Can’t resist a good book? Same as us! The Expat Living team loves taking a trip to a great Singapore bookstore from time to time. Here are some of our favourite bookshops in Singapore selling interesting reads that range from design and fiction to fashion and history (and even some vintage collections) to satisfy all types of readers.
Basheer Graphic Books
This bookstore is every creative’s dream. It features an array of design books and magazines, plus you’ll find titles related to graphic design, fashion, architecture, art and more. Whether you’re looking for some artistic inspiration or an interesting book to feature on your coffee table, it’s a good spot to explore.
#04-19 Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street
6336 0810 | basheergraphic.com
Books Ahoy
If you love Woods in the Books (see below), we have no doubt that you’ll also love this one! Opened by the duo that started that popular nook for books in Tiong Bahru, this store aims to encourage the love and interest of reading amongst little ones.
#02-03 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road
6684 0138 | woodsinthebooks.sg/books-ahoy
Books Beyond Borders
This spot sells a wide range of secondhand books as well as hand-crafted gift items such as notebooks, tote bags and stuffed animals that are fair trade and made in Nepal. For every purchase made, 5% of the sale goes towards scholarship programs for girls in Nepal. There’s also an online store.
#01-08 Opp Maxwell Foodcentre/MRT Exit 2, 33 Erskine Road
booksbeyondborders.org
Book Treasure
This old-school bookshop in Singapore is tucked away in Parkland Shopping Mall, where it sells secondhand books. Both English and Chinese books are offered, preserved well and at an affordable price. The owners are known for giving great book recommendations and knowing their entire stock by memory! Cash only.
#01-31 Parklane Shopping Mall, 35 Selegie Road
FB @booktreasureSG
BookXcess, OCBC Bank
BookXcess is dedicated to making books accessible and affordable for all. It carries a range of works from children’s stories, to literary classics, to global bestsellers. The stores are integrated into OCBC Bank branches, and they also sell children’s toys, board games, stationery and bookish gifts. If you’re ordering online, a $20 flat-rate fee applies for orders below $100, with free shipping after that.
Locations at United Square, Tampines, Ang Mo Kio Central and Wisma Atria
bookxcess.com
Cat Socrates
Although Cat Socrates is largely an independent lifestyle store, its collection also includes a small selection of books on typography, drawing and more. It’s easy to get lost in the eclectic mix of items that they have here, including furniture, accessories and more!
* 78 Yong Siak Street, #01-14
* 448 Joo Chiat Road
6333 0870 | 6348 0863
cat-socrates.myshopify.com
City Book Room
Widely considered a hidden gem, the bookstore is best known for its out-of-print and rare books. City Book Room has a mix of Chinese and English literature.
#03-02 The Modules, 387 Joo Chiat Road
citybookroom.com/en
Grassroots Book Room
An independent bookshop located near Outram Park MRT, Grassroots is a Chinese-focused store selling Chinese and foreign history books, Chinese modern literature, and Western and Japanese books translated into Mandarin. It strives to promote Mandarin reading and encourages others to pick it up. Grassroots also hosts various cultural activities, such as reading sessions, film and drama discussions, and live music performances. A small kopitiam-style café in the back sells coffee and nibbles.
25 Bukit Pasoh Road
6337 9208 | IG @grassrootsbookroom
Kinokuniya
This Japanese bookstore is known for its well-curated selection of books. You’ll find plenty of popular book titles, magazines, comics and more. Get lost among the shelves and walk away with another book to add to your collection; or check out the handy webstore if you don’t have time to do a physical shop!
Four outlets across Singapore
kinokuniya.com.sg
Littered With Books
One of the more quirky bookshops in Singapore, from the moment you walk into Littered With Books, you’ll be charmed by its warm and inviting character. Check out the many genres available across the two-storey space. Then, after you’ve settled on a book of your choice, get comfortable at one of the reading areas.
20 Duxton Road
6220 6824 | FB @lwbsg
Open Trolley
This online bookstore is especially useful when you’re in a rush, but you need a good read. With delivery for just $4.90 per order (rather than per book) throughout Singapore, it’s easy to see why Open Trolley is so well liked. You can also collect your books at no cost at partner store Toy Outpost in Bugis Junction.
Collection Locations | opentrolley.com.sg
Popular
Perhaps the best-known bookshop in Singapore, this chain has outlets spread out across the island. Although it doesn’t have the widest variety of literature, the retail giant is well stocked with books to assist your child’s education. It also sells an assortment of stationery, electronics, software and even snacks.
Multiple outlets across Singapore
popular.com.sg
Select Books
If you’re looking to delve into the rich culture and history of the Asian region, this is the place to go. Situated on a beautiful heritage site, Select Books retails, distributes and has published some of the most important works in Southeast Asian history. The store also hosts regular book-related events.
#02-06 St Michael’s Industrial Estate, 65A Jalan Tentaram
6251 3788 | Select Books on Facebook
Tango Mango
Like Cat Socrates, Tango Mango is more of a place for knickknacks than an outright bookshop, but its book section is wonderfully stocked. With all sorts of magazines available, as well as stationery and quirky gifts, you can spend many happy hours in this eclectic shop.
#03-11A Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road
6835 3895 | FB @TangoMangoBooksGifts
The Book Cafe
A perfect way to spend the day, The Book Cafe offers tasty food and an assortment of English books. The place serves brunch, tea as well as proper meals, along with providing a cosy space to work or read in.
#01-02 Seng Kee Building, 20 Martin Road
thebookcafesg.com
Woods in the Books
This is the perfect place to reminisce on the books you grew up with. From The Hungry Caterpillar to The Giving Tree, this niche Singapore bookstore, which first opened in Tiong Bahru, specialises in both classic and new picture books. Besides evoking some childhood nostalgia, it also makes for a fun outing with mums and bubs.
* 46 Kim Yam Road, #03-06
* 206 East Coast Road
8815 2446 | woodsinthebooks.sg
If you liked this roundup of bookshops in Singapore, head to our Living in Singapore section for more helpful tips.
