NLB teams up with Rakuten Kobo for new hybrid reading space in City Square Mall

Patrons will be able to browse e-books using Kobo e-readers at City Square Mall’s Sit-n-Read Node, as well as read pre-loved physical books.

 PHOTO: NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD

SINGAPORE – A new space offering people the chance to browse both physical and e-books was launched in City Square Mall in Little India on Oct 19 to encourage people to read more.

In a media release on the same day, the National Library Board (NLB) said it has teamed up with e-book and e-reader provider Rakuten Kobo – in its first standalone presence here – to create a hybrid Sit-n-Read Node from Oct 19 to April 11, 2027.

Located on the mall’s third floor and open from 10am to 10pm daily, patrons will be able to browse e-books using Kobo e-readers there, along with NLB’s pre-loved physical books at dedicated seating areas and reading nooks.

The e-readers will offer readers snippets from a curated digital collection, in the hope that they explore new genres and content.

If they find something they like, they can borrow the full e-books via the NLB Mobile app and continue to read on their personal devices on the go, NLB said.

Pre-loved physical books are also available for all ages and can be taken home without borrowing. However, NLB said it encourages everyone to bring the books back, so others can have a chance to read them as well.

This initiative is part of NLB’s ongoing efforts to promote reading here and build a nation of readers under its ReadSG initiative by making reading more exciting, accessible and integrated into everyday spaces, the board added.