For bookworms, walking into bookstores can feel as exciting entering Toys “R” Us as a child. These days however, with the convenience of e-books, physical books are being forgotten – and many who prefer hard copies over digital ones simply purchase them online from places like Book Depository because it’s cheaper.
But at secondhand bookstores, you can get pre-loved books at half their usual retail price, or less. Not only will you be giving these otherwise unwanted items a new lease of life, you might also come across titles that are now out of print and unavailable at modern bookstores.
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You may first be greeted by stands of ten-year series at Book Point but don’t be deceived by that facade because they have a massive collection of 2 million titles. There are books on astronomy, true crimes, and even unexplained mysteries – it’s easily a haven for book lovers of all genres.
Image credit: Book Point Pte Ltd
If you can’t sieve through the mass of books for that specific title you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to approach the staff – they’ll know which nook shop to undust. They also have a separate warehouse so there’s really so much more than what you see on the shelves.
A book of campfire songs and a bilingual book on Singapore’s history
Image credit: Book Point Pte Ltd, Book Point Pte Ltd
Address: #03-17, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St, Singapore 180231
Telephone: 63389106
Opening hours: Mon-Thur & Sat: 10AM-7PM | Fri: 2PM-7PM | Sun: 10.30AM-6PM
Website
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Nestled in a corner of Far East Plaza, Ana Book Store has a well-lit interior with a display of books lined against its glass walls that makes them hard to miss. The shop might appear modest in size, but there’s a vast range of popular fiction and non-fiction books that fill the shelves.
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You might be able to find bestsellers such as Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan at cheaper prices here. If you’re planning your travel itinerary, there are plenty of travel guides here for countries from Japan all the way to Czechoslovakia. Other non-fiction titles cover topics like investment, fashion and spiritual well being.
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Address: #05-01, Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
Telephone: 6737 2385
Opening hours: Mon-Sat:, 12PM-8PM | 1st and 2nd Sun of each month: 1PM-6PM
Image credit: @gohdbooks
GOHD Books may be a little more expensive than the usual secondhand bookstore, with prices starting from $50. But for a collection of hand-sewn, leather-bound hardcover books, it’s reasonable – the gold embossed covers with beautiful traditional calligraphy on them are truly worth marvelling at.
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In this quaint store, you’ll be able to find a lineup of books covering topics such as myths and legends, folklor, the Medieval world, and travel and exploration. Some treasures include a 1947 version of Enid Blyton’s The Valley of Adventure and a 1900 original of The Wizard of Oz.
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Address: #01-37 Burlington Square, 175 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189649
Telephone: 9090 6181
Opening hours: Fri-Sun: 1.30PM-7PM
Website
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Sultana Book Store will help you find your right match – just approach the staff and inform them of the title you’re looking for, and if they don’t have it, they’ll recommend similar books. Amongst the piles and piles of books you’ll encounter in the store, you’ll find classics like Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird and Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea.
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There’s a wide array of self-help books so there’s a likelihood that you’ll chance upon something uplifting. This is also a good place to check out for Chinese titles.
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Address: #02-14, Peace Centre, 1 Sophia Road, Singapore 228149
Telephone: 6337 2387
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12PM-7PM
Website
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If you’re in the creative industry and hit a roadblock, the books at Basheer Graphic Books may inspire you. This store specialises in books and magazines related to architecture, photography, graphic design, landscape design…the list goes on. So if you’re an artist or designer, go on and knock yourself out.
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But if you’re not an art buff, don’t worry, they’ve got shelves dedicated to more general reads.
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Address: #01-07, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231
Telephone: 6336 0810
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10AM-8.30PM | Sun: 11AM-6.30PM
Website
Image credit: Knowledge Book Centre
Knowledge Book Centre lives up to its name with an extensive collection of textbooks and reference guides. Whether you’re a primary school kid preparing for PSLE, or an adult student pursuing your doctorate, you can find academic resources here at an affordable price.
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Try striking a deal with the owner if you’re buying more items as he’s really friendly. But don’t limit yourself to just the educational materials, as this bookstore also has pockets of fiction hidden among its shelves.
Address: #03-35/37B, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231
Telephone: 63367530
Opening hours: Mon-Thu & Sat: 10.30AM-7.00PM | Friday: 2.30PM-7.00PM | Sun & Public Holidays: 11.00AM-6.00PM
Website
Image credit: Evernew Book Store
Evernew Bookstore is a time capsule of books you won’t find in the more popular modern bookstores. The kind of gems you’ll find here range from literature classics like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, to George Orwell’s Narrative Essays, and old comic series like Archie for a fraction of their usual prices.
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If you’re not looking for a particular book, you need to check the clearance tables outside the store – that’s where prices can go as low at $2 or less! Now that’s a dirt cheap bargain you don’t want to miss.
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Address: #01-07, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231
Telephone: 6338 1753
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 11AM-7.30PM | Sunday: 11AM-6.30PM
Website
Image credit: Beauty World Book Centre
Less widely known is Beauty World Book Centre, which has all the bestsellers and classics. If you’re a parent on a budget, check out their collection of children’s books – you might even spot some old favourites dating back to your own childhood which can now be passed on to your kids.
Image credit: Beauty World Book Centre
You can also rent a book here for up to three weeks starting from just $4, and when you return it, you’ll receive a small portion of what you spent – about $1 or $2.
Address: #03-08 Beauty World Centre, 144 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 588177
Telephone: 6469 8070
Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 11.30AM-3PM, 6PM-9PM
Website
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Books Actually is a crossover between the old and new. Beyond the trendy-looking exterior, you’ll find a good supply of both newly-printed and pre-loved Singaporean titles.
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You can look forward to grabbing titles by established Singaporean authors such as Alfian Sa’at, and Cyril Wong for around $20. Broaden your perspectives on topics like gender and equality with titles like This is What Inequality Looks Like by Teo You Yenn and I Will Survive by Leow Yangfa.
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Other topics covered include philosophy, anthropology and political science, just to name a few. For an added sense of thrill, leave it up to chance and try the vending machine right outside the store, where all the books are wrapped in plain paper so you won’t judge them by their covers.
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Bonus: you can also pet the resident cats napping around the store!
Address: 9 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168645
Telephone: 6222 9195
Opening hours: Sun & Mon: 9AM-6PM | Tues-Sat: 9AM-7PM
Website
Image credit: Book Treasure
Located within Parklane Shopping Mall, Book Treasure is a wonderland with cartons of old magazines like National Geographic, books on parenting, and of course general fiction.
You’ll also find informative books covering topics like pregnancy, self-improvement, and therapy. Other interesting reads include graphic novels like StarCraft. If you’d like to get your hands on a romantic tear-jerker, they’ve got the whole Nicholas Sparks series here as well.
Language books
Image credit: Book Treasure
Address: #01-31, Parklane Shopping Mall, 35 Selegie Rd, Singapore 188307
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10.30AM-8PM | Sun: 11AM-6PM
Website
Secondhand bookstores are a haven of good pre-loved reads at low prices. Other than allowing you to save some money, buying from a secondhand bookstore is also more sustainable as you’ll be giving unwanted items another chance to be appreciated. The next time you’re looking for a new book to add to your home library, visit these stores and see what gems you can find.
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