With the meteoric rise of Amazon and Book Depository and the soaring popularity of e-books, it is nice to know that traditional brick-and-mortar stores still have a promising future in Singapore. From big international chains to cosy indie nooks, these are some of our favourite local bookstores. Now, who said print is dead?
1. BooksActually
Nestled in the hipster neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru is BooksActually, a well-established indie bookstore with the largest collection of English Literature books. Apart from international offerings, they also carry a curated selection of books by some of our promising local writers. Vintage trinklets for sale (old school glass bottles, postcards and notebooks etc.) further contribute to the charm of this quaint space. Defo a place to check out after your café fix, even if you’re not into their range of books.
9 Yong Siak St, 168645
Hours: 10AM–8PM
Phone: 6222 9195
2. Woods In The Books
Just a few doors down from BooksActually is Woods In The Books, another indie bookstore specialising in picture books for all ages. They boast a pictorial treasure trove of classic and modern picture books, comics and graphic novels from both international and local illustrators. We absolutely adore their whimsical store front and cosy interior! They make the book-browsing experience all the more pleasurable.
No. 3 Yong Siak Street, 168642
Hours: 10AM–7PM
Phone: 6222 9980
3. AllScript Magazines
Kinfolk, Frankie, Cereal and Flow. If these obscure titles ring a bell, you would have probably already heard of this magazine chain. AllScript Magazines is one of the biggest magazine distributors in Singapore with over 2,000 titles. Apart from niche indie magazines, this magazine giant also carry mainstream and local publications like Vogue, Glamour and HerWorld.
1 Maju Avenue, Serangoon Gardens myVillage, 556679
Hours: 10AM-10PM
Phone: 6509 8152
(other branches: Waterway Point, Katong Mall and Thomson Plaza)
4. Littered with Books
What will start out as a quick afternoon browse in this two-storey indie joint will soon turn into an all-day adventure lost in the world of books. From fiction and non fiction literature, crime novels to well-loved classics, Littered with Books is stocked with an eclectic selection of books of every genre.
20 Duxton Rd, 089486
Hours: 12–9PM
Phone: 6220 6824
5. Comics World
Marvel and D.C. enthusiasts, Comics World is your go-to for single issue superhero comics. Tucked away in Park Lane Shopping Centre, this is a hidden haven for old school comic lovers. There’s nothing like the experience of flipping the physical pages of your favourite comic book. Comics World also host Meet & Greet sessions by guest artists, movie nights and comic events regularly.
35 Selegie Rd, 188307
Hours: 12AM–11:59PM
Phone: 6339 6413
6. Times Bookstores
This familiar bookstore chain is no stranger to the majority of us. The recent opening of the 7,300 sq feet branch at Waterway Point is their biggest one yet. Apart from a mega collection of novels and magazines and an extensive range of travel-related publications, this store also houses a children’s books area and a cookery section for chefs to do live demonstrations. Reading just got a lot more interesting.
83 Punggol Central, 828761
Hours: 10AM-10PM
Phone: 6385 9428
(other branches: Plaza Singapura, Centrepoint, Marina Square, Paragon, Tampines 1 and Changi Airport)
7. Basheer Graphic Books
Should you happen to be stuck in a creative rut, making a trip down to Basheer at Bras Basah Complex could perhaps help snap you out of it. This is your one-stop speciality store for anything related to graphic design. They stock an extensive range of books across many disciplines, mainly architecture, fashion, amination, interior, typography and illustration.
231 Bain St, Bras Basah Complex, 180231
Hours: 10AM–8PM
Phone: 6336 1917
8. Select Books
Asian book specialist Select Books carries a niche and carefully curated collection of books related to the the culture and history of Asia. With over 30,000 titles, their extensive database of Asian titles is paradise for history buffs.
65A Jln Tenteram, 328958
Tel: 6251 3798
9. Books Kinokuniya
And finally, the mother of all bookstores. This novel haven located in the heart of glitzy Orchard is the largest bookstore in Singapore. With thousands of titles in many different languages, magazines, comics, cookbooks and classics, there is something here to satiate all your literary niches.
391 Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City, 238872
Hours: 10AM–9:30PM
Phone: 6737 5021
(other branches: Bugis Junction and JEM)
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