Niche bookstores in Singapore
When we think of bookstores, Kinokuniya and Popular often come to mind. These 2 chains are staples in the Singaporean vocab, but can sometimes feel a little too mainstream. You may not know this, but Singapore does have a thriving local and indie bookstore community – each with its niche collections.
Not only do they have less commonly found books and genres; they also function as gathering places for like-minded people. Now, if that has piqued your interest, here are some niche bookstores in Singapore to check out.
Table of Contents [hide]
- Niche bookstores in Singapore
- – Physical bookstores –
- 1. Woods in the Books
- 2. Littered with Books
- 3. Book Bar
- 4. City Book Room
- 5. Basheer Graphic Books
- 6. Comics World
- 7. Bommoi
- 8. Wardah Books
- 9. Book Treasure’
- 10. Hungry Traveller
- – Online bookstores –
- 11. Epigram Books
- Singaporean literature for all ages
- 12. Wordery
- 13. BookMarket
- 14. OpenTrolley
- 15. AllScript Magazines
| Bookstore | Niche | Location |
| Woods in the Books | Children’s picture books and illustrated works | 206 East Coast Road, Singapore 428905
46 Kim Yam Road, #03-06, New Bahru, Singapore 239351 |
| Littered with Books | Specially curated books | 20 Duxton Road, Singapore 089486 |
| Book Bar | Local-literature-focused bookstore with a cafe | 57 Duxton Road, Singapore 089521 |
| City Book Room | Chinese Literature | 387 Joo Chiat Road, #03-02, The Modules, Singapore 427623 |
| Basheer Graphic Books | Design & Creative books | 231 Bain Street, #04-19, Singapore 180231 |
| Comics World | Comic Books | 35 Selegie Road, B1-22, Park Lane Shopping Mall, Singapore 188307 |
| Bommoi Bookshop | Korean Literature | Tanjong Pagar (Temporarily Closed) |
| Wardah Books | English Islamic Books | 58 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199474 |
| Book Treasure | Secondhand books | 35 Selegie Road, #01-31, Parklane Shopping Mall, Singapore 188307 |
| Hungry Traveller | Vintage bookstore with food & travel books | 231 Bain Street, #01-31, Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231 |
| Epigram Books | Singaporean Literature for all ages | Online |
| Wordery | Free worldwide shipping | Online |
| BookMarket | 90% off deals on books | Online |
| OpenTrolley | Largest book collection in Singapore | Online |
| AllScript Magazines | Magazines | Online |
– Physical bookstores –
1. Woods in the Books
Children’s bookstore for illustrated masterpieces
Image adapted from @melanderings & @tinytotsbookery via Instagram
Woods in the Books is a bookstore that specialises in children’s books. This independent bookstore handpicks books from a variety of genres that are both kid-friendly and educational, with works from both local and international writers.
This colourful wonderland is a treat for the eyes and a perfect place to take your little ones – even if they aren’t voracious readers. For all you know, a visit here might just inspire a new hobby for them.
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2. Littered with Books
Specially curated books for new readers
Image credit: @litteredwithbooks via Instagram
Littered with Books is a bookstore that specialises in selling a curated list of books, personally chosen by their team. Every title found here – whether it’s sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, or romance – has been “vetted,” so you can trust that whatever you find here will be worth your time and money.
The bookstore can be found in a vibrant blue conservation shophouse along Duxton Road, but you could also follow their Instagram page for regular book recommendations.
3. Book Bar
Cafe & Singaporean lit-focused bookstore
Image credit: @suzanne.scott.tomita via Instagram
Book Bar lets you indulge in 2 hobbies – reading and cafe hopping – at one go. This local bookstore focuses on Singaporean literature, and has a small curation of books that feature Asian heritage on the side. Book Bar regularly hosts book launches for local authors, so keep a look out for their events if you want to meet the faces behind your fav SingLit books. They’re also a gathering place for like-minded people, so take this chance to make new friends while you’re at it.
Image credit: @drink.eat.sg via Instagram
And yes – it has a cafe bar that serves finger food and drinks for you to indulge in while you browse. Their drinks, priced from $4, are pretty affordable too. You can easily spend hours looking around – especially since you won’t find yourself hungry or thirsty.
4. City Book Room
Chinese literature-focused bookstore
Image credit: @citybookroom_singapore via Instagram
City Book Room is a Chinese lit-focused bookstore tucked away in Joo Chiat’s residential area – it’s such a hideaway, you’ll need to be buzzed in via intercom.
Even if you can’t or don’t read Chinese, this place is worth visiting for its selection of translated works for English readers. They also host lectures and book gatherings in their brightly lit space.
5. Basheer Graphic Books
Bookstore for the creatives
Image adapted from: @seeya.mp4 & @hausbyg via Instagram
Singaporean creatives know that Basheer Graphic Books is the place to visit for inspiration. This bookstore specialises in design-related books covering topics like architecture, animation, drawing, and video editing.
The old-school, quirky bookstore is hard to miss with its bold checkerboard tiles and floor-to-ceiling shelves. Even if there’s nothing to your liking, it makes a pretty trippy backdrop for photos, too.
6. Comics World
SG’s longest-surviving comic book shop
Image credit: @comicsworldsingapore via Instagram
Comic book fans know the pain of looking for vintage, limited-ed, or specific comic books, which is why Comics World is worth paying a visit. Founded in 1987, they’re Singapore’s longest-surviving comic book store, and regularly source and bring in new shipments of comics.
Before dropping by, you can find their entire collection on the Comic World website so you’ll know if they have what you’re looking for.
7. Bommoi
Korean literature specialist
Bommoi is a bookstore that sells Korean literature. Bommoi has books for readers of every age – the only catch is that most of them are written in Korean. Not to worry, their friendly owners are fluent in both Korean and English – do approach them if you’re lost or looking for something specific.
Books that make learning Korean fun.
Image credit: @letsbommoi via Instagram
Plus, they have a small selection of English-translated works like so.dosi, which is a guidebook series that explores cities in South Korea. It’s a great place to visit if you enjoy Korean culture or want to learn more about Korea.
Otherwise, Bommoi also stocks cute Korean stationery, trinkets, and collectibles. They’re slated to reopen in Tanjong Pagar this month with a bigger store, so keep a lookout for updates on the Bommoi Instagram page.
8. Wardah Books
English Islamic books
Image credit: @ainarafar via Instagram
From the outside, Wardah Books appears to be an ordinary bookstore. Their niche, however, lies in English Islamic books. You don’t have to be Muslim or religious to visit them, though. Their books cater to a Muslim readership, but their titles are accessible to anyone who reads in English.
Image credit: @wardahbooks via Instagram
They also have books relating to Islamic history, culture, and literature, which are perfect for those who want to learn more about the religion.
9. Book Treasure’
Second-hand, pre-loved books for sale
Image credit: @Nizam Mohd Rezam via Google Maps
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is Book Treasure’s motto. Their shop is chock-full of second-hand and pre-loved books, ready to be rediscovered. Don’t be put off by their no-frills, almost dingy-looking store, because hundreds of titles can be found here.
You may find yourself on a literal treasure hunt to find your book, as the name of this bookstore suggests. Of course, second-hand books can be a little worse for wear, but they’re also cheaper, so it’s a great place to drop by if you’re a voracious reader on a tight budget.
10. Hungry Traveller
Vintage bookstore with food & travel books
Image adapted from: @hungrytravellersbookstore & @nashhadid via Instagram
Hungry Traveller is a highly niche bookstore because their collection is filled with rare and hard-to-find books about food, travel, and world history. Their collection doesn’t necessarily scream, “Read me!”, yet it encourages you to indulge in the joy of discovery as you browse through vintage cookbooks, travel guides and old printed materials – pamphlets, postcards…even maps.
This bookstore would appeal to book collectors, but most of their catalogue comes with a hefty price tag. You can also drop by just to browse through, of course.
– Online bookstores –
11. Epigram Books
Singaporean literature for all ages
Image credit: @brendalogy via Instagram
Epigram Books closed their only physical store in January, but they’re still thriving online. This local publisher champions the SingLit scene with works from all genres, for all ages.
Epigram is a staple for those interested in Singaporean literature, with titles like Sherlock Sam for the kiddos, and The Accidental Malay for romance lovers. Even history buffs would enjoy the works on offer, like Heritage Shops in Singapore.
Browse the Epigram Books collection.
12. Wordery
Free worldwide shipping
Image credit: @worderybooks via Instagram
Wordery’s huge collection of over 10 million books means that at this online bookstore, you’ll almost definitely find whatever title you’re looking for. Online shoppers know the pain of paying astronomical shipping fees, but with Wordery’s free shipping service to over 100 countries, you’ll only be paying for the books you want.
Plus, Wordery doesn’t just stock up on what’s popular – they also sell self-published writing and works from indie publishers so you can find these elusive, underrated titles and have them sent to your doorstep ASAP.
13. BookMarket
Up to 90% off on pre-loved titles
Image credit: @curiousbookreviewer via Instagram
BookMarket is the perfect site to shop on if you’re always looking for the best deals on books. Their collection is obtained from less-than-ideal stock or donations, so their books may not be in mint condition. The prices, however, make up for it.
Works from famous authors like Ursula Le Guin and Stephen King go for as low as $8.80, and their clearance sale has discounts of up to 90%. At BookMarket, you’ll definitely find something up your alley for cheap – if you don’t mind the worn condition.
Shop the BookMarket collection here.
14. OpenTrolley
Singapore-based online bookstore
Their recommended books for Women’s History Month.
Image credit: @opentrolley via Instagram
OpenTrolley is home to the largest book collection in Singapore, with more than 15 million titles. This Singapore-based online bookstore guarantees that your order arrives within 7 days of purchase, and they pride themselves on taking extra measures to ensure your books reach you in the best possible condition.
If you’re facing decision fatigue, feel free to follow the OpenTrolley Instagram page where they have a monthly recommendation of books for you to choose from.
Shop the OpenTrolley collection.
15. AllScript Magazines
For the magazine readers
Image credit: @unpluggedmy via Instagram
Print magazines are a dying trade, but many don’t realise that these quick reads are more than just entertainment – they’re also full of interesting facts and knowledge. AllScript Magazines preserves this endangered form of literature by selling everything magazine-related.
Teen mags, fashion mags, architectural mags, cooking, and even craft magazines. Whatever kind of magazines you can think of, Allscript Magazines has them.
Shop the AllScript Magazines collection.
Where to find niche bookstores in Singapore
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an avid or casual reader – everyone can appreciate the vibes of a good book, and these niche bookstores are full of interesting gems for you to unearth.
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Cover image adapted from: @seeya.mp4, @comicsworldsingapore & @nashhadid via Instagram