NLB Big Book Giveaway – 60,000 pre-loved books up for grabs

10th edition of popular event to be held at National Library Building

NLB Big Book Giveaway 2025

In celebration of NLB’s 30th anniversary, this year’s Big Book Giveaway (BBG) will see 60,000 pre-loved books – the highest number to date – for everyone to grab over the weekend of 13 and 14 September 2025. The mega book giveaway at the Plaza of the National Library Building this year will also mark the 10th year of NLB’s efforts to extend the lifespan of books, and spreading the joy of reading to even more Singaporeans.

These pre-loved books are from the library’s collections, and are generally older editions. Patrons at the BBG can expect to pick from a selection of genres ranging from fantasy and science fiction to mystery and adult non-fiction, as well as various Mother Tongue books for children and adults. Books will be sorted into categories, with a dedicated section for books about and from Singapore. This special section will spotlight and celebrate the works about Singapore as we celebrate SG60 this year too.

NLB Big Book Giveaway Image credit: National Library Board

This year, the Big Book Giveaway is being organised as a single large-scale event, with previous editions spread across several library branches. Last year’s event drew some 6,000 participants.

In the spirit of sharing and sustainability, NLB is also inviting members of the public who would like to donate their books to do so at the event for the second year running. They can drop off up to 50 books off on both dates of the BBG. Those who wish to donate their books should note not to provide religious materials, textbooks, magazines, annual reports, DVDs, CDs, AV materials and damaged or worn-out items.

NLB Preloved Book Giveaway Image credit: National Library Board

In addition to the Big Book Giveaway, NLB also donates pre-loved books to community partners and international institutions. Over the years, the library has donated to 130 local community partners and international institutions, ensuring these books continue to benefit readers.

NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Cher Pong, said: “We know many of our patrons still enjoy the touch of physical books for reading at leisure. Our popular Big Book Giveaway is therefore eagerly anticipated by many. 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. We hope this event, along with other things we offer at NLB, will continue to spark a love for reading among Singaporeans!”

The Big Book Giveaway is part of a suite of programmes under the Love Our Libraries & Archives (LOLA) initiative, a month-long series of library programmes aimed at strengthening the connections between the community, and the library and archives. LOLA is part of NLB’s ongoing journey under the Libraries & Archives Blueprint 2025 (LAB25), a five-year plan aimed at reimagining libraries and archives in Singapore.

Event details

📅 13 & 14 Sep 2025
🕙 10am – 4pm
📍 National Library Building, Plaza
🏷 Admission is free

Visitors may bring home 10 books per person. The books are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

To participate, visitors may scan their library-compliant ID card, NLB eCard or request for a QR code day pass. For more information about Big Book Giveaway, please visit here.

The event is assisted by volunteers who can sign up here.

September School Holiday

It is the one-week September school break. Do check out our compilation of things to do this September School Holidays 2025.