10th edition of popular event to be held at National Library Building
Singapore, 9 September 2025 — In celebration of NLB’s 30th anniversary, this year’s Big Book Giveaway (BBG) will see 60,000 pre-loved books - the highest number to date - for everyone to grab over the weekend of 13 and 14 September 2025. The mega book giveaway at the Plaza of the National Library Building this year will also mark the 10th year of NLB’s efforts to extend the lifespan of books, and spreading the joy of reading to even more Singaporeans.
These pre-loved books are from the library’s collections, and are generally older editions. Patrons at the BBG can expect to pick from a selection of genres ranging from fantasy and science fiction to mystery and adult non-fiction, as well as various Mother Tongue books for children and adults. Books will be sorted into categories, with a dedicated section for books about and from Singapore. This special section will spotlight and celebrate the works about Singapore as we celebrate SG60 this year too.
This year, the Big Book Giveaway is being organised as a single large-scale event, with previous editions spread across several library branches. Last year’s event drew some 6,000 participants.
In the spirit of sharing and sustainability, NLB is also inviting members of the public who would like to donate their books to do so at the event for the second year running. They can drop off up to 50 books off on both dates of the BBG. Those who wish to donate their books should note not to provide religious materials, textbooks, magazines, annual reports, DVDs, CDs, AV materials and damaged or worn-out items.
In addition to the Big Book Giveaway, NLB also donates pre-loved books to community partners and international institutions. Over the years, the library has donated to 130 local community partners and international institutions, ensuring these books continue to benefit readers.
NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Cher Pong, said: “We know many of our patrons still enjoy the touch of physical books for reading at leisure. Our popular Big Book Giveaway is therefore eagerly anticipated by many. As it is NLB’s 30th anniversary and SG60 too, we want to make it extra special by doubling the number of books to be given away. We hope this event, along with other things we offer at NLB, will continue to spark a love for reading among Singaporeans!”
The Big Book Giveaway is part of a suite of programmes under the Love Our Libraries & Archives (LOLA) initiative, a month-long series of library programmes aimed at strengthening the connections between the community, and the library and archives. LOLA is part of NLB’s ongoing journey under the Libraries & Archives Blueprint 2025 (LAB25), a five-year plan aimed at reimagining libraries and archives in Singapore.
Event details
The event runs from 13 to 14 September 2025, from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. Visitors may bring home 10 books per person. The books are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
To participate, visitors may scan their library-compliant ID card, NLB eCard or request for a QR code day pass.
For more information about Big Book Giveaway, please visit https://go.gov.sg/bigbookgiveaway2025.
The event is assisted by volunteers who can sign up at https://www.nlb.gov.sg/volunteers/event/zxN678m3zXNZZj99eovoFw.
For more information about NLB30 celebrations, please refer to the Annex or visit https://go.gov.sg/nlb30.
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About NLB
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 in 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 Digital Development and Information (MDDI).
For more information, please visit the NLB website, and NLB’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube channels.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Charmaine Lee
Weber Shandwick, Singapore
Tel: +65 9869 9409
E-mail: clee5@webershandwick.com
Tan Ning Xin
National Library Board
E-mail: tan_ning_xin@nlb.gov.sg