Navigating Singapore’s bookshop scene in 2024 means keeping track of a patchwork of opening hours that shift with mall timings, seasonal events, and independent store policies. Whether you are hunting for a new release at Kinokuniya or browsing used textbooks at a neighborhood shop, knowing when the doors open, and close, can save you a wasted trip. This guide compiles verified schedules for major chains, independent bookstores, secondhand dealers, and heritage-zone shops, all current as of mid-2024. Unless noted, times are subject to change during public holidays and festive periods.
Major Bookstore Chains
Singapore’s largest bookstore chains follow mall operating hours closely, but each location may differ. Below are the standard schedules for the most prominent retailers.
Kinokuniya Singapore (Ngee Ann City)
Flagship store at 391 Orchard Road, #03-09/10/15, Ngee Ann City, Takashimaya Shopping Centre. One of the largest English-language bookshops in Southeast Asia with over 200,000 titles.
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00-21:30
- Public Holidays: Usually 10:00-21:00 (check individual holiday notices)
- Note: Closed on the first day of Chinese New Year and Deepavali. Reduced hours on New Year’s Eve (10:00-17:00).
Popular Bookstore (Various Outlets)
Nationwide chain with 60+ branches in shopping centres and HDB estates. Schedules vary by location; the table below covers typical patterns.
| Location Type | Weekdays | Weekends | Public Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major mall (e.g., Junction 8, Tampines Mall) | 10:00-21:30 | 10:00-21:30 | 10:00-21:00 (some close earlier) |
| Heartland mall (e.g., Toa Payoh HDB Hub) | 10:00-21:00 | 10:00-21:00 | 10:00-20:00 |
| Neighbourhood shop | 10:00-20:00 | 10:00-19:00 | Closed most PH |
Popular Bookstore also operates an online store, but physical outlet times remain the primary way most readers buy new releases. For a broader selection of new-book retailers, see Where to Buy New Books in Singapore.
MPH Bookstores
Fewer outlets remain after the chain scaled back in the late 2010s. Two key locations:
- City Square Mall (180 Kitchener Road): Daily 11:00-20:30
- Waterway Point (83 Punggol Central): Daily 10:00-21:30
MPH closes on major PH such as Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas Day. Reduced hours on eves of public holidays (usually close 17:00-18:00).
Times Bookstores (Select Outlets)
Though the brand now operates only a handful of stores after earlier closures, the remaining Times Bookstores at Tiong Bahru Plaza (daily 10:00-21:00) and Eastpoint Mall (daily 10:00-21:00) follow standard mall timings. The Junction 8 branch closed permanently in 2023. For updates on independent or legacy chains, consult Independent Bookstores Guide.
Independent Bookstores
Independent shops often keep shorter hours and may close on public holidays or for private events. Always call ahead or check social media before visiting.
Book Bar (Esplanade Mall)
Located at 8 Raffles Avenue, #01-08, inside Esplanade Mall. Combines a wine bar with a curated selection of fiction and non-fiction.
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00-22:00
- Friday: 11:00-23:00
- Saturday: 10:00-23:00
- Sunday: 10:00-20:00
- Monday: Closed
- Public Holidays: Closed (except some Saturdays if no holiday event)
Littered with Books (Duxton Road)
A cozy independent shop at 20 Duxton Road, known for its handpicked fiction, travel, and art books.
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00-20:00
- Sunday: 12:00-18:00
- Public Holidays: Closed (or reduced hours: 12:00-17:00 for some, check Instagram)
Woods in the Books (Tiong Bahru)
Specialist children’s picture-book store at 3 Yong Siak Street. Hours aim to accommodate families on weekends.
- Tuesday to Friday: 12:00-18:30
- Saturday: 10:00-18:30
- Sunday: 10:00-17:00
- Monday and Public Holidays: Closed
Ginza Umeyama (Liang Court / Clarke Quay)
Japanese-language bookstore inside the Clarke Quay area (formerly Liang Court shopping centre, now under redevelopment). As of late 2024, the store operates from a temporary unit at 50 Tiong Bahru Road (Everton Park).
- Daily: 11:00-20:00 (closed on Wednesdays and select Japanese public holidays)
- Note: Call 6732-1238 to confirm before visiting due to ongoing relocation.
Secondhand and Used Bookshops
Secondhand bookshops often have the most variable hours, frequently operated by one or two staff. Price tags range from S$3, S$10 for paperbacks; some shops offer member discounts.
Basheer Graphic Books (Bras Basah Complex)
Known for art, design, and architecture books, both new and used. Located at 231 Bain Street, #02-09/10.
- Monday to Friday: 10:00-19:00
- Saturday: 10:00-18:00
- Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed
Used books here start at around S$5. The shop is a staple for design students. For more on secondhand shopping, see Best Secondhand Bookshops in Singapore.
Value Book Centre (Bras Basah Complex & other locations)
Discount remainder books and used textbooks in Bras Basah Complex (231 Bain Street, #01-41).
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00-19:30
- Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed
- Neighbourhood branches (e.g., Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio): Usually 10:00-20:00 (Sunday closed or shorter)
Used textbooks are often priced at S$2, S$8, making them popular for polytechnic students. Read more at Buying Used Textbooks.
BookXcess (VivoCity and Bugis+ outlets)
Malaysian chain with Singapore outlets at 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-149 (VivoCity) and 201 Victoria Street, #04-01 (Bugis+).
- Daily: 11:00-21:30 (VivoCity sometimes closes at 22:00 on weekends)
- Public Holidays: Normal hours unless mall adjusts; Boxing Day and New Year’s Day may have 11:00-20:00.
Books here are usually discounted 30-70% off RRP. Browsing can take a while, so plan accordingly.
Evernew Bookshop (Selegie), Note on Hours
Evernew Bookshop at 139 Selegie Road (near Peace Centre) is a classic old-store with unpredictable hours. As of late 2024, the shop is open infrequently, often only on weekends 12:00-17:00. Call 6339-4477 before heading down. The owner, Mr. Tan, sometimes closes for stocktaking without notice. This shop is a favourite among rare book dealers in Singapore for its hidden gems.
Bookstores in Heritage Areas (Chinatown, Kampong Gelam, Tiong Bahru)
Heritage-zone shops often keep shorter hours to align with tourist footfall and may close on Mondays.
Cat Socrates (Chinatown Point)
At 133 New Bridge Road, #03-07. Sells books on local history, art, and lifestyle alongside crafts.
- Monday to Sunday: 11:00-20:00
- Public Holidays: Closed (except special events; check Facebook)
Gohd Books (Kampong Gelam)
Located at 48 Arab Street, specialising in Southeast Asian literature, maps, and prints.
- Wednesday to Sunday: 12:00-19:00
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
- Public Holidays: Closed
Gohd also runs occasional pop-ups at the Asian Civilisations Museum. For more heritage-area recommendations, browse Bookshops in Heritage Areas.
Littered with Books (Duxton), Repeating above with PH details
Already covered, but note that Duxton’s weekday hours (12:00-20:00) align with the business district’s lunch and after-work crowd. Sunday hours (12:00-18:00) are shorter.
The Moon (Tiong Bahru)
A small art-book and zine shop at 37 Yong Siak Street, open:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00-19:00
- Sunday: 12:00-17:00
- Monday: Closed
Public Holiday and Festive Season Adjustments
Singapore observes 11 public holidays annually. Bookstore hours during these days vary widely:
- Chinese New Year (first two days): Most bookstores closed. Kinokuniya and Popular reopen on Day 3 (usually 10:00-20:00).
- Hari Raya Puasa & Hari Raya Haji: Major chains in malls open normally; independents and secondhand shops mostly closed.
- Deepavali: Kinokuniya and Popular open; independent stores often close early (e.g., Littered with Books shut).
- Christmas Day (25 December): All major chain stores open (10:00-20:00 or shorter). Most independents closed.
- New Year’s Eve: Kinokuniya closes at 17:00; Popular stores close 18:00-19:00; independents often close at 17:00.
- Good Friday & Labour Day: Chains normal; independents closed in many cases.
Always call ahead or check the store’s social media for the latest. Many independent shops post updates on Instagram or Facebook the evening before a PH.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit
- Check mall hours: Bookstores inside shopping centres (e.g., Kinokuniya in Ngee Ann City, Popular in Tampines Mall) generally close 30 minutes before the mall itself. If a mall closes at 22:00, the bookstore may close at 21:30 to allow staff to clear cashiers.
- Secondhand shops in Bras Basah Complex: Most shops close by 19:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on Saturdays. Sunday visits are usually fruitless, as 90% of dealers shut. Plan for a weekday lunch-hour or Saturday morning.
- Lunchtime visits: Independents in the CBD (e.g., Littered with Books) are busy 12:00-14:00 but staff are generally patient with browsers. Avoid 13:00-14:00 if you dislike crowds.
- Rainy season: November, January sees heavy downpours in the late afternoon (often 14:00-16:00). Shop before 14:00 or after 17:00 to avoid getting soaked. Many shops have an awning but not all.
- Using public transport: Most bookshops in this guide are within 5-10 minutes of an MRT station. For example, Bras Basah Complex is a 3-minute walk from Bras Basah MRT (Circle Line) exit B, and Littered with Books is 7 minutes from Tanjong Pagar MRT (East West Line).
If you are planning to borrow instead of buy, the NLB Library Card Guide explains how to access free reading across Singapore’s public libraries, which have more predictable hours (most open 10:00-21:00 daily).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bookstore opening hours the same on public holidays?
No. Major chains like Kinokuniya and Popular usually open on public holidays but often with reduced hours (e.g., 10:00-20:00 instead of 10:00-21:30). Independent and secondhand shops are typically closed. Always verify via the store’s website or social media.
What time do secondhand bookshops in Bras Basah Complex close?
Most close by 19:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on Saturdays. Sunday most are closed. Basheer Graphic Books closes at 19:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on Saturdays.
Do bookstores open earlier for special sales or events?
Occasionally. Popular Bookstore sometimes opens at 09:00 during the annual Popular BookFest (usually in August) for early-bird promotions. Kinokuniya may open at 09:30 for author signings. These are rare; check announcements at least two weeks in advance.
Can I return books if the shop is closed when I arrive?
Many shops have drop-off boxes near the entrance for returns, especially for textbooks bought online. Independent shops usually do not offer after-hours return. Your best bet is to purchase from a chain if you anticipate time constraints. For borrowing alternatives, see Borrowing eBooks from NLB for 24/7 access to digital books.
What about 24-hour bookshops?
As of 2024, no traditional bookstore in Singapore operates 24 hours. The last dedicated 24-hour bookshop, a branch of Times Bookstore at Changi Airport Terminal 2, closed in 2019. For round-the-clock access, NLB’s digital library (Libby app) offers ebook and audiobook borrowing at any time.