Big Book Giveaway at the National Library Building
ICYMI, the National Library Board (NLB) recently launched ReadSG, a new nationwide reading movement encouraging everyone to spend just 15 minutes a day reading. One of its highlights is a gamified reading challenge where participants can earn rewards by logging their reading sessions.
But if you prefer filling your bookshelf over filling up an app, here’s another reason to get excited. NLB’s Big Book Giveaway is making its return on 19th and 20th September 2026, giving bookworms the chance to bring home pre-loved books for free. While full details have yet to be announced, here’s everything we know so far about this year’s edition.
What is the Big Book Giveaway all about?
Image adapted from: Public Libraries Singapore via Facebook
It’s an annual event aimed at giving pre-loved library books a second lease of life while encouraging more people in Singapore to pick up the reading habit.
Visitors can bring home books for free, with a wide selection spanning genres like fantasy, mystery, and adult non-fiction. There’ll also be Mother Tongue titles for both adults and children, and all of the books are categorised by genre to make browsing less overwhelming.
Image adapted from: Public Libraries Singapore via Facebook
Last year’s edition was especially significant as it marked the 10th edition of the giveaway and coincided with NLB’s 30th anniversary. A record 60,000 pre-loved books were put up for grabs, making it the biggest giveaway to date.
There’s no word yet on how many books will be available this year, but if previous editions are anything to go by, expect plenty of fellow bookworms turning up early in hopes of snagging the best finds.
How does the giveaway work?
Image adapted from: Public Libraries Singapore via Facebook
Before you start planning where all the books are going to fit in your TBR pile, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Based on last year’s edition, visitors had to scan a library-compliant ID card, NLB eCard, or obtain a QR code day pass to enter the event. NLB has yet to confirm this year’s admission process, so keep an eye out on Public Libraries Singapore’s Instagram page for more details closer to the event.
The crowd at the Big Book Giveaway in 2025.
Image credit: Donny Yap via Facebook
As for the books themselves, each visitor was allowed to bring home up to 10 books for free. Participants were also given 10 minutes to browse before making their selections to keep things fair for everyone.
It’s not yet confirmed if the same rules will apply this year, but if they do, you’ll probably want to head in with a rough idea of what genres you’re after.
Can I donate my pre-loved books?
Image adapted from: Public Libraries Singapore via Facebook
Yes! Free up shelf space to make way for new reads by donating your pre-loved books at the event. This donation drive was only introduced in recent years, so it’s a great chance to pass your books on to someone who might enjoy them next.
Visitors could donate up to 50 books at the Big Book Giveaway 2025. Just make sure your donations meet NLB’s guidelines. Religious materials, textbooks, magazines, annual reports, DVDs, CDs, other audiovisual materials, as well as damaged or heavily worn books won’t be accepted.
Mark your calendar for the Big Book Giveaway
Image credit: LiAn LiAn via Facebook
We’ll update this article once more details are released. In the meantime, it might be time to clear some space on your bookshelf – you’ll need the extra room for your next stack of reads.
Admission: Free
Date: 19th & 20th Sep 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Venue: The Plaza, Level 1, National Library Building
More articles bookworms need to check out:
- Stories by the Beach roving library at Sentosa
- Bookstores to use your SG Culture Pass
- Newly revamped Bukit Batok Library
Cover image adapted from: Public Libraries Singapore via Facebook