The next time you are a mall, you may come across a cosy and inviting space filled with books. These Sit-n-Read Nodes are self-service spaces that feature regularly updated pre-loved collection, designed to promote reading.
Sit-n-Read Nodes are an initiative by National Library Board, in partnership with seven different malls and social enterprises.
Sit-n-Read Nodes in the Malls: Book Reading Spaces
Everyone is invited to discover more than 3,000 pre-loved books at new Sit-n-Read Nodes around Singapore.
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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 it as well.
Each Node will be open for a few months to a year, depending on the location. The initiative is also expected to be found in more locations over time.
Where to find the Sit-n-Read Nodes
The current Sit-n-Read Nodes can be found in the following locations:
- AMK Hub (Level 4)
- Margaret Market (Level 2)
- SAFRA Punggol (Level 3 Atrium & Level 4 Members’ Chillax Lounge)
- SAFRA Yishun (Level 1)
- The Caffeine Experience, The URA Centre (#01-01)
- The Centrepoint (#02-49)
- The Star Vista (The Open Stage, #01-27)
For a start, each Node will feature about 400 books comprising a mix of fiction and non-fiction titles for both children and adults.
Titles in Chinese, Malay and Tamil are available at selected Nodes including AMK Hub, SAFRA Punggol, SAFRA Yishun, The Centrepoint and The Star Vista.
The Node at The Caffeine Experience features books for adults to cater to the location’s audience of working adults.
In total, there are more than 3,000 pre-loved books, which are generally older editions of titles from NLB’s collections.
Access eResources at the Sit-n-Read Nodes
Patrons can also access eResources at the Sit-n-Read Nodes at AMK Hub, Margaret Market, SAFRA Punggol, SAFRA Yishun, The Centrepoint and The Star Vista.
This includes discovering more eBooks through the eReads screens displaying a curated list of eBooks.
MagNode, a physical display standee, also offers an array of eMagazines and eNewspapers.
By scanning the QR codes on the eReads screens and the MagNodes, patrons can access a rich digital collection of books, magazines and newspapers which they can read anywhere on the go.
Cosy Reading Corners
Each Node also offers cosy reading corners for patrons to sit and read.
As part of NLB’s sustainability efforts, some of the furnishings at the Nodes are repurposed from the libraries and past NLB events.
Patrons can read the books without having to borrow. Once finished, they are encouraged to return the books to the Nodes so more patrons can enjoy the collection as well.
Growing the Love for Reading
The Sit-n-Read Nodes have been opening progressively since August 2025 and are the latest development in NLB’s Nodes strategy, first rolled out in 2021 to bring reading and discovery opportunities even closer to more people.
The Nodes are a key building block of NLB’s LAB (Libraries and Archives Blueprint) vision, which seeks to build a network of accessible reading spaces across Singapore.
Through these Nodes, NLB aims to integrate storytelling into everyday spaces, and invites everyone, from avid bookworms to emerging readers, to grow their love for reading.
NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Melissa-May Tam, said: “Over the past few years, our Nodes have been bringing our resources closer to where people are, encouraging everyone to make reading a part of their lives. We are encouraged by the response so far, including from our various venue partners who have opened up their spaces for reading and learning opportunities. With Sit-n-Read Nodes, we also aim to give our pre-loved books a second life while fostering a culture of lifelong reading within the community.”
Learn more about the NLB’s Sit-n-Read Nodes.
