NLB offering one-time waiver of fines incurred before Sep. 6 & free book delivery service

The National Library Board (NLB) is offering a one-time waiver of outstanding fines for patrons who have incurred fines before Sep. 6, 2025.

Currently, patrons with outstanding fines are unable to borrow items.

For those with no outstanding fines incurred before Sep. 6, 2025, NLB is also offering a one complimentary order of Borrow-n-Deliver service (worth S$8.72, inclusive of GST).

These initiatives are in celebration of NLB's 30th anniversary and aim to encourage more people to explore the resources in the libraries.

How do you get this one-time waiver?

Patrons with overdue library items may have their fines waived so long as they return the items by Sep. 14, 2025, and borrow at least one item, either physical or digital, by Dec. 31, 2025 (excluding loan renewal).

Patrons can regain full borrowing privileges after connecting with NLB again.

NLB said this is the first time it's offering such a waiver.

Currently, patrons with outstanding fines are unable to borrow items.

Borrow-n-Delivery service

Those with no outstanding fines can enjoy one-time free Borrow-n-Deliver service from Sep. 6 to Dec. 31, 2025.

These book lovers can have up to four library items delivered to their doorstep for free.

300 complimentary slots will be released every week, with a total of more than 4,000 slots available, on a first-come, first-served basis until Dec. 31, 2025.

Each patron can redeem the complimentary service once.

Island-wide celebrations in light of NLB's 30th anniversary

In light of NLB's 30th anniversary, the statutory board will also be having island-wide celebrations across its network of libraries and archives.

The main event, themed “NLB30: A Celebration of Connections”, took place at the National Library Building Plaza and was graced by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo.

Around 1,400 NLB staff, alumni, volunteers, partners, and patrons gathered across NLB’s libraries, National Archives, and Former Ford Factory to celebrate the milestone.

At the event, two special commemorative item collections were launched for sale, including a collaboration with homegrown Singaporean brand Triologie, and another featuring popular characters from NLB’s well-loved Book Bugs reading programme.

Commemorative items include a vintage Kraft tote bag, a retro video cassette ceramic coaster set, a foldable valet tray, and more.

These items can be purchased in person for a limited time at a booth in the lobby of the National Library Building from Sep. 6 to Sep. 29, 2025.

Those who are unable to make it on those dates can purchase the items at roving pop-ups visiting various locations from September onwards.

Alternatively, the commemorative items can be purchased via NLB's newly-launched online store on Shopee.

NLB has also worked with volunteers and partners to develop a physical card game, "Chapters: A Libraries and Archives Game", where players can build their own dream library or archives.

Interested gamers can indicate their interest via the mailing list here.

More information on the upcoming NLB’s annual Love Our Libraries and Archives (LOLA) programmes can be found here.

Top image via NLB/Facebook