Can a card game bring Singapore’s library history to life? NLB thinks so

National Library Board has launched a collectible card game titled “Chapters”, turning three decades of Singapore’s library history into a playable storytelling experience.

The game was created to mark NLB’s 30th anniversary and celebrate the role libraries have played in sparking curiosity and discovery among Singaporeans.

Designed for two to four players, “Chapters” invites participants to build their own library or archive using cards inspired by milestones, spaces and experiences from across NLB’s history. Players compete to attract the most “hearts” by creating engaging library collections and inviting friends to explore them.

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According to NLB, the project was conceived as a more engaging way to tell the organisation’s story than traditional corporate retrospectives.

“Playing a game about NLB’s history is definitely more engaging than reading a corporate report,” said NLB in a statement on its website.

The game was produced by an internal team of gaming enthusiasts within the organisation, alongside a group of designers and illustrators who helped shape the experience.

To bring the visual identity to life, NLB collaborated with creative studio Magicfruit, which developed the overall look of the game, including the card interface and graphic design. 

Illustrators Denise Yap, Jolene Tan and Yan Han Hoo also contributed original artwork across the cards, box and rulebook, giving the game its nostalgic and whimsical aesthetic.

“Chapters” will be released in limited quantities, with members of the public able to register their interest via a mailing list for updates on redemption details.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for more.

NLB’s push to experiment with new formats comes as the organisation continues to evolve its brand and public engagement efforts. In April 2025, it rolled out a refreshed logo and brand identity across its digital and physical platforms, reflecting its shift from a traditional library system into a broader gateway for lifelong learning, heritage preservation and discovery.

The updated identity retained the iconic three coloured “pages and pixels” from its original logo but reimagined them as a dynamic blue portal. Alongside the visual refresh, NLB introduced a new brand promise, “Inspiring discovery”, signalling its ambition to go beyond books and explore more engaging ways for Singaporeans to connect with knowledge, history and culture.

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