Book Exchange 2011

I was roped in to help at this year's event, which was on Saturday, 16 Apr.



ChannelNewsAsia reports: Over 77,000 books exchanged in a day

SINGAPORE: A project for book lovers to refresh their collection and help save the environment at the public libraries is drawing huge support.

The Book Exchange on Saturday attracted more than 7,000 people, with over 77,000 books exchanged.

Chief Executive of the National Library Board, Mrs Elaine Ng, said this shows that people still love books and reading.

To participate, members of the public had to drop their used books at any public library from April 2 to 15.

A coupon was given for every book accepted.

On April 16, the coupons were presented at the National Library Building for a one-for-one exchange of books collected from other participants.

LINK

They weren't kidding when they said "huge support". My colleagues said the morning queue, before the event started, snaked round the big National Library building twice.

This was the scene when I arrived at 12.30pm.


Volunteers, comprising of staff and Friends of the Library, were briefed on our respective duties. We were told of the layout and various logistics and measures put in place.


My duty area was "The Store":


In between my duties, I went round to take some pictures. The place was utterly packed.




Sadly, there were some ungracious people who grabbed all they can -- but not what they needed. Then they sat down in their own space sorting out their "treasures". Which would still have been OK, except that they left their unwanted pile on the ground. Tsk.

Still, it was heartening to see the majority who were well-behaved and orderly.






At one point, one person came up to me. Asked what the event was about. He said he wasn't from Singapore. So I explained. He was impressed that the Public Libraries were doing this. During my rounds, I saw at least one other foreigner asking similar questions.






Library staff (from various other groups and divisions) were also helping out. Here's a shot of the exit point, where books and accompanying tickets were counted and exchanged.


At around 6pm, only these carts were left.


End of event. Staff all chipped in to pack up.


I think about an hour later, the Event Plaza was cleared.


Until next year!