Most Singaporeans may remember heading to a public library as kids and reading countless books in the children’s corner. Or perhaps you’ve spent your schooling days holing up in a corner of the library completing Ten-Year Series books.
The National Library Board (NLB) has been part of our lives for 30 years, and they’re now commemorating this anniversary with Chapters: A Libraries and Archives Game, a new card game that you can get for free.
Image credit: @publiclibrarysg via Instagram
Chapters is a tabletop game where you compete to build your own library. Grab your friends for a quick round of bookish fun – this game can be played in groups of 2-4 players, and each round takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.
The game is almost like an interactive history class, where each adorably designed element is a reference to NLB’s 30-year history.
For instance, there are friend cards that feature the Sleepy Uncle dozing off in the reading corner, the Socket Hoarder charging every device you can think of, and the Noisy Kid running between all the shelves.
You might recognise some common library-goers with these friend cards.
Image credit: @publiclibrarysg via Instagram
Site cards of iconic local libraries will be your base, and feature cards highlighting past NLB initiatives and events will help you improve your library. For extra support, you can even call Molly the Mobile Library.
Collect friend cards to invite visitors to your library to accumulate hearts, and win by getting the most hearts by the end of the game.
Once you’re familiar with the rules, spice up your next round with different game modes. The game set includes add-ons like Not Safe For Libraries (NSFL) Events and Libraries and Archives Site Abilities for some extra chaos and strategy.
Check out the full Chapters rulebook.
Image credit: NLB
People who meet the following criteria can redeem the card game for free:
Don’t worry if you’re not a member yet – Singaporeans can register for membership for free, while permanent residents can register for $10.69.
The next redemption period for Chapters will be on 14th and 15th March, from 10am-6pm. If you can’t make it for this round, mark your calendar for the next redemption period on 11th and 12th April, from 10am-6pm.
We recommend redeeming the game as soon as possible, as there is limited stock available.
You can redeem Chapters at the Central Library, about a 5-minute walk from Bugis MRT Station. The redemption booth will be next to the SG Alcove.
If you’ve ever dreamt of owning your own “library”, then this is your chance. Head down to the Central Library to get your own Chapters set, and maybe pick up your next read too.
For more reads:
Cover image adapted from: @publiclibrarysg via Instagram
There are also occasional community events like writer circles and author talks.
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