Hunting for a good book for yourself and the kiddos? Check out these bookstores in Singapore for everything from picture books to coming-of-age teen reads and more...
Attention all bookworms! Here’s THE ultimate guide to the best bookstores all over Singapore. Have you ever heard of the saying, ‘readers are made on their parents’ laps’? The more you read, the more kiddos read, so how about stocking up some great reads for both of you at these literary havens? Whether you’re a seasoned reader, casual browser, compulsive book buyer or someone looking for a cosy spot to lose yourself in the wonder of words, you’ll need to bookmark this list of bookstores. Some of these places also serve a cuppa or more.
Many bookworms love bookstores for the sole reason of picking up new books, but these days, we especially love how bookstores in Singapore now feature cafes and bars and are also places to meet authors! Seeing several of them pop up over the years has been heartening.
The best bookstores in Singapore
1. Kinokuniya
This beloved Japanese bookstore chain needs no introduction! Did you know that Kinokuniya outlets are often known for their behemoth size? Come on, getting lost in immense shelves full of books – count us in! We’ve got two Kinokuniya stores in Singapore over at Orchard and Bugis. The Orchard store features an impressive collection of over 500,000 quality titles from all over the world in various languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese and French.
That’s not all; vintage fiends can also find an assortment of Blu-ray/DVDs, CDs, collectable toys/figurines, games, novelties, and more! The children’s book section is extensive, and you’ll find books for babies to teens. We think this store has something for every kind of reader in the family. It’s also the place to pick up cute stationery, especially those Moleskine planners! You can also opt to become a Kinokuniya member, which means you’ll get a neat 10% discount on your purchases.
Where: Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #04-20 – 21, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872 and Bugis Junction, #03-09, 200 Victoria Street, Singapore 188021
2. Popular
Popular is a homegrown local bookstore chain with outlets overseas. We love that they are everywhere on this little red dot. You’ll easily find a Popular bookstore in a shopping mall here. Popular bookstores always feature a comprehensive range of books, educational peripherals, stationery, household appliances, entertainment, lifestyle products, gadgets and IT products, titbits and more. Think of it as a ‘one-stop convenience shop meets bookstore’ hybrid. We’re talking everything from books to printing supplies, earphones, fountain pens and art supplies. Although you might not find many books here, you’ll easily find popular paperbacks and Singlit titles. This is also the place to get those assessment books or even sample examination papers for kiddos to brush up on subjects and more. It’s a great place to shop for back-to-school stuff, too. Find a Popular store close to you here.
Where: Various locations in Singapore
3. Littered with Books
Littered with Books is an independent bookstore with some carefully curated reads, perfect book for readers of all ages located in the trendy Duxton area. Did we mention it’s within a conservation shophouse and has two storeys teeming with thoughtful titles from baby books to cookbooks? Think really cosy area that almost feels like your living room! They also stock an impressive array of children’s books (all specially chosen by the store) alongside plenty of recommended reads for adults! Don’t be surprised if you chance upon some classic tales you read growing up too! That’s what drew us to Littered with Books, their cool selection of classic reads to currently trending ones. We love that the staff are welcoming and making you feel right at home too. They also hand out their bookmarks with every purchase. Make a family day out of it to stock up on reading fodder for all.
Where: 20 Duxton Road Singapore, Singapore 089486
4. Book Bar
The newly opened Book Bar is just a hop and a skip from Littered with Books! It was founded by a bookseller and a book lover, Alex. Book Bar is an eclectic bookstore and café that sparks conversations between book lovers, fosters a book-reading culture, and provides literary inspiration. Plus, it’s also where you can indulge in quality cuppas or booze. Yup, Book Bar serves up books and booze. Here’s what we love about it: they also have quite the list of local reads for kiddos. Pop over and chat with Alex, especially if you’re in need of some inspiration for your and kiddo’s next read. Follow their socials to stay up-to-date on their events, from book launches, ‘meet-the-author’ sessions, cooking classes, and even wine-tasting nights; Book Bar could easily be your next favourite bookstore on this island.
Where: 57 Duxton Road Singapore, Singapore 089521
5. Basheer Graphic Books
Basheer Graphic Books is a specialised bookstore that exclusively features a tome of design books and magazines related to Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Design, Graphic Design, Animation, Product Design, Fashion Design, Art & Craft, Typography, and Photography. This is the place to pick up Monocle guides, books on film, and much more! It’s got to be a design enthusiast’s favourite haunt! Their children’s section also emphasises visual and design aspects in books, so you’ll find adorable pop-up books from boutique publishers worldwide. For example, A Pop-up Book Of Nursery Rhymes – a collection of children’s nursery rhyme classics – caught our eye alongside other pop-up books.
Where: Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St, #04-19, Singapore 180231
6. Woods in the Books
The iconic Woods in the Books also needs no introduction! Since 2009, this independent bookshop has specialised in picture books and other illustrated books. It’s a children’s bookstore exclusively! Plus, you know to enter these outlets at your own peril because they are just jam-packed with colourful reads for kiddos of all ages. You might have known their colourful Tiong Bahru outlet. We’ve just got word that the outlet is closing, but fret not! You can get some kid reads at their Katong outlet and their little sis brand, Books Ahoy. Check out their array of wooden toys for kiddos and really cool totes as well.
Where: 206 East Coast Road, Singapore 428905
7. Books Ahoy!
All aboard Books Ahoy! located in Forum The Shopping Mall! It’s the brainchild of Shannon Ong and Mark Foo, the creative minds behind Woods in the Books. Much like its sibling establishment, Books Ahoy! is dedicated to books for young children. The collection includes classics, new releases, graphic novels, and elusive niche titles that are not readily available in Singapore. Alongside well-known authors like Roald Dahl and Hergé, the store features books with a local touch, including titles such as Samsui Girl and more.
Where: Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd, 02-03, Singapore 238884
8. My Greatest Child
My Greatest Child carries over 1,000 titles from around the globe: enough reading fodder for the most ardent of bookworms! Psst, besides heading down to the mall, you can always purchase new books for the kiddos on Lazada!
Where: Multiple locations
9. Books Beyond Borders
Now, we get it! There’s nothing like a new book, especially the smell of fresh pages, but sometimes it’s sustainable and easier on the wallet to get secondhand books, so here’s a top pick of secondhand reads in Singapore: Books Beyond Borders. This bookstore is dedicated to helping girls in Nepal to go to school and follow their dreams. When you shop here, 5% of sales are invested into scholarships for these girls. Head on over to their store and check out their top recs at lower than retail prices. Plus, they’ve got some cool totes, one-of-a-kind Lokta paper journals made in Nepal, and more. You can also consider donating your stash too!
Where: 33 Erskine Road, 01-08, Singapore 069333
10. Ana Book Shop
Ana Book Shop, located in Far East Plaza, is the place for a dizzying array of various genres of secondhand books from Dr Seuss to serious fiction reads that you can make your own for just $2 or more. Find out more about owner Mohd Noorul Islam’s heartwarming journey and being born in a bookstore here. Not sure what you’re looking for? Mr Islam would happily offer some neat recommendations. Here’s why we think it’s the coolest place ever: no social media! It’s like stepping back in time and the books – you can literally find old editions and perhaps even books that are no longer in print!
Where: Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, #05-01, Singapore 228213
11. Thryft
Heading to a secondhand bookstore means you don’t know what you might find, but what if you know exactly what you’re looking for but would much rather get it secondhand? Thryft has got you! They are an online and offline thrift store where you can find quality second-hand books and clothes at a fraction of their original price. You can browse their collection online so you can narrow down exactly what you’re looking for! They are big on sustainable packaging using recycled materials and zero plastic. Got stuff to give away? Check out their trade in or donation options.
Where: 120 Lower Delta Road, #01-15, Singapore 169208 Online
12. Chio Books
When Anthony Koh Waugh started writing freelance full-time in 2007, he found very few books on writing at major bookstores in Singapore and none at independent bookstores. Even when a bookstore had them, the selections were too little, too general or too expensive. So he took matters into his own hands and started a mobile “bookshop” to fill this gap! You can find his unique collections of fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels and an extensive range of children’s books at his online store. Follow his socials to stay updated on his pop-up events too!
Where: Online and occasional pop-up stores
13. Open Trolley
Missing Book Depository? Well, here’s a local version of it: Open Trolley. Established in 2008, OpenTrolley Bookstore is an online bookstore in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia offering more than 15 million imported US and UK titles at great prices. You can find more than 15 million brand new books at discounted prices delivered quickly within 4 to 7 working days.
Where: Online
14. Ethos Books
Want to support local literature in Singapore? Head directly to local publishers and pick up their books. Ethos Books is an independent publisher with their own bookstore specialising in Singaporean literary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. This publishing house gives voice to emerging and exciting writers from diverse backgrounds. So check out their amazing exclusively Singlit titles.
Where: Online
15. Epigram Books
This independent publisher in Singapore had their own bookstore with non-fiction and fiction books for folks of all ages, including the littlies. While their physical store is no longer in operation, you can still make purchases via their online store. They’ve got picture books for the little ones to other reads for young adults and teens from local authors.
Where: 1008 Toa Payoh North, #03-08, Singapore 318996 and online
16. Times Bookstore (Closed)
Yet another bookstore chain with outlets in Singapore and Malaysia, Times Bookstore was a bookstore and lifestyle brand featuring various products catering to readers of all ages and interests, including children’s books, lifestyle and non-fiction books, plus cool novelty and collector items. Unfortunately, the bookstore chain shuttered its last outlet in Holland Road back in September 2024, marking the brand’s exit from Singapore.
Happy reading!
