Netizens have expressed cynicism about just how much Singaporeans actually read, after a video of the snaking queues for the National Library Board’s (NLB’s) free book giveaway circulated online.
The TikTok video, taken on Sept 13 and 14, showed a queue stretching around the entire NLB building.
With the subtitle “Since when did Singaporeans gaf so much about reading”, its caption also asked “Quick name the last 5 books u read”.
The clip had amassed over 97,000 views and 130 comments at press time.
‘Free stuff just take’
Many netizens echoed the sentiment, with one user pointing out that library books have always been free to borrow, questioning why people only came to collect them during this giveaway.
“Free stuff just take,” a comment read. “I bet half of them don’t even know what they are queuing up for,” said another.
One suggested: “20% are actual readers and the rest are resellers.”
A commenter offered a different perspective, describing the queue as “encouraging” to see. “Even if they were motivated by it being free, at least it got more ppl to physically visit the library and possibly start reading again! no one’s more entitled to reading than others.”
