Best Secondhand Bookstores In Singapore For Thrifting Pre-Loved Books

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.

BEST SECONDHAND BOOKSTORES IN SINGAPORE

1. Book Treasure

Tucked away in a corner of Parklane Shopping Mall, Book Treasure is a hidden haven for all book lovers. It’s filled to the brim with all kinds of books – fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, picture books, autobiographies and even comics – you name it, they have it. Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly endless boxes to dig through, as each book is neatly wrapped and ready for a new home. And the best part? The shopkeeper is basically a human search engine for books – ask for any title or genre and he’ll know exactly where to find it. With most titles under $10, this old-school used bookstore is truly a treasure trove. 

Address: 35 Selegie Road, #01-31, Singapore 188307
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 11am-7pm, Sunday from 11am-6pm

2. 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. Although Thryft has recently closed its brick-and-mortar space, you can still explore a curated selection of their best offerings, as well as trade in and donate your own preloved items through their website.

Shop online here

3. 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.

Address: #06-78 WCEGA Tower, 21 Bukit Batok Crescent
Opening hours: By appointment only. Schedule your appointment via its Instagram @amillionbooks.sg
Shop online here

4. Book Sitters 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 2024 at the now-defunct 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.

5. Casual Poet Library

You’ve likely heard of Casual Poet Library, which has been drawing curious crowds since it first opened its doors in August 2024. 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.

Address: 123 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-110, Singapore 150123
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-9pm. Closed on Mondays.

6. 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. Its physical location, The Bookstore in Chinatown, attracts a wide clientele, including tourists. Here, you can find books in near-mint condition, along with rare vintage finds and lifestyle items ethically crafted by Nepalese artisans.

Address: 33 Erskine Road, #01-08, Singapore 069333
Opening hours: Daily from 11am to 8pm.
Shop online here

7. 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. It now has two outlets – a  main outlet at Bras Basah and a second one at Beauty World Centre. 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. 

Address: 231 Bain St, #01-07, Singapore 180231 & 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #01-26A, Singapore 588177
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 11am to 7:30pm, Sunday from 11am to 6:30pm & Monday to Friday from 11am to 7:30pm, Saturday to Sunday from 10:30am to 8pm respectively. 
Shop online here

8. Ana Book Store

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.

Address: 14 Scotts Road, #05-01 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 8pm. Closed on Sundays.