Embark On The First Ever Multi-Sensory Reading Adventure With Read! Fest 2021’S Inaugural Literary Trails At The Parks And The National Library Building

The literary trails offer a self-directed and interactive experience, which can be enjoyed with the family or in small groups in line with the ongoing COVID-19 precautionary measures in Singapore.

From today, go on a fun-filled reading adventure at our Read! Fest 2021’s very first multi-sensory self-guided literary trails at the West Coast Park (WCP), the East Coast Park (ECP), and at the ground floor Plaza of the National Library Building.

Image source: National Library Board

Organised by the National Library Board (NLB) as an extension of Read! Fest 2021, the literary trails build on this year’s theme of ‘Reboot!’ by inspiring the public to consider fresh perspectives and face challenges in life.

The literary trails offer a self-directed and interactive experience, which can be enjoyed with the family or in small groups in line with the ongoing COVID-19 precautionary measures in Singapore.

Image source: National Library Board

Titled “The Curious Adventure of The Salaryman”, participants will be led on a journey by a digital protagonist, navigating his own adventure to reinvent himself.

Daring explorers can embark on an immersive reading experience by scanning the QR codes on the uniquely designed art installations.

These installations depict the different stages of the Salaryman’s journey, its sensory elements, and quotes from four recommended English titles in Read! Fest.

Begin your journey at these starting points:
• West Coast Park: Beside McDonald’s restaurant
• East Coast Park: Beside East Coast Lagoon Food Village
• National Library Building: Plaza at level 1
All three trails will end on 31 October 2021.

Image source: National Library Board

“We are delighted to bring Read Fest! back after a year’s break, with new programmes suitable for everyone during this pandemic. For those who prefer to explore the outdoors, we have the new interactive self-guided tours for you to stretch your legs, have some fun, and yet maintain safe distancing while taking part in an unique reading experience that you can access via your mobile devices. We hope that participating in the trails will reinvigorate your love for reading.” said Ms Krist Chan, Deputy Director (Seniors & Adults), Libraries and Archives Group, NLB.

Over the past few weeks, NLB has seen over 192,000 participants and sign-ups for our Read! Fest programmes and Read for Books charity book drive. Especially with the ongoing pandemic, NLB hopes to create a novel and safe experience through the literary trails to encourage everyone to “Read More,” “Read Widely” and “Read Together,” in line with our National Reading Movement.

Image source: National Library Board

As the literary trails are designed to be self-guided, physical contact is minimised and participants will be able to access all resources digitally through their mobile devices.

All participants are also strongly encouraged to wear masks at all times, maintain safe distancing and abide by the prevailing COVID-19 precautionary measures at all times, while participating in the trails.

Watch an introductory video of the trails at https://go.gov.sg/readfest2021-literarytrails. More details on the literary trails and the Read! Fest’s recommended books are available at go.gov.sg/NLB-salaryman.