Celebrate 30 Years of Reading with NLB’s Boldest Read! Fest Yet – READ30

Singapore’s love for stories gets a vibrant boost this July with READ30, the biggest edition yet of the National Library Board’s (NLB) beloved Read! Fest. In honour of NLB’s 30th anniversary, READ30 reimagines the reading experience through interactive, sensory-rich pop-ups and online experiences designed to spark curiosity and delight in readers of all ages.

From 5 July to 2 September 2025, dive into a citywide celebration that transforms familiar spaces into storytelling playgrounds, thanks to exciting collaborations with local authors, artists, personalities, bookstores, and more.

Pop-Up Library Nodes (5–20 July 2025)

Explore eight creative reading Nodes from the National Library Building to Orchard Road, each spotlighting a different theme — from food to travel to wellness. At each stop, discover curated reads from 30 iconic Singaporeans including author Myle Yan Tay, musician Shabir Sulthan, culinary legend Violet Oon, actress Haryani Othman, and equestrienne Gemma Rose Foo.

Their 90 handpicked book recommendations in English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil — spanning classics, contemporary works, and inspiring biographies — will be on display for all to browse. Each Node, located near hotspots like ION Orchard, The Cathay, SOTA, and Shaw House, will feature comfy reading nooks, photogenic installations, and mini exhibits of the personalities’ literary journeys.

Shoppers and book lovers can also enjoy exclusive deals on selected titles from homegrown bookstores like Closetful of Books, Book Bar, Wormhole, and Basheer Graphic Books.

Worlds Within – Marquee Experience (5–27 July 2025)

Step into a one-of-a-kind multi-sensory adventure at the National Library Building Plaza. This immersive installation transforms reading into a five-senses journey — where you don’t just read the story, you feel it. Expect an unforgettable experience where sound, scent, visuals, and texture bring narratives to life.

Presidential Pop-up Library (12 July–2 September 2025)

Curious about what Singapore’s leaders read? Head to Plaza Singapura for an exclusive look at the favourite reads of past and present Presidents of Singapore. This interactive showcase offers personal insights into the minds that shaped the nation.

#HowDoYouRead – Join the Celebration Online

To add a fun digital twist, NLB is launching the #HowDoYouRead campaign with Rakuten Kobo. Singaporeans are encouraged to share their quirky and heartfelt reading habits — whether sprawled across the floor, reading upside-down, or with a cup of kopi in hand — all in celebration of the nation’s diverse reading culture.

A Legacy of Reading

Since its debut in 2014, Read! Fest has become a cornerstone of NLB’s National Reading Movement, which began in 2016. The festival has engaged over 2 million participants with interactive trails, talks, installations, and more — all aimed at helping Singaporeans Read More, Read Widely, and Read Together.