Book swaps, colourful exhibitions, writing workshops – see what Singapore’s local writers, illustrators, and bookstores have to offer with this year’s #BuySingLit movement
Calling all bookworms and curious creatives: It’s time to show your support for Singapore’s ever-growing literature scene with #BuySingLit. Taking place from 9 to 11 March 2018, the second edition of the nationwide initiative features over 50 programmes across the island that place local works (and their talented creators) in the spotlight.
For three glorious days, there’ll be lots of fun stuff at various venues to look forward to, including plays, workshops, music performances, readings, and even book swaps – like the Books & Beer event on 10 March. Held at The 1925 Brewing Co. in Joo Chiat, the free session lets guests exchange up to 10 pre-loved books while kicking back with a beer or two. At the same time, there will be local titles for sale, thanks to indie store BooksActually.
Prefer to pair your love for books with some awesome grub instead? Sign up for If Food Be the Love of Words on 9 March at Happy Pancakes Cafe. The pop-up dinner showcases delicious creations inspired by the writings of poets Jennifer Anne Champion, Gwee Li Sui, and Amanda Chong. Dig in as you listen to their stories and stick around for a spot of live music. Admission is $30 (including a $10 #BuySingLit book voucher, which you can use throughout the event for that interesting new read that’s caught your eye).
For something truly thought-provoking, there’s Pioneer Passages: Women’s Writes (9 to 11 March, $10) at Haque Centre of Acting & Creativity. Following nine plays and film scripts by female playwrights and screenwriters, such as Ubin by Su Ching Teh and The Art of Cooking Curry, the dramatised readings will be carried out by performer-readers like Benjamin Josiah Tan and Sunita Chiu.
You can also treat yourself to a visual feast with exhibitions like Out of Print at the Arts House (till 19 March), which explores the evolution of Singapore literature. Using modern graphic design techniques like photography and typography, the exhibits focus on historically significant titles that were published between 1965 and 1995. After that, head to Bras Basah Complex for A City of Books, where you can marvel at four outdoor art installations inspired by the building’s iconic booksellers, including Basheer Graphic Books and Evernew Book Store.
Other exciting #BuySingLit happenings include book illustration workshops (Illustrating SingLit at library@Orchard, 10 March) and a book “treasure hunt” called SingLit Heartland Book Drop – where independent publisher Epigram Books will be leaving 50 titles scattered all across Singapore’s heartlands for anyone to find (and keep!). Hints will be released on Epigram Book’s social media channels, so if you want to try your luck, follow them and ‘Like’ away.
Of course, let’s not forget good ol’ book fairs to do some browsing and digging around. Who knows what you’ll find? Try the Hello SingLit! Pop-Up Book Fair at Forum The Shopping Mall (10 and 11 March), the #BuySingLit Bazaar at the Arts House (9 to 11 March) or the #BuySingLit Festival at VivoCity (6 to 11 March).
As lit geeks ourselves, we just can’t wait for #BuySingLit 2018, and we know you can’t either. For a full list of events and more information, visit the official website of #BuySingLit, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
This article is sponsored by #BuySingLit