Reading corners at 7 public spots, including malls, to bring books closer to people
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SINGAPORE – Tired from all the walking and shopping in a mall? You can now take a break and pick up a book at a reading corner nearby.
Seven malls and social enterprises across Singapore have partnered the National Library Board (NLB) to host new Sit-n-Read Nodes, cosy self-service spaces offering more than 3,000 pre-loved books for anyone to browse or take home.
These nodes, which feature a regularly refreshed mix of fiction and non-fiction titles for adults and children, are the latest effort to bring reading closer to the community.
Located at AMK Hub, Margaret Market, Safra Punggol, Safra Yishun, The Caffeine Experience at The URA Centre, The Centrepoint and The Star Vista, the nodes will each run for a few months to a year, depending on location, NLB said in a statement on Nov 14.
NLB added that the self-service corners at these locations, except The Caffeine Experience, also offer eResources, including eReads screens and MagNode displays where patrons can scan QR codes to access ebooks, emagazines and enewspapers on the go.
Each node offers about 400 books, with selected locations including AMK Hub, Safra Punggol, Safra Yishun, The Centrepoint and The Star Vista carrying titles in Chinese, Malay and Tamil.
The Caffeine Experience site features adult reads tailored to working adults.
Six of the seven nodes also offer eResources, including eReads screens and MagNode displays where patrons can scan QR codes to access eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers on the go.
PHOTO: NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD
Furnishings at these nodes are partly repurposed from libraries and past NLB events as part of sustainability efforts. Readers do not need to officially borrow the books and are allowed to take them home. But they are encouraged to return the books when they are done, so others can enjoy them.
More than 25,000 visitors have used the Sit-n-Read Nodes since they began opening progressively in August 2025. NLB said the initiative is part of its wider strategy to create more accessible reading spaces.
NLB chief executive Melissa-May Tam said: “Over the past few years, our nodes have been bringing our resources closer to where people are, encouraging everyone to make reading a part of their lives.
“With Sit-n-Read Nodes, we also aim to give our pre-loved books a second life while fostering a culture of lifelong reading within the community.”
More details about future Sit-n-Read Nodes will be shared when ready.
