NLB turns the page on reading with AR-powered specs

Bookworms in Singapore may soon find their favourite stories leaping off the page literally as the National Library Board (NLB) teams up with Snap and agency LePub Singapore to pilot a new immersive storytelling experience using augmented reality (AR).

The initiative will make use of Snap Spectacles powered by Snap OS to bring books to life with real-time audio and visual effects layered over the physical reading experience. Dubbed “Augmented reading,” the beta experience is designed to immerse readers in the world of their books through spatial soundscapes, ambient music, and reactive visuals.

“We are happy to partner LePub and Snap in this to explore ways to enhance the experience of stories and books for everyone,” said Gene Tan, chief librarian and chief innovation officer at the National Library Board. “This is part of NLB’s ongoing efforts to engage with partners to experiment with new experiences that could inspire discovery and spark a renewed passion for reading and learning.”

Don't miss: NLB unveils refreshed logo and brand promise as it enters new chapter   

The AR-powered lenses work by scanning the book in real time, using machine learning and text recognition to deliver dynamic effects that align with the storyline. These may include eerie creaking sounds, ambient chatter, or dramatic music, alongside visuals triggered by specific moments in the narrative.

"Snap's AR Studio Paris' mission is to educate and inspire the world about the possibilities of augmented reality in the fields of art, education, and culture,” said Antoine Gilbert, senior manager, AR Studio Paris, Snap

“With the latest generation of Snap Spectacles, we are pushing the boundaries of immersive experiences, enabling new ways to interact with the world. This innovation is further exemplified by the development of the world’s first augmented reading experience — a breakthrough designed to transform how people engage with written content through Snap Spectacles. By bridging the physical and digital realms, we continue to empower creativity and redefine the future of storytelling," added Gilbert. 

The project is a joint effort between Snap’s innovation team in Paris and LeGarage, the innovation hub of LePub Singapore. Together, they developed the end-to-end experience with input from creative technologists, user experience designers, and library experts.

“Our goal is not to replace the traditional reading experience, but to enhance it by creating a compelling gateway to books,” said Stephan Schwarz, executive creative director at LePub Singapore. “These glasses are an invitation to rediscover the joy of deep, meaningful engagement with text. Once people are hooked on the story, we hope they’ll keep reading to the end.”

Sergey Mast, creative director, Code & Art at LeGarage Singapore, added: “We loved the challenge of building a multidisciplinary team that combines our expertise in library sciences, technology, and user experience design. Now you can experience the greatest stories ever written but with an extra dimension.”

Prototypes of Snap Spectacles with Augmented Reading Lenses will be available for the public to try a selected library in Singapore later this year. A prototype lens will also be made accessible to developers via the Spectacles Lens Explorer. 

This is just one of the many ways NLB is evolving to stay relevant in a fast-changing digital age. In line with its mission to make reading, learning and discovery accessible to all, the statutory board recently unveiled a refreshed logo and brand promise, "Inspiring discovery".

Rolling out from April 2025, the updated identity reflects NLB’s transformation into a dynamic portal of knowledge, one that moves beyond traditional formats to embrace immersive technologies, community engagement, and heritage preservation. The new brandmark retains its familiar “pages and pixels” but reimagines them as a blue portal, signalling the organisation’s commitment to innovation while honouring its legacy.

Related articles: 
NLB has gamified these classic books to encourage reading in SG  
These new Uniqlo x NLB shirts were inspired by Singapore literature 
Love comics? NLB launches first pop-up manga library at City Square Mall