & Level 4 Members’ Chillax Lounge)
- SAFRA Yishun (Level 1)
- The Caffeine Experience, The URA Centre (#01-01)
- The Centrepoint (#02-49)
- The Star Vista (The Open Stage, #01-27)
Here's Why Your Should Visit
This initiative is a fantastic idea for families, offering several unique benefits for parents:
1. Zero-Hassle Reading Fun
Forget about worrying over borrowing limits, due dates, and late fines! These books can be taken home without borrowing—all that is encouraged is that patrons bring them back once they are done, so other families can also enjoy them. It’s an easy way to refresh your family's bookshelf with zero commitment.
2. Promote Sustainability and Lifelong Reading
The Nodes help teach children about sustainability by giving pre-loved books a second life. NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Melissa-May Tam, shared that this initiative fosters a culture of lifelong reading by bringing reading opportunities closer to where people are. Even the cosy reading corners are set up with some furnishings repurposed from past NLB events, reinforcing the eco-conscious message.
3. Discover Digital Resources On-the-Go
For tech-savvy families, the nodes are a gateway to NLB's wider digital collection. At most locations (AMK Hub, Margaret Market, SAFRA Punggol, SAFRA Yishun, The Centrepoint, and The Star Vista), patrons can access eResources by scanning QR codes on the eReads screens and MagNodes. This provides instant access to a rich collection of eBooks, eMagazines, and eNewspapers which can be read anywhere.
How to Visit the Sit-n-Read Nodes
Visiting is simple, as the Nodes are conveniently located in accessible public spaces. There is no need to make reservations, you can simply drop in!
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Find the Nearest Node: Check the list of seven locations above and select the one most convenient for your family.
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Explore and Read: Head to the specified level/unit within the mall or venue. Each node offers a cosy corner to sit down for a moment and enjoy a book.
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Take Home a Treasure: Encourage your child to select a pre-loved book to take home.
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Embrace the Sharing Culture: Once your family has finished reading a book, simply return it to any Sit-n-Read Node so another family can discover it next!
To learn more about the NLB’s Nodes strategy and future locations, interested parents may visit the official NLB website.
