The literature lovers of Singapore will know all too well escaping from reality into a fantasy world of books. And if you’re bored of your usual hub, we’ve found an impressive selection of bookstores and libraries in Singapore – each offering a unique experience for book lovers. From fully-stocked shelves of treasure to modern ig-worthy spaces…we’ve located the 14 best bookstores and public libraries in Singapore to pick up a new book or hideaway for the day.
Best bookstores in Singapore
1. Book Bar
Book Bar is one of the best hidden bookstores in Singapore that focuses on Asian and Singaporean literature. It opened last year, and combines a bookstore and coffee bar, in a cosy space where bookworms can read dozens of books, alongside a coffee. Definitely, one of the best secret book shops in Singapore.
📍57 Duxton Road, Singapore
2. Books Kinokuniya
Books Kinokuniya is a beloved Japanese bookstore chain known for a vast selection of books and genres. The bookstore chain boasts two outlets in Singapore and a third outlet will open at Raffles City this August 2025. Its Orchard Road flagship is known for more than 500,000 titles in many languages, as well as magazines, and Asian literature. Learn more about the new Raffles City outlet here.
📍Various Locations
3. Basheer Graphic Books
Basheer is a quirky bookstore features an array of magazines, art, architecture, design titles and children’s books to add to your collection – whatever you desire, expect these folks to have it. Additionally, it’s one of the fastest bookstore deliveries in Singapore if you don’t feel like travelling there. Definitely, one of the best bookstores in Singapore.
📍 231 Bain Street, #04-19, Singapore 180231
4. POPULAR Bookstore
POPULAR Bookstore is a household name in Singapore, known for its accessibility and extensive range of books, educational materials for school, and stationery. With multiple branches across the island, the bookstore is especially convenient for families and students seeking new reads. Certainly, a top choice for a reliable selection of titles.
📍Various Locations
5. Littered With Books
Littered With Books is beloved independent bookstore nestled in a charming 2-storey shophouse in Chinatown. Customers love it for its curated selection of books spanning contemporary fiction, classics, sci-fi, fantasy, crime, non-fiction, and award-winning children’s books, alongside hard-to-find titles. Plus, the warm and inviting setting encourages visitors to linger and explore shelves at their own pace.
📍 20 Duxton Road, 089486
6. Woods In The Books
Woods In The Books is another charming independent bookstore in Singapore. Established in 2009, its outlets in places like Katong and New Bahru are celebrated for colourful picture books, illustrated titles, and a cosy atmosphere. This bookstore particularly caters to young readers. Definitely, one of the best family-friendly bookstores in Singapore.
📍 Various Locations
7. Grassroots Book Room
Grassroots is an independent Chinese bookstore featuring a cafe at Bukit Pasoh Road. It mainly stocks Chinese books and a small selection of English books. But it’s a fantastic place to relax with a new read in a cosy setting if you find something interesting!
📍25 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089839
8. City Book Room
This Chinese bookstore is hidden in a residential building along Joo Chiat Road. Hide away in a cosy, welcoming space with a range of Chinese-language and English-language books, as well as some other global languages across a number of genres.
📍387 Joo Chiat Rd, #03-02 The Modules, Singapore 427623
Best Public Libraries In Singapore
9. Library @ Orchard
The stylish interior of Orchard library has many influencers flocking here to snap an excellent instagrammable picture among the pretty bookshelves. But for those who are serious about reading, the library boasts more than 100,000 titles, from fiction to non-fiction, design books, and a range of interactive programmes. Plus, it’s a perfect place to hangout on a rainy day in Singapore.
📍 277 Orchard Road 11 Gateway 03-12/#04, Singapore 238858
10. Yishun Public Library
Yishun Public Library is conveniently located in Yishun for local bookworms. It offers a public space to read at Level 4 of the North Wing of Northpoint City in a pixel-themed setting. Enjoy hundreds of book titles, virtual bookshelves, relax on quirky furniture, and much more.
📍930 Yishun Ave 2 #04-01 North Wing Northpoint City, Singapore 769098
11. The Central Public Library
The Central Public Library, is located within the National Library Building, and it recently reopened with a unique new makeover. The library welcomes patrons of all ages to learn and discover in two key areas. The first is All Things Singapore and Sustainability and Biodiversity which incorporates heritage architectural elements of Singapore’s traditional shophouses and government buildings. Meanwhile, The Singapore Alcove allows patrons to borrow titles from the Singapore Collection and see the nation through literature at the exhibition. Plus, children can’t miss the first marine biodiversity-themed learning space called the Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A Aquarium.
📍Basement 1, National Library Building, 100 Victoria St, Singapore 188064
12. National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library
The National Library is the flagship national library of Singapore, known for its modern architecture, indoor gardens, and large collection exceeding 600,000 items. Located in the Downtown Core, it’s the perfect place for researchers, students, and anyone seeking a quiet, inspiring space to read or work. Particularly, the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library inside the building is valuable for academic and heritage research. In fact, this is the country’s largest library.
📍100 Victoria St, Singapore 188064
13. Bedok Public Library
This beautiful public library, under the National Library Board, is a superb place to read more than 200,000 titles in a quiet space in Heartbeat@Bedok. The complex features various rooms, from study and reading areas to early literature, and multimedia zones with computers to work from. The themes of nature, prominent throughout the library, adds to the calming ambience. Perfect for all ages!
📍11 Bedok North Street 1, #02-03 & #03-04 Heartbeat@Bedok, Singapore 469662
14. Library @ Harbourfront
Why not head to this beautiful library, overlooking Sentosa, offering unmatched scenic views of the harbour, beach and beyond? The library features an expansive children’s area with innovative learning spaces, including an Augmented Reality Room and a Makerspace – so it’s perfect for families with toddlers. Plus, adults and teenagers will benefit from the robust collection and digital learning resources.
📍1 HarbourFront Walk, #03-05 VivoCity, Singapore 098585
And that concludes our list of the best bookstores and libraries in Singapore. Did we miss your favourite bookstores or libraries in Singapore? Drop us a message on social media.