About
Singapore Book Council
The Singapore Book Council (SBC) is an independent charity with IPC status. Established in 1968, as the former National Book Development Council of Singapore (NBDCS), SBC aims to Build Our Imagine-nation by developing creativity, imagination, original thought, and empathy. Our programmes focus on creative writing, reading, illustration, translation and storytelling.
Our History
Today, the Book Council continues to grow and cultivate Singapore's books and local literary arts scene by organising a variety of festivals, programmes and projects, and managing its own training arm. As a long-time advocate of Asian children’s literature and storytelling, it has also helmed the premier regional Asian Festival of Children’s Content since 2010.
The Book Council is a recipient of the National Arts Council’s Major Company Grant from 2022 to 2024.
Our Growth and Development
1968 – 1992
During our founding years to the early nineties, NBDCS set its sights on promoting reading and improving literacy skills with initiatives like the Festival of Books and Book Fair, and the National Reading Month. It was also concerned with the progress and development of good library services in Singapore in its early years.
