Forum: More opportunities to connect over reading through ReadSG

We thank Irwan Jamil for his letter, “Enhance ReadSG by inviting readers to reflect on what has been read” (Oct 9), and his encouraging words about ReadSG.

Indeed, reading goes beyond absorbing information. It engages our imagination and develops our cognitive skills. When we reflect on what we read, we consider different perspectives, broaden our worldview and develop our own ideas.

The National Library and Archives Board’s (NLB) ReadSG multi-year national movement aims to encourage everyone to make reading a part of their everyday lives. Beyond asking people to set aside at least 15 minutes a day to read, we hope to foster a reading culture where people can share their experiences, exchange ideas and learn from one another.

We appreciate the writer’s suggestion to feature readers’ questions and reflections alongside book recommendations, and will consider it as ReadSG develops.

NLB’s collaboration with The Straits Times, ReadSG With ST and NLB, will feature a series of talks aimed at promoting reading, and introduce attendees to the rich collections and wide range of resources in our libraries. The talks are free, and interested readers can find out more at https://str.sg/readsg

NLB’s reading clubs, including the Singapore Literature Book Club, bring readers together to discuss books by well-known and emerging Singaporean authors touching on topics close to home.

There are also community book clubs, discussions on different genres and themes, and other reading activities, including in mother tongue languages, for everyone to enjoy. Interested readers can explore these activities at https://www.read.gov.sg/join-the-readsg-challenge/more-ways-to-read

As ReadSG grows, we will continue to explore ways to encourage reading as a habit, foster sharing and reflection, and inspire more people to discover the joy of reading.

Ong Bee Lee
Assistant Chief Executive
National Library and Archives Board