By Elizabeth Wilmot

WHO says used books should be junked?

The National Library Board (NLB) gave new shelf-life to 70,000 used books and magazines which it donated to 85 voluntary welfare organisations on Thursday.

The annual charity book donation drive, into its 11th year, is to make reading resources available to the less privileged.

NLB's Chief Executive, Dr N Varaprasad, who presented the book donation certificates to the organisation, said: 'Personally, I feel a great sense of satisfaction in this.

'The Charity Book Donation enables us to go beyond basic library services to bring large quantities of books to low-income families and people who have difficulty getting access to books.'

Among the organisations which benefited were the Spastic Children's Association School, Touch community services and the Singapore Association for Mental Health.

'We are very fortunate to be able to get reading resources for our children,' said Ms Zunaidah Shahul Hamid, principal of the Spastic Children's Association School.

In conjunction with the Charity Book Donation, the NLB is also holding its annual library book sale for the public from Friday to Sunday. Various books and magazines are going at bargain prices of between $1 and $5.