Some 50 book exchange corners will be springing up around the Central district of Singapore over the next 12 months, allowing people to drop off books and pick them up on bookshelves for free.

The book exchange corners are planned to be located in areas such as community clubs, schools, corporate offices and residents' committee centres. The books will be periodically checked for unsuitable content.

This is a move by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the National Library Board to promote reading and conserve the environment by sharing and reusing books.

It is also part of the enhanced Project Earth initiative, launched on Saturday, for the Central district to promote recycling and the reuse of things, as well as waste reduction.

Previously, Project Earth - which was first started in 2009 by NEA and the Central Singapore Community Development Council - focused on recycling.

The launch event for the enhanced Project Earth at Tiong Bahru Plaza was attended by Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing.

At the event, visitors can pick up and drop off books, as well as recycle unwanted lamps and mobile phones, until Sunday, 4pm at Tiong Bahru Plaza.