NLB Turns 30: Celebrating a Reading Revolution with Book Bugs Special Mission

The National Library Board (NLB) is kicking off its 30th anniversary with a nostalgic and interactive tribute to one of its most beloved initiatives—Book Bugs. Since its launch in 2016, the Book Bugs programme has become a reading phenomenon among children, and now it returns in full force with the Book Bugs: NLB30 Special Mission, running from June to August.

Celebrate the Legacy of Book Bugs

The centrepiece of the celebration is Book Bugs: Unearthing Memories, the first-ever exhibition featuring all 425 collectible cards from five Book Bugs editions. This special showcase makes its debut at the Central Library from 21 to 22 June before touring five libraries and the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Young readers and fans can relive the evolution of the series, discover fun facts, and earn exclusive collectibles.

From 24 June to 27 July, visitors can continue exploring showcase panels at selected libraries and take part in mini-activities to redeem a limited-edition NLB30 Book Bugs postcard.

Adding to the excitement is Bugcadia’s Annual National Tournament (A.N.T.), the grand finale of the Tales of Travellers campaign. Held from 21 to 22 June at the National Library Building, the tournament invites fans to compete in either the intense “Classic Mode” or the more whimsical “Storytelling Mode,” perfect for showcasing imagination and creativity.

Special Cards and Last-Chance Collectibles

In honour of NLB’s 30th year, two commemorative cards—“Pagie” and “Empress”—will be released. These limited-edition cards can be redeemed after completing activities at the exhibition and will also be available from 23 to 30 June via Book Bugs card machines across public libraries (excluding a few locations).

From 29 July to 17 August, the full exhibition takes up residence at ACM, where visitors can join Empress on a Heritage Explorer quest and participate in special Book Bugs activities. It’s also the final opportunity to collect the “Empress” card and exclusive NLB30 tokens.

A Game That Inspires a Love for Reading

Book Bugs has grown into more than just a game—it’s a nationwide movement encouraging kids to read more. With every borrowed book or eBook, players earn points to redeem collectible cards. Through quizzes, events, and friendly matches, children sharpen their thinking skills while building positive reading habits.

The results speak for themselves: during the 2022 edition, new patrons borrowed an average of 11 books per month even after the campaign, while existing readers increased their average from eight to 14 books. As of April 2025, the programme has reached over 486,000 participants and seen over 9.1 million cards redeemed.

More than just a pastime, Book Bugs has turned libraries into vibrant hubs where young readers trade cards, share stories, and grow a lifelong love for reading.