NLB to host giveaway of 60,000 pre-loved books on Sep. 13 & 14

The National Library Board (NLB) will be giving away 60,000 second-hand books at the Plaza of the National Library Building as part of its annual Big Book Giveaway.

The giveaway will run on the weekend of Sep. 13 and 14, 2025, from 10am to 4pm.

This is the largest number of books given away to date.

They come from the library's collections and are generally older editions.

Admission is free, and visitors may bring home up to 10 books per person.

The books will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to expect

The books will be sorted into different categories, and there will be a wide variety of genres, ranging from fantasy, science fiction, mystery and adult non-fiction.

There will also be various Mother Tongue children's and adult books.

A dedicated section of books about and from Singapore will also be available.

Donate your books too

Members of the public who would like to donate their books can do so at the event, and can drop up to 50 books off on both dates.

Those donating their books should not provide religious materials, textbooks, magazines, annual reports, DVDs, CDs, AV materials or damaged/worn-out items.

Additionally, NLB will donate second-hand books to community partners and international institutions.

"As it is NLB's 30th anniversary and SG60 too, we want to make it extra special by doubling the number of books to be given away," said NLB Chief Executive Officer Ng Cher Pong.

"We hope this event, along with other things we offer at NLB, will continue to spark a love for reading among Singaporeans."

Top photos via Google Maps & NLB/Facebook