NLB Book Sale 2011 @ Singapore Expo

The library book sale by NLB is here again! This is always a hot event, attended by a huge crowd where many people jostle for space to grab books. Well the reason for the huge crowd is simply because there are many good books (used library books) for sale at an extremely cheap price. The free admission also encouraged people to drop by for a look.

 The prices for the books are as follow (extracted from NLB site), and payment is by cash, NETS or cashcard only. No credit cards for payment I believe.

• English and Chinese books will cost $2 per copy;
• Malay and Tamil books will cost $1 per copy;
• English and Chinese magazines will cost $5 for a pack of 10 issues; and
• Malay and Tamil magazines will cost $5 for a pack of 20 issues.

The many times I attended the event, I managed to grab books and magazines. Often, folks who attended this Library Book Sale will first grab a huge armload of books, before sorting out the books they want at the side of the event. No worries if you are not able to reach the Library Book Sale early, since the librarians will push out new carts of books every now and then. NLB has also tied up with a delivery company to help those with too many books; convenient transportation from the Expo to the doorstep at a price of course.

P.S.: Saw the news that the previous limit of maximum 60 books per person has been lifted for this Book Sale.

For those who are interested to attend the event, here are the details: 
Date: Saturday, 23 July 2011 - Sunday, 24 July 2011
Time: 9.30am - 8.00pm
Venue: Singapore Expo Hall 4A

Related post:
- NLB Book Exchange 2011

NLB Book Exchange 2011 - Part 2

Last Saturday was the NLB Book Exchange at the Plaza, NLB Building. Armed with a few coupons (exchangeable for 8 books) I attended the event. Yes it was crowded but quite orderly. Every now and then, the NLB staff would pushed out new carts of books, and everyone would crowd around to have a first 'grab' of the 'newly arrived' stocks.

There were books of all kinds, including what I considered as popular books. I saw the Lord of the Rings, as well as the 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' series. There were also some popular comics among the Chinese fiction section. I grabbed only 4 books and forfeited the rest of the coupons ( I handled them over to the NLB staff) since I don't think I can read that many books. Nonetheless there were folks with trolleys and big bags.

Here's a few photos taken at the Plaza of NLB Building on 16th April 2011:

I was very impressed by the thoughtfulness of the NLB Book Exchange organisers. Although they stated that bags would not be given for the event, i.e. bring your own bags, there was actually a pile of used / extra bags at the exit of the Book Exchange section. Thus anyone who need bags could grab one - i.e. bags recycling in action. If I had known, I would have brought over a number of such paper bags to 'donate' to others as well.

Other than bags, the organisers were also giving away bottled drinks in exchange for feedback forms. For those who did not provide feedback forms, they could grab 'Newater' provided by the PUB instead. So those folks who had stayed at the Books Exchange event for hours, they would be able to quench their thirst (yes it was hot and humid) upon exiting the place.

I think I will return next year for NLB Book Exchange 2012, and maybe 'exchange' the four books I grabbed for other books. We can all do our part for recycling yah... lolz.

See also:
- NLB Book Exchange 2011

NLB Book Exchange 2011

During my visit to the library I found out that NLB is organising the Book Exchange 2011 this month. This is a great idea, as I think there are people with bookshelf full of books that they no longer need, and who do not mind exchanging them for other books of interest to them. Ahem, I think I have some books of such nature on my shelves.

The actual book exchange event will take place on the 16 April 2011, and for those interested, just follow the steps below (summarised from the NLB booklet):

a) Bring the used books to any public library from 2 April to 15 April, and redeem for book exchange coupon that indicates the no. of 1 for 1 book exchange; and

b) Bring the coupons (and your bags for those with a lot of books) to The Plaza (ground floor) of National Library Building (the one next to Bugis Junction) on 16 April to redeem for books.

Some points to note:
- textbooks, mags and audio-visual stuff not accepted
- used library books from previous Library Book sales accepted (in ok condition)... I have quite a number of those
- max. of 50 books per pax can be exchanged

Judging from the photos from previous years, I think it will be a very crowded Plaza on the 16 April.

See also:
- NLB Book Exchange 2011 Part 2

e-Books, lucky draws... by the public library

The public libraries are getting more innovative in their service offerings. It is quite interesting to read that the library offers an 'digital books borrowing' service. I think that is a great initiative. Well I do have an account, but let me try to recall my password first :p Their website featuring the many different titles do look attractive. Now I wonder if I should buy a Sony Reader to read books on the go. The different versions with 5" to 7" sells for between S$200-S$350. Quite expensive for a 'book reader' I would say. Maybe at the next IT show there will be discounts.

Other than the digital library concept, I've also seen a number of lucky draws where borrower of 4 books would be entitled to a lucky draw ticket. Nope I didn't win anything from the draw. The Marine Parade branch even have trading card games to give away should the person borrow 4 books (no I didn't get any).

Going to the library is indeed a hip thing to do, and yes they do need more seats and tables. Couches and quiet reading rooms would be great!

Book Exchange at the NLB - 25 Apr 09

National Library is launching their first Book Exchange at the main National Library (i.e. the one opposite Bugis Junction, next to Bras Basah) on 25 Apr 09!

Bring your old books from 11 to 24 Apr to any of the libraries and you would be given a coupon, which can be used on the 25 Apr to exchange for other used books. Textbooks, magazines and such are not accepted though. Up to 30 books may be exchange per person. The Book Exchange event will take place at The Plaza, i.e. the first floor. I think there will be a huge crowd, just like the NLB old books sale events.

I do have a number of old books, mostly bought from 2nd hand book sales at Bras Basah, and I guess this is a good chance to get new 'used' books. More details can be found at NLB's news release.

Afternote: The event attracted about 5000plus people, quite a big crowd!