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60,000 Free Books Up for Grabs at NLB’s Big Giveaway This Weekend

Singapore’s book community has reason to celebrate as the National Library Board (NLB) prepares for its biggest-ever Big Book Giveaway. In honor of its 30th anniversary, NLB is releasing 60,000 pre-loved books on September 13 and 14 at the Plaza of the National Library Building. This also marks the 10th year of the initiative, which began as a way to extend the life of books and share the joy of reading with more Singaporeans.

The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm on both days, where visitors can pick up to 10 books each. Participation is simple: attendees just need to scan their library-compliant ID, NLB eCard, or request a QR code day pass on-site. Adding to the excitement, 60 lucky participants will also walk away with special prizes through a lucky draw, though details remain under wraps.

The collection on offer spans a wide range of genres, from fantasy and science fiction to mystery, non-fiction, and children’s titles in both English and Mother Tongue languages. This year, a dedicated section will spotlight works about Singapore, in celebration of SG60. For many, the highlight will be the chance to discover older editions and hidden gems that once lined the shelves of Singapore’s libraries.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Unlike previous years, which saw smaller events spread across multiple branches, the 2025 edition consolidates everything into one large-scale gathering at the National Library Building. Last year’s giveaway drew 6,000 participants, and attendance this weekend is expected to be significantly higher.

The Big Book Giveaway also reflects a growing focus on sustainability. Visitors are encouraged to donate their own pre-loved books during the event, with a cap of 50 titles per person. These donations, along with leftover books from the giveaway, will be redistributed to community partners and international institutions. To date, NLB has shared books with more than 130 organizations worldwide, ensuring that stories continue to find new readers.

For NLB, the event is about more than just giving away books. It is part of the wider Love Our Libraries & Archives (LOLA) initiative, a month-long series of community programs under the Libraries & Archives Blueprint 2025. This five-year roadmap aims to reimagine libraries as hubs of learning, creativity, and connection.

Image Credits: instagram.com/publiclibrarysg/

As NLB’s Chief Executive Officer Ng Cher Pong puts it, the event is “eagerly anticipated by many” because physical books remain a source of comfort and joy. I, for one, love the smell of physical books and still make it a point to purchase at least two every month. This initiative not only touches on the heart of sustainability but also encourages book lovers like me to donate pre-loved titles or breathe new life into old ones, rediscovering them as fresh stories.

Source: 1

McDonald’s has launched a S$4.15 ‘BTS TinyTAN Happy Meal’, and I got to try it first in South Korea

I’m sure you’ve read it in the news/social media sometime last month about McDonald’s launching a ‘BTS TinyTAN Happy Meal’.

It was on CNA too:

Yeah, Singapore is included, but when I last checked the social media pages, the exact launch date is not out yet.

Anyway, lucky me got to try it in South Korea.

The happy meal box is selling for 4,500 KRW in stores, which is approx. S$4.15 based on the exchange rate at the time of writing.

I had it delivered to me because your girl is sick and staying indoors to rest.

TADA!

I wanted to do a write-up in the morning as soon as it launched at 4 am today (11 September 2025), but I was so sick I slept in till 2 pm…

Also Googled and saw in the news that the BTS TinyTAN collectibles were already sold out in most outlets in Seoul, so I was really praying that I could still get my hands on them.

And guess what?!

I got them!

I’m not even an ARMY, but aren’t these adorable?

Here’s another side of the box.

Two sides are in purple and two sides are in red.

The launch today is apparently a ‘throwback edition’ as shown on the purple sides.

The other launch, named ‘encore edition’, will be launched from Thursday, 2 October 2025, as revealed by McDonald’s Korea.

Let’s take a look inside.

I bought two sets and requested Jimin and V.

Delivery’s collectibles may be random, but I took a chance and wrote in the comments section that I wanted Jimin and V, and the kind staff has packed them for me.

Omg, thank you, whoever you are

Pardon me in my PJs, still feeling under the weather but putting work first :p

I’ll show you where the QR code scan leads to so stay till the end!

Made in China, but what’s new?

The collectible came wrapped like this, and there’s also a photocard.

Jimin looks like a baby here, heh.

V’s collectible also came wrapped like this, but I was a little upset that the photocard was not in its best condition (see top right).

A closer look.

Their heads can be turned, so here’s a view from the right.

And here’s the back view.

In all honesty, I was quite bothered by V’s hand being dyed blue, though…

Jimin’s bottom plate had black stains too…

But overall, it’s still cute when viewed from afar.

And as promised, there’s a game you can play when you scan the QR code.

After tapping the yellow button to start…

You will get to this page.

Let me translate it for easy reading:

Again, press the yellow button to continue.

You will get to see a short video introducing the BTS TinyTAN characters:

RM gets his solo shot, heh.

Again, press the yellow button!

You can choose from two songs to start playing.

I chose the first one!

There’s a short tutorial before the actual game begins.

And… that’s about it!

Haha, and for those curious about the happy meal, it’s nothing much.

I got the cheeseburger, bulgogi burger, and selected orange juice as my drinks.

Not sure when Singapore’s launch will be, but the current ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Hello Kitty And Friends’ Happy Meal collab will end on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, so maybe the ‘BTS TinyTAN Happy Meal’ will launch on Thursday, 25 September 2025?

Stay patient, Singapore ARMY

All image credits to McDonald’s & Celeste Elle and should not be reproduced without permission.

How Singaporeans Really Spend Their Money

How much do Singaporeans actually know about their monthly spending, and where does all that money go?

A 2021 survey of 1,299 adults revealed a surprising insight: less than half (or 48%) said they knew how much they spent each month. The slight majority of 52% admitted they had little idea. Among the youngest group, aged 18 to 24, only 43.6% tracked their monthly expenses. By comparison, adults aged 25 to 34 were the most aware at 52%, likely because that stage of life comes with big-ticket commitments such as weddings, first homes, and raising children. Older respondents, aged 55 and above, also showed relatively high awareness at 49.8%, possibly because retirement planning was on the horizon.

By 2025, the numbers painted a clearer picture of actual spending. Young adults spent about S$1,486 a month on average. Full-time employees typically spent between S$501 and S$1,000, while part-time workers spent less than S$500. Interestingly, food consistently ranked as the largest expense for full-time workers, a reflection of Singapore’s strong dining-out culture at hawker centres, cafes, and restaurants.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The bigger question is whether income growth has kept pace with rising expenses. In 2019, Singapore’s median monthly household income from work including employer CPF contributions, was S$9,425. On a per-person basis, that translated to S$2,925. In 2000, the median household income was just S$4,398. The near-doubling over two decades highlights Singapore’s steady income growth, an important indicator of its economic resilience. Yet with inflation and lifestyle expectations rising, the real challenge lies in how households allocate that income.

The 2017/2018 Household Expenditure Survey offered a detailed snapshot. The average household spent S$4,906 per month. Out of this, S$1,199 went to food, with S$810 spent outside the home. Clothing and footwear accounted for S$123, recreation and culture for S$379, and educational services such as tuition for S$339. Housing remained one of the most significant lifestyle markers. By 2019, Singapore’s home ownership rate had reached an impressive 90.4%, making property both a financial anchor and a status symbol.

Ultimately, spending habits are shaped by three main factors:

a. Income level. Higher earners devote more to experiences and luxury goods, while lower-income households focus on essentials.

b. Lifestyle and preferences. Some prioritize saving and financial goals, while others lean toward experiences such as travel, dining, and entertainment.

c. Age. Different life stages bring different financial priorities, from weddings and childcare to retirement planning.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The real question for Singaporeans is not only how much they spend, but also whether those spending patterns bring them closer to the lifestyle they aspire to. Personally, my husband and I spend most of our money on food, utilities, and travel. How about you?

Sources:1,2, & 3

Unlock Free Lounge Access with Your Credit Card

For frequent jetsetters, nothing feels more indulgent than stepping away from the crowded terminal and into the calm of an airport lounge. More than a waiting area, it is a sanctuary where you can settle into a plush seat, sip a complimentary drink, enjoy a hot meal, and even catch up on work without the usual airport frenzy.

This experience is no longer reserved for business class tickets or elite frequent flyers. With the right credit card, you can unlock a global network of lounges that quietly elevate your travel routine.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

At the top of the scale sits the American Express Platinum Card, often regarded as the gold standard for those who value both breadth and luxury. Cardholders earn 0.69 miles per S$1.60 spent locally and enjoy unlimited worldwide lounge access. The exclusivity comes at a steep cost with an annual fee of S$1,744, but for those who fly often, the comfort and convenience often outweigh the price.

For travelers seeking balance between cost and perks, the Citi PremierMiles Card has long been a crowd favorite. It offers 1.2 miles per local dollar and 2.2 miles per overseas dollar, along with two complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year at more than 1,300 airports. The annual fee of S$196.20 makes it a practical choice for those who may not travel every month but still want comfort when they do.

The DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card delivers strong value, especially for those who maximize overseas spending. Cardholders earn 1.3 miles per local dollar and up to five miles per overseas dollar, paired with two complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits each year. With an annual fee of S$196.20, it is a solid option for travelers who want their everyday spending to translate into meaningful travel rewards.

At the entry level, the Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card with an annual fee paying version extends a taste of premium travel. It earns 1.2 miles per local dollar and two miles per overseas dollar, plus two Priority Pass lounge visits annually. The annual fee of S$196.20 makes it an approachable choice for younger professionals or occasional travelers who want to enjoy the benefits of lounge access without overcommitting.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

In the end, the value of free lounge access depends on how often you fly and how much you prize comfort before takeoff. For some, unlimited entry is worth every dollar of the fee. For others, a couple of complimentary visits each year provide the right balance. What is clear is that modern credit cards are reshaping the way we travel, making airport lounges less of an exclusive privilege and more of a practical perk.

Sources: 1 & 2

iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and the ultra-thin iPhone Air will be available for pre-order this Friday, 12 Sep 25

Apple has officially introduced its latest generation of iPhones: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the all-new iPhone Air. Each device pushes the boundaries in its own way — from the brighter display and smarter cameras of iPhone 17, to the pro-grade performance of iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, and the impossibly thin yet powerful design of iPhone Air. Together, they mark Apple’s most ambitious iPhone launch to date, all running on iOS 26 and powered by Apple’s latest silicon.

iPhone 17 — Bigger, brighter, smarter (now with Centre Stage selfies)

What’s new:

6.3-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion up to 120Hz, 3,000-nit peak outdoor brightness, thinner borders, Always-On, and improved power efficiency.
Ceramic Shield 2 with 3× better scratch resistance and reduced glare.
All-new Centre Stage front camera (18MP square sensor), Dual Capture, and AI-assisted group framing.
48MP Fusion Main (with 2× Telephoto) + 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide.
4K60 Dolby Vision video, Cinematic/Action modes, Spatial Audio, wind-noise reduction, and spatial capture for Apple Vision Pro.
A19 chip delivers faster CPU/GPU and Apple Intelligence on-device; Adaptive Power Mode pushes up to 30 hours video playback; 50% charge in ~20 minutes with 40W adapter.

Finishes & price (SG): lavender, mist blue, sage, white, black; 256GB/512GB; from S$1,299.
Pre-order: Sep 12 • Available: Sep 19.

Click here to pre-order.

iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max — New design, A19 Pro, and pro-grade video

What’s new:

Aerospace-grade aluminum unibody with forged plateau for a larger battery + Apple-designed vapor chamber for sustained high performance.
6.3-inch / 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR, ProMotion 120Hz, Always-On, 3,000-nit outdoor peak, and Ceramic Shield 2 front & back for best durability yet.
A19 Pro with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, Neural Accelerators, and up to 40% better sustained performance.
Triple 48MP Fusion cameras (Main, Ultra Wide, new Telephoto) equivalent to 8 lenses, including 4× at 100mm and 8× at 200mm zoom.
Center Stage front camera (18MP), Dual Capture, and AI-based group framing.
Firsts for iPhone video: ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, genlock for multi-cam shoots.

Finishes & price (SG): deep blue, cosmic orange, silver.

iPhone 17 Pro: from S$1,749 (256GB).
iPhone 17 Pro Max: from S$1,899 (256GB).

Pre-order: Sep 12 • Available: Sep 19.

Click here to pre-order.

iPhone Air — The thinnest iPhone ever, without compromise

What’s new:

Just 5.6 mm thin, Grade-5 titanium frame, high-gloss mirror finish, and precision-milled plateau housing cameras, silicon, and speaker.
First iPhone with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and Ceramic Shield on the back, giving 3× better scratch resistance and 4× crack resistance vs prior back glass.
6.5-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion 120Hz, Always-On, 3,000-nit outdoor peak.
Powered by A19 Pro, the new N1 wireless chip (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread), and C1X modem (up to 2× faster and 30% more efficient).
48MP Fusion Main camera (28/35mm + 2×) and 18MP Centre Stage front camera.
eSIM-only design, slimmer internals, easier travel connectivity.

Finishes & price (SG): space black, cloud white, light gold, sky blue; 256GB/512GB/1TB; from S$1,599.
Pre-order: Sep 12 • Available: Sep 19.

Click here to pre-order.

COMPARISON & PRICING

iPhone 17 — Bigger, brighter, smarter (now with Centre Stage selfies)

iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max — New design, A19 Pro, and pro-grade video

iPhone Air — The thinnest iPhone ever, without compromise

COMPARISON & PRICING

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