Reading has always been such an integral part of my life that I hope to share the wonders of books with my children.
We’ve shared experts’ advice why families who read together nurture more than just literacy and 7 ways to engage a toddler in reading and word fun. Like many other mums and dads, we try to be disciplined when it comes to reading but it can get a little challenging now with our new baby.
As busy working parents, we often lament the limited time (and perhaps, energy!) to constantly bring the kids out to new places. We probably forgot that one of the most enjoyable activities that have taken our minds to new wanders without us actually moving is through reading.
And, if you’ve just had a new baby or expecting a baby and wish to develop a reading habit together, this is right up your alley!
The good news?
Babies born from 2016 onwards are in for a reading book-anza!
The National Library Board (NLB) and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) have rolled out an initiative for the little ones under the Early Read Program.
What is the Early Read Program?
To support parents in their children’s development, the NLB and ECDA have a string of expert workshops and activities in place for children under 6 years old. Browse this site for upcoming programmes that are suitable for your kids.
As part of the campaign, Singaporean babies born from 2016 onwards are gifted with a special pack so parents can kickstart a reading journey with their little ones. Membership fees apply for non-Singaporeans. More information is available at www.nlb.gov.sg.
What is in the gift pack for my baby?
A well-thought gift pack is put together to encourage reading. Here’s what each bag contains:
– 3 board books
– A Reading is Fun! booklet
– A guide for reading with little ones DVD
– A rhymes and fingerplays for little ones (It’s NOT a calendar but a helpful collection of rhymes you could share with your bubs – I thought this was really thoughtful, especially if you have limited songs on your human jukebox! PLUS, it comes with some books recommendation too!)
– A height chart (with recommended books at different age groups too!)
– A special edition library card (there’s an owl on it – need I say more? :P)
– A tote bag (very handy for each library visit!)
How to redeem my gift pack?
- Bring your child’s birth certificate and a parent’s NRIC to any library, EXCEPT library@orchard, library@esplanade and library@chinatown.
- The customer service personnel would hand you a form to put down your personal particulars.
- Wait for your library card to be prepared. The entire process took us about 20 minutes (the staff didn’t seem very familiar with using the software/printer, and hence I gathered that the take-up rate must be really low.).
- The gift pack and your child’s library card will be presented to you.
How many books can my child borrow with his/her library card?
This library card encompasses the basic membership, and allows a loan of up to 8 library items, including 3 audio visual materials. More information on borrowing privileges can be found here.
Library opening hours can be found here: http://www.nlb.gov.sg/VisitUs.aspx
While chatting with the library personnel, we learned that this program was only communicated through selected hospitals such as KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) and to new mums only.
It’s a pity not to share this wonderful news with fellow new mummies. Don’t forget to share this with them so they can embark on a reading journey with their babies too!
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That’s a very meaningful gift. I love the rhymes and fingerplays because I am always singing the same old songs over and over again when the kids were younger.
Indeed, it’s really meaningful and good for sharing with the siblings or even passing down to other children :) heh! Agree those rhymes and fingerplays pieces are really handy – at least we can learn new ones to sing to them! 😝
Oh why only this year onwards! Mine was born last year. We certainly will welcome a few more board books. But thanks for sharing anyway, will share this info to my friends who have a 2016 baby.
You already got the sg50 gift pack so it’s fair that we get this 2016 nlb pack
Ya true!
You already got the sg50 gift pack so it’s only fair that we get this 2016 nlb pack
Hi, I just delivered my second child in Nov last year, which marks sg50 anniversary. I wanted to register for the programme to get my child a special addition Nlb membership card, however, the library staff told me that this card was on a first come first basis, while stock lasts. Hence, my enquiry is since my child is not entitled to last year programme, could my child of 2015 at least get the customised nlb li membership card?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks
Hi Lih Yen, thanks for swinging by! From what I understand, this program is only for babies delivered in 2016 and beyond. We are required to present the child’s BC too. However, babies born before 2016 are entitled to register for their own library membership card too, and enjoy the borrowing privileges. It’s free for Singaporeans :)
Hi there!
Thank you for blogging about the new Early Read Starter Pack. Glad that you liked it!
We are the design company that designed this starter pack and it’s nice to know that our hard work is well received and appreciated. I would also like to seek your permission to share your blog post in our social media pages.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you!
Hello Brendan! Good designs deserve a shoutout, for sure! The pack was definitely put together with much thought :) Sure, feel free to share, and look forward to greater stuff from your team! Cheers!
Thank you!
Yes, our team is working on a number of resources with NLB that will be launched soon. You can also pick up a copy of our monthly Go Library and Go Kids at any library to keep yourself up to date with NLB’s activities and campaigns.