Note: This article was first published here.
We hear often the joke-comment that decries our reading pride: "Singaporeans don't read one lah, only one book a year!" But according to a 2016 reading habits survey conducted by the National Library Board, 69% of Singaporeans have read at least one book in 2016. Most readers have a stronger preference towards non-fiction topics while 57% of the readers read fiction books. The bottom line? We do read, especially now with online articles aplenty, news online, and Facebook articles - though we can't really "count" those reads.
But ask a Singaporean, "Have you read a Singaporean book?" and you may get confused looks and raised eyebrows. Even though Singapore Literature is introduced in primary and secondary-school level English and Literature classes, many Singaporeans don't really go beyond that after graduating. They may know the revered few, like books by Catherine Lim, Alfian Sa'at, Amanda Lee Koe, Cyril Wong, Gwee Li Sui or the Crazy Rich Asians book series by Singaporean Kevin Kwan - but what about the new and upcoming ones?
That's why #BuySingLit, an industry-led movement from Singapore, is continuously cracking their brains to engage Singaporeans to not just read more, but read more local books.
Our local books scene is actually bustling, but mostly from the inside. Avid readers may take to it more readily than non-readers, and perhaps that's why the Singaporean local reading circle is seemingly 'closed up'. In recent years, however, we're seeing more and more reading movements, festivals and reading fests popping up. Instead of leaving non-readers alone, #BuySingLit has been working with many organisations to make Singapore Literature more accessible to people who assume that all kinds of Singaporean Literature is "boring" or "too-uppity", or to people who don't necessarily like reading.
#BuySingLit has lined up over 50 activities over two weekends from 8-10 March and 15-17 March 2019. This year, LocalBooks.sg is collaborating with Grab by allowing for GrabRewards to be used to claim "Mystery Books"! So whether you're a driver or a rider, you can now have access to Singaporean Literature books that have been carefully curated for the wider community. How fun and cool is that?
The Sing Lit Cloud printers is an exciting new initiative by #BuySingLit too, which will see little "self-ordering" printers not unlike the ones at MacDonalds or Burger King. They'll be situated at Mapletree Business City, Our Tampines Hub and library@Harbourfront during the #BuySingLit weekends. If you miss them during that period, don't panic - they'll still be rotated to other locations too!
There are also a whole bunch of activities and events, like book-theme visits to the zoo and farm, a Malay Book Fair at newly launched Wisma Geylang Serai, tea with writers, music performances, terrarium workshops along with poetry, puppet shows, and so many more! The two anchor events not to be missed are: The Textures festival and the books bazaar at The Arts House. For more information about #BuySingLit 2019, visit the website here.
1st Weekend Programme: 8-10 March 2019, click here.
2nd Weekend Programme: 15-17 March 2019, click here.
You see, reading is like handing a person a piece of puzzle to place into their puzzle set of perspectives. By reading, we open up our world. Singaporeans, like most Asians, may not like sharing our innermost thoughts publicly, but reading gives us the camaraderie we secretly crave for. Join us, whether you're a reader or not, for a fun-filled, eye-opening experience with our local landscape. See you there!
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