SG60 may be over, but the perks that we got for Singapore’s 60th big bash aren’t over yet. In case you’ve forgotten about them, all Singaporeans aged 18 and above in 2025 would have received something called the SG Culture Pass. TL;DR, it comes with $100 worth of credits that can be used for almost everything arts and culture.
When the SG Culture Pass was launched on 1st September 2025, the credits could be used to offset ticket purchases for eligible local arts and heritage activities, as well as programmes offered by authorised ticketing partners.
As of 1st March 2026, the scheme was broadened to include local literary works, so you are now able to buy physical books from participating bookstores across Singapore.
ICYMI, literature, and in particular, Sing Lit, does sit under the whole “arts and culture” umbrella, just like ballet or opera. To help you get started on a love for Singaporean fiction, poetry, plays, and literary short essays, here are 5 bookstores in Singapore to support and spend your SG Culture Pass at:
Instead of seeking out another viral, trendy cafe this weekend, consider putting Book Bar on your list of places to go – especially if you’re looking for new paktor ideas. The location itself is A-star, situated along Duxton Road, so you can easily pop out to have some K-BBQ after your book date.
What sets Book Bar apart from your average bookstore is its very own cafe, with a variety of seating options including bar stools, cosy couches, and even a communal table where you might meet some like-minded pals.
Besides a wide range of Sing Lit titles, they stock books which spotlight Asian heritage. After you’ve purchased your book of choice, find a seat at the cafe and order yourself a Matcha Latte (from $8.50) and some Tater Tots ($12/$18); otherwise you might even have a nightcap in the form of wine by the glass or bottle, with Beef Lasagna ($18.90).
Address: 57 Duxton Road, Singapore 089521
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 9.30am-7pm | Fri-Sat 9.30am-10pm | Sun 9.30am-6pm
Contact: 8283 0807 | Book Bar website
Indie publisher and bookstore City Book Room might just redefine the term “hidden gem” – not only is it on the 3rd floor of a small SOHO complex in Joo Chiat, you’ll have to locate the intercom and get buzzed up.
This intimate space is a shoes-off zone that almost feels as though you’ve stepped into a bookworm’s abode, with full-height shelves lining the walls, and an island of books in the middle of the store.
Against the far corner is a reading booth where you might find respite, or have quiet conversation with a friend about your latest reads or two.
While the bookstore’s primary emphasis is on Singaporean and SEA Chinese titles, they’ve expanded their collection to include an increasing number of English books too.
Address: 387 Joo Chiat Road, #03-02 The Modules, Singapore 427623
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11am-6pm (Closed on Tue)
Contact: 6901 1583 | City Book Room website
With a history dating back to 1969, family-run Maha Yu Yi is one of, if not the largest Chinese bookstore in Singapore. They were recently recognised as an SG Heritage Business too, supporting both local and international writers, and catering to readers of all ages.
Don’t let their main storefront deceive you – in another unit behind is their children’s collection, which reportedly holds more than 2,000 titles.
Look for and take the steps down a level to find yourself in yet another multi-purpose space. This is where they host storytelling and art workshops, puppet shows, or author signings and dialogue sessions on a regular basis. Keep an eye on their events page to find out what they’ve got planned.
Besides Sing Lit, Maha Yu Yi’s catalogue also features rare TCM journals and Chinese books – even some that might no longer be in print.
Address: 231 Bain Street, #03-07/#03-11/#02-15, Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10.30am-6.30pm | Fri-Sat 10.30am-7pm | Sun 11am-6pm
Contact: 6336 5222 | Maha Yu Yi website
Did you know that Kampong Glam was where the first Muslim print shops in Singapore were located? The first commercial Muslim presses began here in 1860, later evolving into bookshops, and Bussorah Street was at the heart of all the action.
In fact, the very shop space that Wardah Books now occupies, at 58 Bussorah Street, was listed as the distribution address in a century-old copy of the Kitab Pelayaran Haji. This historic book about the Muslim pilgrimage was written in 1909, and printed in 1927 just around the corner, at 21 Haji Lane.
Today, Wardah Books has an inventory of more than 4,000 titles, hosting regular book clubs and reading sessions to promote reading in the community.
There are multiple dedicated spaces for readers to feel at home in – living up to their belief of the bookstore as a third space for everyone to slip into.
Even on the 2nd floor, sun-drenched through arched windows, there’s a calming sense of peace and orderliness that makes the outside world and its busyness seem far off and removed.
Address: 58 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199474
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10am-6pm | Fri 10am-10pm (Closed 12.45pm-2pm) | Sat 9am-10pm | Sun 9am-9pm
Contact: 6297 1232 | Wardah Books website
Specialty children’s bookstore Woods in the Books is certainly as whimsical as the name sounds. You may be most familiar with their Tiong Bahru location, but they now have stores in New Bahru and Katong as well, featuring their signature hand-painted walls and welcoming pops of colour.
Don’t set children’s and illustrated books aside even if you’re long past that first spring of youth, because what is age, if not a mere construct? You’ll be surprised at the nuggets of wisdom some of these books hold, when you look back at them through the lens of age and experience.
There’s a veritable collection of Sing Lit titles at Woods in the Books, and you’ll easily spot them with their SG Culture Pass stickers.
It’s fairly straightforward to purchase Sing Lit books with your SG Culture Pass. All you have to do is log in to your SG Culture Pass account, click on your profile button, then tap “Pay in store”.
Then, enter in the amount that you want to use to generate a QR code, and let the cashier scan this code to complete the purchase.
Literature is as big a part of the arts as music, theatre, and dance; you can do your part to support Sing Lit and our local writers, poets, and other playwrights by purchasing their works.
Other than the bookstores listed above, you can also spend your SG Culture Pass credits at bookshops including Kinokuniya, POPULAR, and Union Books Co Pte Ltd. #SupportLocal, and support our local arts scene.
This post was brought to you by SG Culture Pass.
Photography by: Shannon Tan
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