23-06-2025
Forum: Consider paying local authors when their books are borrowed
Forum: Consider paying local authors when their books are borrowed
I refer to the report 'TBR (To Be Read): Should Singapore authors be paid each time their books are borrowed from the library?' (June 21).
As a writer, I believe Singapore authors should receive compensation when their books are borrowed from public libraries. Writers take years to complete a book. Painstaking effort is required daily to produce high-quality works of literature that advance human knowledge, imagination and intellect.
Writers face a predicament. We want our work published and widely available, yet we often question whether the immense time and effort invested in producing a book can be justified financially. Monetary compensation through the Public Lending Right system will give authors validation for their hard work and support them in creating new works that will enrich and expand Singapore's published heritage.
I understand that there are difficulties in implementing such a system. However, I urge the authorities to give it serious consideration to ensure the long-term sustainability of our literary ecosystem.
K.B. Ryan Joshua Mahindapala
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