Singapore Book Fairs 2024: Complete Calendar

Singapore’s literary calendar in 2024 is packed with book fairs that cater to every type of reader, from students hunting for discounted textbooks to collectors searching for rare first editions. These events offer more than just discounts: they provide a chance to discover new publishers, meet authors, and connect with other book lovers. This article covers all confirmed book fairs for 2024, with details on dates, venues, organisers, and what to expect at each. Whether you are a long-time attendee or planning your first visit, this calendar will help you plan your year in books.

1. National Library Board’s (NLB) annual Book Distribution

The National Library Board (NLB) runs a well-established book distribution programme that, while not a fair in the traditional sense, offers thousands of de-accessioned library books to the public at very low prices. In 2024, NLB has scheduled several themed sales at different regional libraries. The largest one is the NLB Book Distribution at the National Library Building on Victoria Street, held in late February 2024. Over three days, visitors could choose from more than 10,000 titles, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. Prices started at SGD 2 per book, with hardcovers priced at SGD 5. Proceeds support NLB’s programmes. Similar events are held at the Jurong Regional Library and the Tampines Regional Library in April and July respectively. These sales are ideal for bargain hunters and those looking to expand their home libraries without spending much. For more on borrowing from NLB, see our guide on the NLB library card guide and borrowing ebooks from NLB.

2. Popular Bookstore’s Fair & Carnival

The Popular Bookstore Fair & Carnival remains one of the most anticipated consumer book fairs in Singapore. Organised by Popular Holdings Limited, the 2024 edition was held at Singapore Expo Hall 6 from 14 March to 24 March 2024. Opening hours were 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. This fair featured discounts of up to 70% on selected titles, as well as stationery, art supplies, and educational toys. More than 50 local and international exhibitors participated, including Oxford University Press (Southeast Asia), Marshall Cavendish, and Penguin Random House. The fair also hosted author meet-and-greet sessions and storytelling hours for children. Tickets were free, and visitors could also enjoy free parking for the first 90 minutes. Many parents use this fair to stock up on assessment books and reference materials for the upcoming school year. For additional tips on buying new books, see our article on where to buy new books.

3. Singapore Book Fair (organised by the Singapore Publishers Association)

The Singapore Book Fair is the city’s longest-running book fair, traditionally organised by the Singapore Publishers Association (SPA) with support from the National Arts Council. In 2024, the fair will be held from 25 September to 30 September 2024 at the Singapore Expo Hall 5. This six-day event typically gathers around 80 exhibitors, including major publishers like World Scientific Publishing, Lingzi Media, and pagesetters. The fair also features a dedicated stage for panel discussions, book launches, and poetry readings. A special feature of the 2024 edition is the “Heritage Books” section, highlighting rare and out-of-print works about Singapore’s history and culture. Entry is free. Previous editions attracted over 100,000 visitors. This fair is the best place to discover local authors and small presses. If you are interested in rare editions, our article on rare book dealers in Singapore provides complementary information.

4. Kinokuniya Main Store Fair & Monthly Promotions

Kinokuniya Singapore, located at Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, does not host a single massive low-price fair like Popular, but it runs several themed sales throughout the year. Their annual Kino Fair in 2024 took place from 8 July to 22 July 2024, offering 20% off all English-language titles for members (membership is free and can be signed up in-store). Non-members received 15% off. The fair included a special selection of Japanese-designed stationery and manga. Additionally, Kinokuniya holds regular monthly promotions, such as the Asian Book Sale in March and the Back-to-School Sale in November, which offer up to 30% off on selected textbooks and children’s books. Kinokuniya also partners with public libraries for exclusive previews. For a full list of independent bookstores, see our guide to independent bookstores in Singapore.

5. Books Ahoy! (Secondhand Book Fair)

For lovers of pre-loved books, the Books Ahoy! Secondhand Book Fair is a must-visit. Organised by the private bookshop Cat Socrates Books, this pop-up fair rotates between different venues such as the Old School at Mount Sophia and the Asian Civilisations Museum lawn. In 2024, the fair is scheduled for 16-17 November 2024 (venue TBC, but likely the Singapore Book Council building on Goodman Road). The fair features over 3,000 used books, many priced between SGD 3 and SGD 10, with rarer finds priced higher. All proceeds after costs go to local literacy charities. Books Ahoy! also hosts a “Barter Corner” where visitors can exchange books without cash. This fair is an excellent alternative for budget-conscious readers. For more on secondhand bookshops, read our best secondhand bookshops guide and secondhand bookshop reviews.

6. University Book Fairs (NUS, NTU, SMU)

Singapore’s three public universities each host annual book fairs, primarily focused on academic titles but open to the public. The National University of Singapore (NUS) Book Fair in 2024 will be held from 7 August to 14 August 2024 at the NUS Central Library, Kent Ridge. It offers up to 50% off academic textbooks, press titles from Cambridge University Press and Springer, and general interest books. The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Book Fair takes place at the NTU Lee Wee Nam Library from 21 October to 28 October 2024. It features used textbooks sold by students, as well as new stock sold by local publishers. The Singapore Management University (SMU) Book Fair is scheduled for 1 November to 8 November 2024 at the Li Ka Shing Library. All three fairs accept cash, NETS, and credit cards. These events are particularly useful for students seeking buying used textbooks. For shipping costs if you order from overseas, see our article on international book shipping costs.

7. Children’s Book Fairs (by The Book Council & Others)

Dedicated children’s book fairs are held in tandem with Singapore’s annual Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC), organised by the Singapore Book Council. In 2024, the AFCC will run from 22 May to 26 May 2024 at the Singapore Book Council premises at 50 Geylang East Ave 1. Concurrently, a children’s book fair takes place on the ground floor, featuring over 30 exhibitors offering picture books, early readers, and activity books. Many titles are discounted by up to 40%. The fair also includes storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and meet-the-illustrator events. Separately, the Woodlands Regional Library hosts a quarterly children’s book sale, with the next ones on 19 January, 20 April, 19 July, and 18 October 2024, each from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. These sales offer books from local publishers like Epigram Books and Ethos Books, with prices starting at SGD 2. For additional community book exchange opportunities, see our article on community book exchanges in Singapore.

Practical Tips for Attending Book Fairs in 2024

To make the most of these fairs, consider the following:

• Bring cash and a shopping bag. While many stalls accept digital payments, a few smaller vendors prefer cash. Large fairs like Popular’s often provide free bags for purchases above a certain amount, but it is safer to bring your own.
• Arrive early on the first day. The best deals, especially rare or heavily discounted titles, tend to sell out within hours. At the Singapore Book Fair, popular local authors often sell out by day two.
• Check for membership or loyalty cards. Popular’s “POP Card” and Kinokuniya’s free membership card both offer extra discounts during fairs. Signing up before the event can save you 10-20%.
• Use public transport. Major fairs at Singapore Expo are accessible via the Expo MRT station (Downtown Line and Changi Airport Extension). Parking at Expo costs from SGD 2.50 per hour.
• Compare prices with online retailers. Even with discounts, some mass-market paperbacks may be cheaper on Amazon or Book Depository. Consider total cost including shipping. Our post on best sites for used books shipping and customs duties on imported books can help you decide.

Book Fair Calendar Summary (2024)

This calendar is based on publicly announced dates as of December 2023. Venues and exact dates may change; always check the organiser’s website before travelling.

Conclusion

Singapore’s book fairs in 2024 offer something for everyone, from heavily discounted bestsellers to rare academic volumes and charming secondhand finds. By planning ahead with this calendar, you can save money, support local publishers, and discover titles you might never encounter in a regular bookstore. For a complete overview of other ways to access books in Singapore, refer to our complete guide to buying and borrowing books in Singapore.

Related articles

• The Complete Guide to Buying and Borrowing Books in Singapore
• Where to Buy New Books in Singapore
• Best Secondhand Bookshops in Singapore
• Buying Used Textbooks in Singapore
• Independent Bookstores Guide
• Book Swap Events in Singapore