6 Indie Bookstores In Singapore To Fuel Your Reading Obsession
From SingLit-focused bookshops to those with in-house cafes, here are the must-visit independent bookstores in Singapore for every bookworm.
Yes, we know – the analog revival has been declared more times than we can count. And with the growing urge to unplug and actually “touch grass”, there’s never been a better time to dive headfirst into the world of books. By that we mean physical books – not e-books read via a tablet. Whether you’re fresh off binge-reading romance novels like Heated Rivalry, or have already pored over Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights classic after watching Emerald Fennel’s movie adaptation, we’ve got you covered on where to find your next read.
From bookstores specialising in local titles, to those with their own in-store cafes and even one with a thoughtful letter-writing station, here’s our compendium of the best indie bookstores in Singapore to fuel your reading obsession while supporting local.
See also: Where to buy SingLit Books using SG Culture Pass credits, and Best secondhand bookstores in Singapore
BEST INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES IN SINGAPORE
1. Book Bar
Tucked away in the trendy district of Duxton Hill, Book Bar is the brainchild of two book lovers on a mission to foster a strong reading culture and appreciation of local literature. Here, you can find an array of Singaporean and Asian literature, with select titles now available for purchase using SG Culture Pass credits.
A homey cafe also sits within the premises, where visitors are invited to enjoy their brew of choice alongside a good book. Book Bar also hosts frequent book reading and sharing sessions, making it the ultimate spot to discover new voices, engage with local authors and make some bookish friends along the way.
Address: 57 Duxton Road, Singapore 089521
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:30am-7pm, Friday to Saturday 9:30 am-10pm, Sunday 9:30 am-6pm
Website
2. City Book Room
City Book Room is a cosy little nest overflowing with local literature and humanities titles, founded with the dream of breathing new life into Singapore’s book scene. Since opening its doors in 2014, it has carved out a niche for Chinese literature while also offering a variety of international works, SingLit poetry (that you can now purchase using SG Culture Pass credits) and even Bengali classics among other genres.
What truly sets City Book Room apart is its hidden stash of rare titles and out-of-print gems – perfect for book hunters on the lookout for that elusive title. The space occasionally hosts arts and cultural events, and talks by renowned writers and lecturers – keep an eye on City Book Room’s Facebook page for updates.
Address: 387 Joo Chiat Road, #03-02 The Modules, Singapore 427623
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 11am to 6pm, Closed on Tuesday
Website
3. Bookstore Bommoi
Bommoi is Singapore’s only independent Korean bookstore. But fret not if you can’t read Korean, because there are also English editions of some titles, as well as a selection of children’s picture books with whimsical illustrations that anyone would be able to appreciate, regardless of language barrier. This zen space also regularly hosts reading sessions that focus on everything from poetry to essays and picture books.
The cherry on top? A personalised book request option, where you can request for titles that are not available in store. Simply fill out a Google form and the owners will get in touch with you regarding the book’s availability, pricing, and estimated arrival date.
Address: 61A Neil Road, Singapore 088893
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm, Closed on Monday
Website
4. Basheer Graphic Books
A go-to spot for artists, designers and makers for over the past three decades and counting, Basheer Graphic Books is an independent bookstore that boasts an extensive, carefully curated collection of creative books – from international magazines and design tomes to niche titles across film, photography, interiors, architecture and more.
Step inside and you’ll immediately feel its vintage charm – checkered floor tiles and wooden bookshelves give the space a rustic vibe that’ll make you want to stay for hours. With rows upon rows of gems, you never know what treasures you might stumble upon in this creative sanctuary.
Address: 231 Bain Street, #04-19, Singapore 180231
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 8pm, Sunday, 11am to 7pm
Website
5. Littered with Books
Littered with Books is a quaint little two-storey bookstore nestled within a charming Duxton Road shophouse. As its name suggests, this cosy abode is home to a wide, carefully curated array of books – spanning literary, non-fiction, crime, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy books, travel narratives and award-winning children’s titles.
Upon stepping into the store, a long corridor lined with bookshelves immediately draws you in. At the centre, books are arranged on a sculptural tree installation that sits beneath the shop’s skylight, creating a striking focal point. Head upstairs to the second floor and you’ll be greeted by a space that feels like a home library, complete with velvety armchairs to sink right into.
Address: 20 Duxton Road, Singapore 089486
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 8pm, Saturday to Sunday, 11am to 8pm
6. Grassroots Book Room
Founded in 1995 by renowned Singaporean Chinese writer Ying Pei An, Grassroots Book Room is an independent Chinese bookstore spotlighting local and regional Chinese-language publications, spanning humanities titles, picture books, and food literature. For those that can’t read Chinese, rest assured – the store also carries a thoughtfully curated selection of local English-language titles.
But the most charming part about this store is probably its letter writing station, where visitors can take a random handwritten note by a stranger from the jar if they need a little pick-me-up, and pen something back in return.
Address: 25 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089839
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Saturday, 12pm to 8pm, Sunday, 12pm to 6pm, Closed on Tuesday
Website