The National Library Board (NLB) has poured in major investments lately to encourage reading among Singaporeans.
In January, the NLB unveiled the new Library@harbourfront, housed in VivoCity with stunning seaside views.
But seems like that’s just the start of the good news this year.
On Tuesday (5 Mar), Senior Minister of State for Communication and Information Sim Ann announced that the physical book quotas for library users will be doubled from 8 to 16, starting 1 Apr.
This brings the total number of books, which includes e-books to 32.
The new changes will affect users with basic library membership, which is free for all Singaporeans.
Under the current system, users can borrow up to 8 physical items from public libraries which includes books, magazines, and even music scores.
During school holidays, basic members can borrow twice as many physical items.
The quota for e-books is fixed at 16 for basic members regardless of when they borrow.
Users can borrow these items for a maximum duration of 21 days.
During school holidays, users can borrow twice as many physical items, allowing users to borrow 16 physical books, on top of the 16 e-books.
Minister Sim Ann also added during her parliamentary speech that the doubling of quota during school holidays has been well received over the years.
In her words,
Each time we run this, we consistently get great feedback from our users who take advantage… to read and borrow more.
But starting April, this doubling of physical book quota will no longer be exclusive to school holidays and will be extended all year round.
In general, netizens responded positively to the increase in book quota.
This netizen felt that the new policy will go a long way in encouraging reading among the young.
Some netizens felt that the NLB should consider extending the loan period instead.
One netizen also suggested that the NLB should encourage readers to borrow e-books over physical books.
With the new increase in book quota, perhaps it’s time to jio your partner to a date at the nearest library.
Not to worry if you’re single, you will be in good company of quality books at the library, so you won’t have to worry about feeling alone.
Guess we’ll see you there then!
Also read:
Featured image from Smart Industry Singapore.
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