The National Library launched its Heritage Roadshow this morning, to look for printed materials of historical significance that people might have lying around in their cupboards and boxes.

But first, a little pencak silat entertainment.

I’m not sure what’s the relationship between pencak silat and old books, but the kids gave it their all anyway.

Back to old books. The Library’s looking for all sorts of books, manuscripts, magazines, posters, charts and maps that people might have stashed away at home.

Since it was only the first hour that the Heritage Roadshow was going on, I didn’t expect that anything interesting would turn up yet, but the Library hit the jackpot very early on with someone (I didn’t get his name) donating a “banana” currency note from the Japanese Occupation period. He said that he had taken the note from his father years ago. I guess that’s one way to make getting an advance on your allowance pay off in the future.

Other gems that turned up included some old Chinese textbooks (maybe 1950s?) and old public works records. I guess the latter’s what happens when people bring their work home and, er, forgot to bring it back to work afterwards. Maybe some of my old teaching files and worksheets can go into the National Library’s collection in 50 years’ time …

I didn’t have anything old to donate, so I poked around at some of the other pushcarts instead. The National Heritage Board and Singapore Heritage Society were all hawking their books, but the show-stealer was the Museum of Shanghai Toys‘ display, with lots of little toys for sale. They even have little toys that make great Xmas tree ornaments.

The top spot on the “Top 10 Rare Finds” list might already have been filled, but I wonder what other neat items will turn up today and tomorrow, to fill the other 9 spots.

Bring your old books and printed materials down to the National Library’s Heritage Roadshow today and tomorrow, 11 am – 6 pm. The final evaluation takes place at 4 pm tomorrow, Sunday, 12 November.

See my full Flickr: Explore Singapore! set.

Tags: explore singapore, National Heritage Board, National Library Board, National Library, Heritage Roadshow, Singapore