The kidsREAD programme is a nationwide reading programme officially launched on 23 April 2004 by then Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
About kidsREAD
Background
kidsREAD is a nationwide reading programme officially launched on 23 April 2004 by then Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The programme started as a collaborative effort by the National Library Board (NLB) together with the four self-help groups (Chinese Development Assistance Council, The Eurasian Association, Singapore, Singapore Indian Development Association and Yayasan MENDAKI) to promote the love of reading and cultivate good reading habits among young Singaporeans between the ages of 4 to 8 from lower income families.
kidsREAD started with 18 clubs and 630 children, and within 20 years, it has benefitted nearly 80,000 children. The kidsREAD clubs are located in community centres, preschools, primary schools as well as touchpoints run by social service agencies and self-help groups.
Objectives of kidsREAD
- To promote the love of reading and cultivate good reading habits among young Singaporeans.
- To leverage on the strengths of various partners to create a reading programme for children.
- To provide an avenue for children from various races to interact from an early age.
- To help enhance the quality of life of the children and their families.
kidsREAD Participants
Eligibility Criteria:
- between the ages of 4 and 8.
- Singaporeans or Permanent Residents (PRs).
- Gross monthly household income not exceeding $7,500 or Per Capita Income not exceeding $1,875.
kidsREAD Session Structure
kidsREAD@Home
kidsREAD@Home is an expansion of the kidsREAD programme which was piloted in 2023. It aims to bring reading sessions directly to the homes of children who stay in rental flats. During the sessions, volunteers conduct storytelling and book-related activities for the children in their homes.
The eligibility criteria for kidsREAD@Home particpants is the same as that of the kidsREAD programme. However, partner organisations are provided more flexibility to tailor the programme to suit the needs of the participants.
For opportunities to volunteer in kidsREAD or kidsREAD@Home, you may visit our Volunteer Criteria and Opportunities page here.
How To Get Kids To Read: A kidsREAD Journey | The Library Report #51
Enrol your child in kidsREAD!
To date, we have over 200 clubs islandwide!
If you would like to enrol your child at any of the clubs in the link below, please do email us at kidsread@nlb.gov.sg and we will be in touch with you shortly.