Where the plot thickens

Books can hold a special place in our memories. They mark seasons and milestones of a person's or nation's journey through time.

They challenge our imagination, thoughts and beliefs, often transporting us to different places and times.

This series is part of the Singapore Memory Project, a nationwide movement led by the National Library Board (NLB).

It aims to capture and document precious moments related to Singapore.

"In line with NLB's READ! Festival this year, the Singapore Memory project hopes to reach out to members of the public to contribute their memories of reading," said Mr Wan Wee Pin, NLB's deputy director of engagement.

"It could be memories of their favourite books, their reading experiences or even their favourite bookstores, both past and present."

In this instalment, three Singaporeans talk about the bookstores that have meant most to them.

Friendship blossomed at bookstore

Name: Michelle Lim

Age: 17

What I do: Student at Nanyang Polytechnic

Favourite local bookstore: Prologue

What I remember about it: It's just a great place to unwind with your friends because it's a bookstore that has a cafe.

My fondest memory comes from last year. I was at the store with a new friend I had made at school.

She was there to get a cookbook. Later, we ended up in the young adults section chatting about the type of books we enjoy most.

Our friendship has deepened since that first encounter. We're very close now.

The store is also special to me because the first book I ever bought there - The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - has become one of my all-time favourites.

Good service and books the big draw

Name: Roy Tan

Age: 21

What I do: Student at Singapore Polytechnic

Favourite local bookstore: Kinokuniya

What I remember about it: I like buying books from this store because of its excellent service. If the book you want is not available, the staff can help you order it.

Plus, they bring in a lot of the books and magazines from around Asia that I like. I collect fashion magazines, and titles such as Mens Uno are hard to find anywhere else.

I've been a customer for about four years now. Over that time, I've been building my collection.

It's through browsing and buying these magazines from Kinokuniya that I get inspiration and ideas on what to wear, and my personal dress sense.

Special place that brings back memories

Name: Katherine Kerk

Age: 43

What I do: Laboratory Chemist

Favourite local bookstore: Popular at Bras Basah Complex

What I remember about it: My best friend and I used to visit the old store regularly back in the 80s for books and project materials.

That was back when we were still in secondary school, some 30 years ago.

We would head to Orchard Road for a shopping trip, then walk all the way to Bras Basah just to go to that particular bookstore. We liked to hang out there.

We're still best friends and occasionally reminisce about the good old days, many of which were spent at Popular. It's such a special place to me and it easily brings backs a lot of memories and waves of nostalgia.

Brought to you by:

Singapore Memory Project

GIVING YOUR PAST A PRESENT

Is there a bookstore that holds a special place in your heart? Or perhaps one which offers the best reads?

Submit your memories of reading, favourite books and bookstores to the "irememberBookstores" campaign via the Singapore Memory Portal (www.singaporememory.sg)

You can also "like" the movement's Facebook page: facebook.com/irememberSG

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