Hook On Books, a kid-friendly Chinese bookstore
Whether you’re looking for a new favourite bookstore or a place to purchase cute little knick-knacks, Hook On Books is a cosy spot to check out.
This Chinese bookstore is located less than a 5-minute walk away from Maxwell Station. More interestingly, they’ve got a couple of DIY stations for you to bring home your creations and a specially designated reading area for you to chill and relax at. Trust us, it’s easy to spend a good couple of hours here.
Browse children’s books & cute knick-knacks
Image credit: @ffffppkkyy via Instagram
Step in to be greeted with shelves of Chinese books sorted by age group. Despite being a small bookstore, they have an extensive range of children’s books, fairytale books, and picture books – both from local and overseas publications. Although the range is limited, you can even find books for adults here.
Image adapted from: yiyi via Google Maps, Ly Lê via Google Maps
If you’re on the lookout for cute knick-knacks such as stickers, enamel pins, postcards, and toys, know that they are available here too. We also heard that some of the products you can find in the store are handmade by those from the less privileged community in Singapore.
DIY notebook stations
Image credit: @paperlileis via Instagram
At Hook On Books, you’re not only a reader, but also a creator. Aside from shelves filled with books, Hook On Books has a couple of DIY activity stations for you or your little Picasso to unleash your creativity.
Image credit: @hook_on_books via Instagram
There are 3 different activities that you can take part in here at their DIY station. Choose to make your own card or notebook – both of which are 30-minute-long activities – or a cardboard model for an hour. The prices start from $5.60 and go up to $12, depending on the item and size of the material that you choose.
In-house cafe serving pastries, coffee & tea
Image credit: Sam Liew via Google Maps
For those looking to unwind and chill instead, Hook On Books has a reading area all done up for you to spend a relaxing afternoon for a while. Something to take note of is that all the books at the cafe are donations from the store’s customers.
Not only that, the space also functions as a dining area for the in-house cafe serving some bites and a selection of drinks that you can order while burying your nose in the books.
Image credit: @teacheryanru via Instagram
Look forward to bites such as Rice Kueh ($5.50) or a Banana Cake ($6.50) and drinks such as your usual black or white coffee ($5.50). More interestingly, they serve their very own Tongyan Herbal Tea ($5.50) that is said to be good for the stomach and spleen. If you’re craving something more classic, order their Sugar-Free Soya Milk ($5.50) instead.
Drop by Hook On Books on your next day off
Image credit: @aqilahreads via Instagram
With its soft Taiwanese bookstore vibes and colourful rows of books, Hook On Books is a cosy spot to spend an afternoon, especially if you’re in the area. It’s also an aesthetic spot where you can snap a few pics for the ‘Gram.
Getting there is easy. The nearest MRT station to Hook On Books would be either Outram Park MRT station on the purple line or Maxwell MRT station on the brown line. Maxwell MRT station is a 4-minute walk away from the bookstore, while Outram Park MRT station is a 10-minute walk.
While you’re there, check out the Grassroots Book Room, which is located a few doors down. For more things to do, explore the unique Starbucks outlets in Singapore or a Bali-like retreat in Kranji.
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Cover image adapted from: Sam Liew via Google Maps, @hook_on_books via Instagram