What’s new at Tuesday Book Club?

As 2026 unfolds, a noticeable cultural shift is underway. With our homes and lives buzzing with AI-powered devices, assistants and chatbots, people are craving more “analogue lifestyles” – a return to screen-free living and proper human bonding, otherwise known as “the good old days!” According to statistics, adults in Singapore spend an average of almost seven hours a day online. Meanwhile, research consistently shows that heavy screen time is associated with increased stress and reduced wellbeing. It’s clear we need to take our power back away from the algorithm.

Enter ANZA Book Club, the perfect antidote to online overload. ANZA hosts a number of book clubs that meet on different days and times throughout the month, each one offering a dose of culture and meaningful conversations about great reads. In the past few months, however, the Tuesday Book Club has added a few more elements to the mix.

“I love reading and joined ANZA Book Club as a way to meet ANZA members who share this passion,” shares Ali Swift, who coordinates the Tuesday sessions. “As previous members moved away or took on other commitments, a few of us decided to revamp our offerings to attract new members,” she says.

Tuesdays now come with a twist: the venue changes each session, bringing members together over lunch and a drink to encourage more in-depth, engaging chats. Locations are chosen to reflect the month’s book, through themed food or restaurant choices, keeping things interesting and getting participants out and about.

Talking tomes, anytime, anyplace, anywhere!

“The club creates space for genuine human connection, a chance to exchange perspectives and have a laugh”

Unique Experiences

Indeed, Tuesday Book Club is evolving into a gateway to unique experiences that members might not choose to embark on themselves. Aside from introducing new places to meet, the group has also made a conscious decision to pick books beyond obvious genres, venturing outside members’ comfort zones into fantasy, historical fiction, sci-fi and romance.

This is reflected in the year’s reading material so far. Since January, there has been a fantasy title and introductory session where members shared their journeys to Singapore and their literary passions. They’ve delved into a science fiction favourite with a dinner-and-movie, a gay sports romance, and a historical fiction set in 16th-century China – complete with plans to visit the refurbished House of Tan Yeok Nee, the only remaining example of traditional Chinese mansion architecture in Singapore, later this year.

“Many members admitted these were books they wouldn’t have personally chosen, but they received brilliant reviews and sparked some really great talking points,” Ali says, adding that discussions often branch into other books, podcasts, TV shows and cultural happenings around the island. “I always come away with many alternative reading ideas which is a bonus,” Ali adds.

With a nice mix of ANZA long-termers and newbies, each of the book clubs provides an excellent opportunity for those who’ve just moved to the red dot to learn more about what else is on offer within ANZA, and to sign up for different activities and interest groups.

Future book selections for Tuesdays promise even more variety and insight: in May, members will read a local Singaporean author and meet at the National Library to discuss the book and explore its exhibitions. June will be about a surfing-based autobiography, and those game can follow it up with a spot of paddleboarding on Sentosa and lunch at a beach club.

Enjoying a book chat over a meal

Unplug & embrace

While Tuesday Book Club enters a new chapter, what’s not changed about all four ANZA Book Clubs is their inclusive nature. “Whichever club you attend, you’ll find we’re a really accessible bunch and people can contribute as much or as little as they wish,” Ali reflects. Whether you’re eager to speak up or prefer to listen quietly in the background, you’ll find a place here. “We’ve had a fantastic response to Tuesday’s upgrade with new members signing up, offering different outlooks on what we’ve read and explored so far,” Ali continues. “Everyone gets to pick a book, and we’re trying to accommodate as much as possible – nothing’s off limits!”

This is exactly why, in 2026, when so many of us are seeking ways to unplug and embrace real-world experiences, ANZA Book Club is worth signing up for. It’s a chance to step away from the daily routine, nourish your mental health, meet new people and do something genuinely enjoyable for yourself.

This group isn’t just better than ever, it taps into the timeless joy of reading while building community in a way that nourishes both mind and heart – something your modern day robot just can’t replicate.

More Than Just Tuesdays!

ANZA’s Book Club isn’t just about the Tuesday gatherings. Several different book clubs take place throughout the month, catering to different reading tastes, schedules, and interests. As an ANZA member, you can join one club – or more – and discover great reads and even better company. Find out more at anza.org.sg/activities/book-club

Screen usage statistics: DataReportal’s Digital 2024, Singapore