Stock Your Shelves With Secondhand Books from These Bookstores
Whether you're a seasoned bookworm or just starting your reading journey, we've got you covered with these spots to discover preloved literary gems.
By Cherry Tan,
Let's be honest: while e-readers like Kindle and Kobo put an entire library in your pocket, nothing quite compares to the tactile joy of holding a book. With BookTok sparking a reading renaissance, the urge to overflow your shelves is real. But instead of splurging, why not support Singapore’s independent bookstores or go the sustainable (and budget-friendly) route by borrowing or buying secondhand? Ahead, we've rounded up bookstores – and a library – where you can indulge your bookish cravings, sustainably.
THRYFT
Thryft is a recommerce platform based in Singapore, offering international shipping. Founded in 2019 by a group of NUS and Yale-NUS students, including co-founders Choy Jia Yu and Eddie Lim, Thryft emerged from their vision of using technology to supercharge e-commerce for preloved items, with the aim of creating a circular economy. Initially focused on selling secondhand books, Thryft has since successfully expanded into clothing and vinyl records. After years of hard work, primarily operating online and through pop-ups, they are now set to open their first brick-and-mortar space, the Thryft Hub, where you can explore a curated selection of Thryft’s best offerings, as well as trade in and donate your own preloved items.
Shop online at Thryft or visit the Thryft Hub at 120 Lower Delta Road, #01-15. The Thryft Hub is open by appointment only. Schedule your visit through the Thryft Hub’s page.
A MILLION BOOKS
A Million Books is an online secondhand bookstore founded in October 2020 with a strong commitment to sustainability. Remarkably, one hundred per cent of the bookstore’s profits are dedicated to supporting Singapore’s tree-planting efforts. To date, this volunteer-led bookstore has partnered with the Garden City Fund to plant eight trees. While that may seem like a modest number, it’s a significant achievement for a team made up entirely of volunteers who are passionate about making a positive impact on the planet.
Shop online or visit its physical store at #06-78 WCEGA Tower, 21 Bukit Batok Crescent. The store is open from Monday to Friday, 11am-6:30pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 11am-4pm. Closed on Thursdays.
BOOK SITTER CLUB
One of the newer kids on the block, Book Sitter Club (not to be confused with The Baby-Sitters Club – the book series that us on-the-cusp Gen Zs and millennials might have adored as children), launched in April this year at the Maxwell Farmers Market. Since then, the bookstore has primarily appeared at pop-ups, including Bone Apple Tea Bistro, Huggs Maxwell, and even the hugely popular Hammock Market, offering a diverse selection of books priced affordably from $2 to $30.
For information on its next pop-up, visit its Instagram at @booksitterclub.sg or check out its website
CASUAL POET LIBRARY
You’ve likely heard of Casual Poet Library, which has been generating a lot of buzz ahead of its official opening on 5 August. Founder Rebecca Toh’s vision of fostering community through a shared love of books is refreshing and undoubtedly inspires optimism for the future of community-led and funded initiatives. For a relatively affordable annual fee of $25, you can become a member and borrow up to five books at a time from Casual Poet Library’s extensive catalogue of over 2,400 books. Currently, the library does not impose late fees but encourages members to return books after a month to ensure everyone in the community can enjoy its resources.
Casual Poet Library is situated at Block 123 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-110. Open daily from 9am to 9pm.
THE BOOKSTORE BY BOOKS BEYOND BORDERS
Founded by Randall Chong, Books Beyond Borders began modestly as a Carousell store selling used books. Since then, this social enterprise, which supports girls' education in Nepal, has flourished. It now boasts two physical locations: The Book Barracks at Jalan Peminpin and The Bookstore in Chinatown, which attracts a wider clientele, including tourists. While you can find books as low as $1 at The Book Barracks’ warehouse sales, The Bookstore features books often in near-mint condition, along with rare vintage finds and lifestyle items ethically crafted by Nepalese artisans.
Shop online or visit its physical shop at 33 Erskine Road, #01-08. Open daily from 11am to 8pm.
EVERNEW BOOK STORE
Established in 1988, Evernew Book Store boasts over 30 years of history, making it a cornerstone of the secondhand book scene in Singapore. Its selection is as extensive as its legacy, offering everything from fiction and non-fiction to classics and children’s books. With shelves brimming with books, you might easily lose track of time while searching for your next read. Fortunately, the treasures you find here are affordably priced, ensuring you can stock up your bookshelves without breaking the bank.
Shop online or visit its physical shop at #01-07 Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street. Open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 7:30pm, and Sunday from 11am to 6:30pm.
ANA BOOKSTORE
Another seasoned veteran on this list is Ana Book Store, the only secondhand bookstore in the Orchard Road area. Tucked away in a quiet corner on the fifth floor of Far East Plaza, this bookstore has been a fixture in the mall since the 1990s. With about 10,000 books stacked from floor to ceiling, it’s a haven for any book lover who visits. Ana Book Store also stands out as the only store on this list without a digital presence, which means you’ll need to visit in person for some wholesome, face-to-face book browsing.
Ana Bookstore is located at #05-01 Far East Plaza. Open Monday to Saturday from 12:30pm to 7pm, and Sunday from 2pm to 5pm.