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 selected our favourite bookstores and libraries in Singapore, that offer more than just reading. From fully-stocked shleves of treasure to modern ig-worthy spaces…we’ve located the 13 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 new 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.
📍57 Duxton Road, Singapore
2. Epigram Coffee Bookshop
Grab a coffee by Balestier Market Collective and dig into your favourite books at this revamped bookshop. Wonderfully, the modern bookstore is conveniently located inside Singapore Art Museum – for those desiring to check out a new exhibition too. Plus, literature worms can expect a host of Singaporean and international writers popping up at this bookshop, to share their success secrets, for aspiring writers.
📍39 Keppel Road, Tanjong Pagar Distripark 01-02, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore 089065
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.
📍 231 Bain Street, #04-19, Singapore 180231
4. Littered With Books
As one of the most unusual independent bookstores in Singapore – Littered With Books lives up to its name. Located in Chinatown, you can wander through hundreds of titles and genres, in a relaxing atmosphere, in a former shophouse. Definitely, you’ll find the perfect read.
📍 20 Duxton Road, 089486
5. Kinokuniya Books
This Japanese bookstore chain can be found in various locations – but its Orchard Road outlet is the biggest bookstore, and it’s a wonderful spot to pick up some rare finds. Exhibiting more than 400,000 books, it’s known for its collection of unique Asian and international books, magazines, and more. Customers even claim that this is ”the best bookshop in the world”.
📍 391 Orchard Road #04 – 20/20B/20C/20E Takashimaya Shopping Centre Ngee Ann City, 238872
6. Woods In The Books
This is an adorably-designed bookshop complete with a smiling rainbow in the window. Its 11-year home at Tiong Bahru just closed for good but you can find a great selection of titles and children’s books at Katong, Orchard Forum, and Centrepoint. Whether you’re treating your little ones or wanting a bit of nostalgia – this is the place for bright and colourful pages 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 cool 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. 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
13. Library @ Harbourfront
Why not head to this beautiful library, overlooking Sentosa, offering unmatched scenic views of the harbour, beach and beyond? The library caters for people of all ages with a range of diverse books, learning pods, and the best sunset views a library could offer.
📍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.