The Singapore National Library Board is engaging readers and library users from all walks of life, with digitalisation and tapping community connections.

For more than 10 years, a group of National Library Board (NLB) volunteers have been delivering library books to the homes of readers who are physically challenged and unable to visit the libraries.

In January 2009, NLB launched “Project Deliver Me”, an initiative to deliver library resources to ill or disabled homebound people. This is part of the NLB’s aim to meet the learning needs of all Singaporeans and ensure that everyone has access to library materials.

The volunteers comprise both NLB staff and volunteers who are Friends of the Library, one of whom is cabby Mr Sim Soon Teck. A taxi driver for some 20 years, he is also a citizen ambassador for reading.

He was part of NLB’s Taxi Sifu Reading Club, a book club comprising cabbies from various transport service providers. They meet on Saturdays at Ang Mo Kio Public Library to discuss Chinese fiction books and share the love of reading.

For “Project Deliver Me”, Mr Sim volunteered himself as the team leader and galvanised 25 taxi drivers to join the cause. He plans the delivery routes and assigns roles among the team. He also ensures that there are at least two taxis on standby for deliveries in case of any emergencies or breakdowns.

The taxi drivers chaperon the volunteers so that they can deliver the library materials to the beneficiaries’ doorsteps. A total of 128 beneficiaries, including patrons from the Singapore Cheshire Home, Society of the Physically Disabled and Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore), have enjoyed the service.

Though Mr Sim’s volunteer activities means a little less time driving on the road earning fares, he is motivated by the shared love of reading. He says: “The beneficiaries’ determination to read more despite their day-to-day challenges has inspired me to reach out to more communities in need.”

Public Service Division Challenge