The NLB Big Book Giveaway 2026 returns this September. Readers hunting for free books in Singapore get another shot at building their shelf.
The NLB Big Book Giveaway is an annual event Organised by the National Library Board. The NLB clears out pre-loved books from its collections (mostly older editions) and hands them to the public instead of keeping them in storage.
Tables get organised by genre. Last year’s picks covered fantasy mystery and adult non-fiction plus Mother Tongue titles for kids and adults. NLB will confirm this year’s categories closer to the date so treat the 2025 lineup as a preview.
It’s one of several Singapore library events under the National Reading Movement that lets the public dig into NLB’s collections outside the usual library visit.
The 2026 edition is the two-day event runs 19 and 20 September 2026 at The Plaza in the National Library Building. The time and admission details are yet to be announced.
@wonderwallsg Did you attempt - or do you plan to attempt - making it into the @NLB Singapore National Library Board's Big Book Giveaway this weekend? 📚 Turns out all of Singapore is willing to queue 3 hours in the rain to browse through 60,000 pre-loved books! Guess this goes to show how much we love reading (and free things) 😮 #NLB30 #LOLA2025 #NLBsg #BigBookGiveaway #booktok ♬ original sound - Wonderwall.sg
How Many Books Were Given Away in 2025?
The 2025 edition was NLB’s biggest giveaway yet according to NLB’s media release marking the event’s 10th edition, with around 60,000 books going out over the weekend.
It also marked the 10th edition of the event and lined up with NLB’s 30th anniversary.
There’s no official book count yet for the NLB Big Book Giveaway 2026. NLB will confirm the final selection and quantity closer to the date.
How Many Books Can You Take?
2026 rules are still pending. Here’s what happened in 2025 for reference.
Visitors entered using a library-linked ID, an NLB eCard or a QR day pass. They got 10 minutes to browse and could take up to 10 books each.
Treat these as 2025 numbers only. NLB usually drops updated rules closer to the giveaway.
Can You Donate Your Own Books?
The giveaway doubles as an NLB book donation drop-off point for pre-loved books SG readers want to pass on.
2025’s guidelines capped donations at 50 books per person. Excluded items included religious texts, textbooks, magazines, annual reports, and AV media like DVDs and CDs. Anything visibly damaged was excluded too.
@paperbacksplease tysm @NLB Singapore 😘 #booktok #singapore ♬ Walking Around - Eldar Kedem
National Library Building events run busy year-round but the Big Book Giveaway stands out for readers chasing free books in Singapore without spending a cent.
Pencil this in. Bring a tote bag, clear some shelf space and keep an eye on Public Libraries Singapore’s Facebook page for the final rules before you go.
