Discover New Gen AI-enabled Reading Adventures based on Literary Classics

Playbrary offers new reading experience for more to explore and appreciate well-loved titles
Joint Media Release by National Library Board and LePub Singapore
 
Gamers and readers can now meet in classics like Frankenstein and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. For the first time, books will be transformed into adventure games using Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI). In Playbrary, a latest prototype innovation by National Library Board (NLB) and creative agency LePub Singapore, books are transformed into games in an interactive reading experience through ChatGPT. 

Playbrary lets players explore classic books, adds twists to its narrative, and blends storytelling with digital gameplay. For instance, players can assume the role of Sherlock Holmes and make choices together with the help of Dr John Watson to solve a mystery case. This breakthrough fusing of AI and gaming is part of NLB’s National Reading Movement efforts to encourage more people to cultivate good reading habits, setting aside time for reading and exploring books of different genres. 

For a start, players can choose from selected classic book titles including Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Accessible and free for everyone, Playbrary allows players to embark on literary journeys, and cultivate a greater appreciation for classic books. This innovation also contributes to NLB’s ongoing efforts to enhance the reading and learning experience for everyone, including digital-focused audiences. More classic book titles will be added to Playbrary over the next few months. 

NLB’s Chief Executive Officer Ng Cher Pong said: “This is part of NLB’s ongoing efforts to make Generative AI accessible to all. Our partnership with LePub Singapore opens new, innovative ways for more to read and learn. Through the gamification experience of Playbrary, we hope to encourage more Singaporeans to read these classics after playing the game. We also invite like-minded partners onboard to explore emerging technologies that inspire new ways of interaction with NLB’s resources, such as through Gen AI.” 

Players can access Playbrary through https://playbrary.ai from 2 April 2024.  

Please refer to the Annex for the visual of Playbrary.

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About LePub Singapore
LePub, powered by Publicis Groupe, was created combining creative excellence with best-in-class data, media, and technology expertise. We believe in transcending traditional communications focusing on helping brands integrate into people's daily lives by delivering culturally relevant experiences fueled by extensive global data and world-class creativity. Recognized as the "Creative Agency of the Year "by WARC in 2022 and 2023, and featured in the Contagious Pioneers ranking of 2022, LePub is the place where brands meet culture.
https://www.publicis.it/index.php/awards/  

About National Library Board
The National Library Board (NLB) nurtures Readers for Life, Learning Communities and a Knowledgeable Nation by promoting reading, learning and history through its network of 28 libraries, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore. NLB also forges strategic partnerships that encourage awareness, appreciation and greater discovery of Singapore's history through its rich collections on Singapore and the region.

NLB achieves excellence through innovation, focusing on citizen engagement and co-creation, resource and digital innovation. This creates learning opportunities, greater access to library resources, services, and archival collections, as well as a continual development of innovative library spaces. Established on 1 September 1995 as a statutory board, NLB is under the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI).

For more information, please visit the NLB website, and NLB's Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube channels. 

For media queries, please contact:

National Library Board
Koh Zhi Min 
Weber Shandwick
9002 6323
ZKoh@webershandwick.com

LePub
Hanh Kanssen
General Manager
9247 3167
hanh.kanssen@le.pub

Annex: Playbrary- a prototype innovation by National Library Board and LePub Singapore