\nPresident Tharman Shanmugaratnam (centre) and his spouse, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam (centre, right), at the launch of ReadSG on Sept 6. With them are Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo (second from left) and Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam (far right).<\/p>\n
ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
NLB said ReadSG aims to help Singaporeans develop sustainable reading habits through small and achievable steps, beginning with 15 minutes of reading each day.<\/p>\n
Its chief executive, Melissa Tam, said the movement comes at a time when people have access to an abundance of content and information, but may spend less time engaging deeply with what they read.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe live in a world of extraordinary abundance, of content, information and stimulation,\u201d she said. \u201cAt any moment, we can scroll through hundreds of headlines, watch a video or get a summary of almost anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
But she said regular long-form reading helps develop skills such as critical thinking, imagination, empathy and attention. \u201cWe know that habits are built through small, consistent actions. So, we are starting with a simple goal \u2013 just read for 15 minutes a day. On the bus, before bed or over lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n
NLB aims to attract 150,000 users to the challenge by September 2027. Participants can collect bonus rewards, including limited-edition library charms, by attending selected NLB and partner events between September and November.<\/p>\n
The Saturday Book Club founder Lee Jia Li told The Straits Times that 15 minutes a day is a good start to get people to realise that reading can be easy.<\/p>\n
She pointed to how other countries are trying to boost their national reading cultures, such as in South Korea, where areas in parks and near rivers are transformed into reading sites in good weather. In Japan, books are commonly found in settings like cafes and trains for easy access.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is so much potential to go further from here, and I hope we eventually land on a tradition of our own in Singapore.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reading done under the challenge in September will also count towards Read for Good, NLB\u2019s annual charity reading drive.<\/p>\n
Previously known as Read for Books, the initiative is targeting 7.5 million reading minutes in 2026 to raise up to $150,000 for less privileged communities.<\/p>\n
From Sept 6 to Oct 7, every 15 minutes of reading logged each day will contribute to the fund-raising effort.<\/p>\n
Tam said NLB hopes the charity drive will benefit 10,000 individuals.<\/p>\n
The funds will support kidsREAD, MINDS and Preschool Market by providing reading and learning aids, in addition to book donations from sponsors.<\/p>\n
ReadSG is supported by more than 40 partners and advocates, including the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), Ministry of Education, Agency for Integrated Care, National Arts Council, People\u2019s Association, Singapore Book Publishers Association, SPH Media and Mediacorp.<\/p>\n
ECDA chief executive Ku Geok Boon said reading regularly from a young age helps children develop attention, curiosity and imagination.<\/p>\n
\u201cECDA is happy to partner NLB on ReadSG to inspire more families to make reading with their little ones a daily habit,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The movement will also reach out to older Singaporeans. Agency for Integrated Care chief executive Tan Chee Wee said it hopes to encourage more seniors to make reading a daily habit through its network of Active Ageing Centres.<\/p>\n
SPH Media chief executive Chan Yeng Kit said that the national news company\u2019s multi-language coverage in English, Chinese Malay, and Tamil allows it to connect with communities across every generation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are proud to join hands with NLB and other partners for ReadSG to champion critical thinking, celebrate storytelling and nurture a lifelong love for reading across Singapore.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other ReadSG initiatives include Readers Assemble: A Marvel Festival, the Time of Your Life Celebration and A Book A Day.<\/p>\n
Tam said: \u201cThis is a multi-year national reading movement, and we are thinking long term. Not just about the first book someone picks up, but about what it looks like five years from now, when reading has become a natural and meaningful part of everyday life for more of us.\u201d<\/p>\n