Get new books in exchange for your old ones

Vimita Mohandas, Channel NewsAsia 10 Apr 09;

SINGAPORE: You find that your cupboard is bursting with a mountain-load of books that you have already read. No, you will never throw them away but you are clueless as to what to do with them.

If this situation sounds familiar to you, just like how it does to me, good news is on your way.

Come April 25, the Public Libraries Singapore will be launching the first-ever Book Exchange at The Plaza, National Library Building.

This would enable you to exchange your used books with other book lovers and share the love for reading with one another. It will also give your “old” book a new lease of life.

Dr N Varaprasad, Chief Executive, National Library Board, said:” We encourage all Singaporeans to take part in this event and continue to read and broaden their perspectives. With nationwide initiatives like the Book Exchange, we hope to bring Singaporeans together to share resources with one another and cultivate a passion for continual learning, especially during this economic downturn.”

To participate, members of the public can drop off their used books at any public library from 11 to 24 April, in exchange for book exchange coupons. These coupons will permit you with a one-for-one exchange.

So it’s all books galore on 25 April, where the public can bring their coupons to the Book Exchange to redeem used books dropped off by other book lovers.

Each person can exchange up to a maximum of 30 used books at the event, which will be held at The Plaza, National Library Building, from 10.30am to 6pm.

Books accepted for participation include children’s and adults’ fiction and non-fiction books in any of the four official languages. Textbooks, magazines and audio-visual items are excluded.

A reminder: Be sure to bring along your own bags as no carrier bags will be provided at the Book Exchange to complement this recycling intent.

For more information on Book Exchange, members of the public can visit www.pl.sg, send an email to: helpdesk@nlb.gov.sg or call NLB helpdesk at 6332 3255. - CNA/vm

Recycle Your Reading - Used books become new reads at the Book Exchange!
Public Libraries website

Date: Sat, 25 Apr 2009
Time: 10.30am to 6pm
Venue: The Plaza, National Library Building,100 Victoria Street

3 easy steps to exchange your used books for new reads:

1. Bring your used books to any Public Library from 11 to 24 April, 11am to 8pm. On 25 April, used books are accepted only at the National Library Building.
2. Drop off your used books and get a book exchange coupon indicating one-for-one exchange for the books accepted.
3. Bring your coupon to The Plaza, National Library Building, on 25 April to redeem for used books dropped off by other book lovers.

Terms and Conditions:

1. Each person can exchange up to a maximum of 30 used books. There is no age limit for participation.
2. We accept children's and adults' fiction and non-fiction books (eg. cookbooks, travel guides and romance novels) in any of the four official languages. We also accept used library books bought from previous Library Book Sales. Textbooks, magazines and audio-visual materials will not be accepted.
3. Used books for exchange should be in relatively good physical condition.
4. Please check your coupons carefully after they are issued to you.
5. Coupons issued are transferable. You may pass them on to your family members or friends to help you redeem.
6. Lost coupons are not replaceable. You are advised to keep your coupons properly till the event on 25 April.
7. Plastic/carrier bags and delivery service will not be provided on Sat, 25 April. You are advised to bring your own carrier bags and/or arrange for transportation of books redeemed.

For enquiries, please call NLB Helpdesk at 6332 3255 or email: helpdesk@nlb.gov.sg

Note: NLB reserves the right to change the terms and conditions at any time.