Books exchange

Over 57,000 books change hands in NLB's first Book Exchange
By Seet Sok Hwee, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE: The National Library Board held its first Book Exchange on Saturday to celebrate World Book Day, which fell on April 23.

The event enabled members of the public to exchange their used books with other book lovers.
From April 11-24, members of the public were encouraged to drop off used books at public libraries all over Singapore in return for one-for-one book exchange coupons. Over 57,000 books were collected, more than double the original target.
The coupons were then used to change for books at the event on Saturday. About 5,000 people showed up at the National Library building, some as early as 8am...

Of course, we couldn't miss this exciting event especially when we have two kids who simply love reading. Kai, especially was very excited. Last Friday, we brought 15 old books to the Queenstown National Library to exchange for 15 coupons. We could have exchanged for more but Kai was very reluctant to part with his beloved books. In the end, he only chose 15 and Ann also contributed some of her books.

On the day of the book exchange, Kai was up and going at an early hour. Quite unusual for him on a Saturday morning as he was usually the last to wake up. There was no stopping him the moment we entered the National Library Atrium. He was just buried among the books.

An unknown author once wrote "TV. If kids are entertained by two letters, imagine the fun they'll have with twenty-six. Open your child's imagination. Open a book."

How true.


Part of the 5,000 who have turned up