5 Independent Bookstores in Singapore Every Bookworm Would Love

Books, books and more books! We shed the limelight on some of the best bookstores in Singapore that you ought to be patronising.

Basheer Graphic Books

On the fourth floor of Bras Basah Complex lies Basheer Graphic Books, an independent bookstore that’s popular amongst fashion-savvy design students looking for ideas and inspiration.

This place really is a wondrous maze, one that’s well stocked with books, comics and alternative magazines on the arts, fashion and architecture. The book retailers have curated a neat selection of niche titles that you’ve probably never even heard of before, so have fun browsing.

  • Address: 231, Bain Street, #04-19, Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231
  • Opening Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun, 11am-6.30pm
  • Tel: +65 6336-1917

BooksActually

Standing along Yong Siak Street in Tiong Bahru is BooksActually, a bookstore that’s been drawing in hipsters like bees to honey since 2015. Cult status aside, this bookstore truly supports local literary talents.

It has published everything from anthologies to photo books by Singapore’s very own under its Math Paper Press imprint. Ardent collectors of notebooks and stationery will also love what it’s designed under its Birds & Co. subsidiary.

  • Address: 9 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168645
  • Opening Hours: Tue-Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun-Mon, 10am-6pm
  • Tel: +65 6222-9195

Ethos Books

If you don’t have the luxury of time to visit a brick-and-mortar bookstore, consider Ethos Books. An imprint of Pagesetters Services, this independent, Singapore-based book publisher is on a mission to grow and nurture the local literary community.

Collaborating closely with emerging writers within the country and the region, it comes up with innovative ways to publishing. The end product: a stunning catalogue of pocket-friendly literary gems waiting to be read and savoured.

Littered with Books

On the first floor of a bookstore along Duxton Road stands a cardboard tree; one that’s covered from root to leafless canopy with recycled book pages that have aged and browned beautifully.

Housed within a two-storey shophouse, this bookstore was aptly named Littered with Books, and its whimsical interior is as fantastical as the books on display. Aesthetics aside, you will adore the little notes taped to the shelves. The owners had scribbled snappy reviews to draw your attention to books they’d like to recommend – nice personal touch!

  • Address: 20 Duxton Road, Singapore 089486
  • Opening Hours: Mon-Thu, 12pm-8pm; Fri, 12pm-9pm; Sat, 11am-9pm, Sun, 11am-8pm
  • Tel: +65 6220-6824

Woods in the Books

There’s something magical and mysterious about Woods in the Books. It truly does feel like the book illustrations on display might just come to life when no one is looking.

There are, of course, many illustrations to look at, as one would expect of an independent bookstore that specialises in picture books for all ages. Yet, it’s the children’s books that will win your heart – they’ll make you yearn to be a kid again and get lost in a world of your imagination.

  • Address: 3 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168642
  • Opening Hours: Tue-Fri, 10am-7pm; Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun, 10am-6pm
  • Tel: +65 6222-9980


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1 Comment

  1. Why English bookshop again? How about Grassroots Bookroom?

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