“Buy Local, Read Our World”—that’s the rallying cry of the #BuySingLit movement. You’ll have the opportunity to do just that as the best works and brightest talents of Singaporean literature come together for a series of 50 events from Mar 9-11. #BuySingLit comprises book sales, stage adaptations of local works and meet-the-author sessions, but a number of events in the line-up provide unconventional opportunities to support the cause. Here’s how you can get involved.
By sipping on craft beer
Taking place at the 1925 Brewing Co’s Joo Chiat outpost, #BuySingLit X Books & Beer is a book swop with a difference—the 1925 crew will be brewing a special SingLit-inspired beer for the event. Admission is free, simply bring along up to 10 pre-loved books to exchange with fellow lovers of good reads and great beer. BooksActually will also be selling local books at the event. Mar 10, 3pm
By having a three-course meal
Three of Singapore’s most prominent writers will turn culinary curators for If Food Be the Love of Words, a literary-themed dining experience at Happy Pancakes Cafe. With their own works as inspiration, Jennifer Anne Champion, Gwee Li Sui and Amanda Chong will design a three-course dinner menu for an evening of music, stories and poetry. Admission is $30 inclusive of a $10 #BuySingLit book voucher. Mar 9, 7:30pm
By tucking into a poetic supper
If you have a love for the Chinese language, Poems for Supper is the perfect way to give one of Singapore’s national pastimes a literary twist. Held over two nights at the Grassroots Book Room, Poems for Supper is a multi-sensory culinary journey—created by Grassroots’ owner and chef Lim Jen Erh—shaped by the poetry of Yi Chan. Admission is $35. Mar 9-10, 9pm
By cranking a gachapon machine
Who doesn’t love gachapon (or tikam tikam) machines? #BuySingLit combines the fun and excitement of the machines with some of Singapore’s best literature in their Tikam Books machines. Instead of the usual trinkets or toys offered, each capsule from these gachapon machines will be filled with a mini booklet with a SingLit recommendation, a limited edition book cover pin and a $10 #BuySingLit book voucher. Look out for them at various locations around the country. Mar 9-31
By revisiting Bras Basah Complex
When was the last time you visited Bras Basah Complex to get lost among the shelves of Basheer Graphic Books or one of the many other book shops there? A City of Books is cause for a return to its familiar corridors. As part of the program, time-honored book shops will collaborate with local artists for a series of thought-provoking and whimsical installations. Admission is free and artist/curator tours will take place at 2pm on Mar 10, 11, 17 and 18. Mar 9-18
For more information, head to the #BuySingLit website or Facebook page.
