Discover exclusive NLB Originals eComics too by local artists through these Nodes
17 October 2025 – The next time you travel on the bus, you may find yourself in the company of a cartoon dog named Norman, who can talk to and understand humans. Norman is the lead character of Talkdog, an original eComic series launched by NLB today on ten bus services.
In collaboration with local artists Johnny Lau, Lim Jun Yong, Luqmaan Haziq and Nick Tan, each of these buses will be transformed into a pop-up library bringing stories and reading resources to those on the go. Commuters can look forward to fun, action-packed adventures about Utama the Sage Slayer and Talkdog by simply scanning the QR codes on the mobile Nodes.
Each comic will have up to five episodes, with new episodes released biweekly from now till 26 November 2025. The stories are created with tertiary students in mind but are also suitable for everyone. The bus services, namely buses 13, 31, 52, 74, 93, 141, 151, 506, 852, and 966, have been selected as they pass by areas of Singapore located close to various Institutes of Higher Learning. Apart from the eComics, commuters may also browse and borrow a range of NLB’s eResources including eNewspapers, an eMagazine and an eBook by scanning the QR codes using the NLB Mobile app. Please refer to Annex A for more details.
The launch of the mobile Nodes follows the success of other transport-based Nodes launched in September 2023 at various train station platforms and bus interchanges. Like the many Nodes and pop-up libraries NLB has created, these mobile Nodes turn everyday spaces into opportunities that spur reading and learning for everyone on the go. The mobile Nodes also shine a spotlight on works by local artists and bring NLB's resources beyond traditional library premises, making reading more accessible and convenient to Singaporeans.
NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Cher Pong, said, “Following the positive response from our Nodes at train platforms and bus interchanges, we are happy to work with local artists on a new series of mobile Nodes on selected buses. By being part of our patrons’ daily commute, reading and learning is even easier for everyone.”
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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:
Quah Jia Ling
Weber Shandwick
Tel: +65 9699 0830
Email: JQuah@webershandwick.com
Tan Ning Xin
National Library Board
Email: tan_ning_xin@nlb.gov.sg