The next time that you’re at City Square Mall and looking for a quiet spot, pay a visit to the City Square Mall Sit-n-Read Node on Level 3, a collaboration between the National Library Board and Rakuten Kobo.
City Square Mall Sit-n-Read Node
The City Square Mall Sit-n-Read Node features brightly coloured furnishing that invites visitors to sit and linger. Located on the Level 3, in between the nets of Airzone Singapore and the open atrium void, is the first of its kind where patrons can browse popular eBooks through the Kobo eReader devices on display, alongside dedicated seating areas, reading nooks, and shelves with NLB pre-loved books.
The collaboration with Kobo is part of National Library Board’s ongoing efforts to champion reading in Singapore and build a nation of readers under its ReadSG initiative by making reading more exciting, accessible, and integrated into everyday spaces.
Kobo Readers with Bite-sized Previews
There are a variety of brightly coloured cushioned seats and nooks that house the Kobo eReaders. You can crawl inside the various cosy spaces and try out the mounted Kobo eReaders.
To better encourage patrons to get in their 15 minutes of daily reading, the Kobo eReaders at the City Square Mall Sit-n-Read Node offer bite-sized previews of a curated digital collection, allowing patrons to browse genres and content they may not have previously considered.
Readers can then borrow the full eBooks via an interactive eReads screen with their NLB Mobile app, and continue to read on their personal devices on the go.
Curated Reads for Adults and Children
In addition, just as with other Sit-n-Read notes, patrons can enjoy a curated collection of physical pre-loved books for both adults and children.
The books for children are displayed on low shelves so that kids can browse through the displayed books on their own.
The pre-loved books can be taken home without borrowing, but everyone is encouraged to bring the books back too, so others can have a chance to read them as well.
Partnering to Encourage Singaporeans to Pick Up the Reading Habit
NLB’s Chief Executive Officer Melissa Tam said: “As part of our efforts for the ReadSG movement to continue encouraging Singaporeans to pick up the reading habit, NLB is excited to work together with partners like Rakuten Kobo to build a strong reading culture in Singapore and to create more opportunities for everyone to rediscover and enjoy reading. By bringing Sit-n-Read Nodes into high-footfall lifestyle spaces like City Square Mall, we are transforming ordinary spaces into inviting reading corners where people can discover books and enjoy a good read wherever they go.”
Julian Chou, General Manager of Rakuten Kobo Asia, said: “Reading often begins with a small moment of curiosity – a cover that catches your eye, a passage that stays with you or a story someone recommends. Through our collaboration with NLB, we want to create more of those moments in everyday life. Bringing Kobo eReaders together with NLB’s collections gives visitors a chance to explore digital reading for themselves and discover how a good book can become part of their daily routine.”
The Sit-n-Read Node at City Square Mall will run for six months from 19 October 2026 until 11 April 2027.
City Square Mall Sit-n-Read Node
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm daily (including public holidays)
Where: City Square Mall, #03-58, 180 Kitchener Rd, Singapore 208539
