Programmes
LearnX
Explore programmes on reading and literature. Dive into the literary classics and popular fiction, meet writers and connect with like-minded individuals!
Click on the image below to attend our literary arts programmes, whether in-person or online!
Learn about our signature reading events and watch recordings of past series here!
One Story
One Story is a National Reading Movement initiative to make Singapore short stories - originally written in Tamil, Malay and Chinese - available in the other languages.
Find out more here.
Reading in the Age of Distraction
Reading in the Age of Distraction (RAD) is a series of conversations featuring acclaimed local and international thinkers on the science of reading, and reading well in the digital age.
2024 - In the third edition of RAD, we dissect the latest digital trends that shape how we read such as audiobooks, BookTok and AI.
2022 - In the second edition of RAD, we discuss focused reading, and how to cultivate it.
2021 - In the first edition of RAD, we discuss the concept of how the medium affects how we read, and reflected on content adults are reading nowadays such as social media and news.
Find out more here.
Read Fest!
Read! Fest is NLB's signature event to encourage Singaporeans to be acquainted or re-acquainted with reading in English and the Mother Tongue languages. Held annually as part of the National Reading Movement, Read! Fest features Singapore and International writing of different genres, promoted through a programme line-up celebrating reading with author talks, panel sessions, workshops and reading trails.
Find out more here.
A Bridge to the Classics
Ever wanted to read a classic but felt too intimidated to take the plunge? A Bridge to the Classics is a lecture series that aims to introduce and demystify beloved works of literature. This series will equip attendees with the title’s literary and historical contexts and connect these classics to our lives today.
Check out the Playlist here.
Beyond Text
Beyond Text is NLB's brand-new literary arts series that delves into the multisensory experience of reading in today's world. Discover how creators, writers, curators and academics engage audiences through written and visual storytelling on topics like arts, wellness, sustainability, and data literacy. From webcomics to art exhibitions, this series offers a diverse range of perspectives and insights into how we encounter words and images today.
Check out the Playlist here.
Worth the Hype
“Worth the Hype?” is a literary arts series that spotlights popular works of contemporary world fiction and asks the titular question: are they worth the hype? Each session will centre on bestselling works of literary fiction where the panel will discuss the literary merits and commercial appeal of a chosen book.
Check out the Playlist here.
Unique for Older Learners
Bond Through Stories
Bond Through Stories promotes inter-generational bonding through reading and sharing of personal experiences, stories and memories between the younger generations and seniors. This programme can take place in the libraries and also at places where the seniors are.
Reading Concerts
Through the appreciation of songs and music, the Reading Concert Series welcome the audience to read more about the history, culture behind the songs and develop a deeper appreciation of reading and the written word via the musical compositions.
For more details on upcoming reading and writing-related programmes, click here.