In a bid to foster a culture of reading, Singapore's National Library Board (NLB) recently introduced the ReadSG campaign. Officially launched on September 6, this five-year initiative aims to encourage at least 150,000 participants to read for 15 minutes daily.
A New Approach to Reading
The campaign coincides with the inaugural National Reading Month. It seeks to address a concerning statistic: only 30% of Singaporean adults read books weekly, as highlighted in NLB’s 2024 National Reading Habits Study.
We want to call attention to the benefits of long-form reading, as well as the importance of making it a daily habit.
Melissa Tam, CEO, National Library Board
- Participants can earn redeemable points through the CrowdTaskSG platform.
- Points can be converted into monetary rewards or donated to charities like Kids Read.
The rewards system is designed to motivate individuals who may struggle to carve out time for reading. NLB's CEO, Melissa Tam, explained that the campaign emphasizes the mental benefits of long-form reading, which can enhance critical thinking and imagination.
Tam noted that the digital age often promotes quick consumption of information, leading to a decline in attention spans. By promoting daily reading, the initiative hopes to counteract this trend.
Building a Community of Readers
The ReadSG campaign also highlights the significance of community in developing reading habits. Tam suggested that joining book clubs and discussing literature can deepen engagement and sustainability in reading.
She stressed the importance of reading as a shared experience, especially for families. Encouraging parents to read with their children can create lasting memories and a love for literature.
It’s important that parents make reading fun and enjoyable with their children, something that they do together as a family.
Melissa Tam, CEO, National Library Board
As the ReadSG movement unfolds, it hopes to not only transform reading habits but also inspire a new generation to appreciate the value of literature.