In a city-state known for its gleaming malls and high-speed digital life, Singapore still holds a vibrant network of independent bookstores. These shops are not mere retail spaces, they are community anchors, literary salons, and carefully curated sanctuaries for readers who seek more than algorithm-driven recommendations. While major chains like Kinokuniya and Popular Bookstore dominate the high streets, independents offer something rarer: a personal touch, niche collections, and a slower pace for discovery.
This guide covers the key independent bookshops in Singapore as of 2025, including where they are located, what they specialise in, their typical price ranges (in Singapore dollars, SGD), and how to make the most of your visits. Whether you are seeking rare poetry titles, children’s picture books, or graphic novels, Singapore’s independents have a shop for you. For a broader overview of all buying and borrowing options, you can start with our Complete Guide to Buying and Borrowing Books in Singapore.
What Defines an Independent Bookstore in Singapore?
Independent bookstores in Singapore are typically owner-operated or small-team-run outlets that curate their stock without corporate parent company influence. Unlike chains, they often focus on a specific genre, theme, or community. They also tend to host events, author readings, book clubs, or workshops, that larger retailers rarely organise. Many operate in niche spaces: heritage shophouses, art districts, or suburban neighbourhoods.
Key characteristics include:
- Curated selection, Most independents carry fewer than 2,000 titles at a time, but each is handpicked.
- Local emphasis, Many stock Singaporean authors, publishers like Epigram Books, and works in Malay, Chinese, or Tamil.
- Event programming, Monthly storytelling sessions, poetry slams, or workshops are common.
- Secondhand sections, Many independents also sell used books, often at 30-50% of cover price.
There is no single “independent” label required by law, but the industry counts roughly 15-20 single-outlet bookshops in Singapore as of 2025. This guide covers nine prominent ones, chosen for their longevity, distinctiveness, and community role.
Littered with Books, Duxton Hill's Literary Haven
Founded in 2011, Littered with Books is one of Singapore’s most beloved independent bookstores. It occupies a two-storey shophouse at 20 Duxton Hill, near the Tanjong Pagar MRT station (Exit A, 5-minute walk). The store is known for its warm, cluttered aesthetic, floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves, vintage lamps, and a cozy reading nook on the second floor.
Specialities:
- Literary fiction and classics
- Young adult and middle-grade novels
- Local Singaporean literature
- Art and design books
Price range: New paperbacks range from SGD 20 to SGD 35; special editions and imported titles can go up to SGD 60. They also stock a well-maintained secondhand section with paperbacks priced at SGD 8-15.
Events: They host a monthly book club (usually on the last Thursday of the month) and occasional author signings. Check their Instagram for upcoming events.
Why visit: The staff are highly knowledgeable and will recommend titles based on your taste. Their selection of translated fiction is notably strong, a rarity in Singapore bookstores. Littered with Books is also a short walk from the community book exchange at Duxton Plain Park.
BooksActually, Tiong Bahru's Indie Stalwart
Located at 9 Yong Siak Street in the heritage neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru, BooksActually has been a cornerstone of Singapore’s indie book scene since 2005. It was one of the first independent bookshops in the country to champion local writing and small-press publications. The store is compact, around 50 square metres, but densely packed.
Specialities:
- Singaporean and Southeast Asian fiction and poetry
- Graphic novels and zines
- Stationery and literary gifts
- Children’s books (especially local titles)
Price range: SGD 18-30 for most new books. Secondhand books (around 150-200 titles) are priced at SGD 5-12. They also sell T-shirts and tote bags with literary quotes (SGD 25-35).
Events: BooksActually organises the annual “SingLit” festival in partnership with the Singapore Book Council, typically in February or March. They also run a monthly poetry circle.
Why visit: BooksActually is the go-to place for anyone wanting to discover Singaporean authors like Alfian Sa’at, Amanda Lee Koe, or Balli Kaur Jaswal. If you are interested in used textbooks, they do not specialise in that, but you can ask staff for informal recommendations of where to find them nearby.
Woods in the Books, A Children's Picture Book Wonderland
Woods in the Books is Singapore’s only independent bookstore dedicated entirely to picture books and children’s literature. It opened in 2015 at 3 Yong Siak Street, just a few doors from BooksActually, forming a mini literary cluster in Tiong Bahru. The store is small, about 40 square metres, with bright, whimsical décor.
Specialities:
- Illustrated children’s books (ages 0-12)
- Artists’ picture books and wordless stories
- Parenting and early literacy guides
Price range: Hardback picture books: SGD 25-45. Paperbacks: SGD 15-25. They also sell a small selection of art prints by local illustrators (SGD 30-80).
Events: Weekly Saturday morning storytelling sessions for toddlers (free). Monthly workshops on illustration or bookmaking for children aged 5-10 (SGD 25 per child).
Why visit: For parents seeking quality illustrated books beyond the mainstream Disney or Doraemon titles, Woods in the Books offers curated selections from international publishers like Flying Eye Books and Enchanted Lion Books. It is also a lovely place to buy a unique baby shower gift.
Epigram Books, The Local Publisher's Shop
Epigram Books is primarily a publishing house, but it operates a retail space at its office at 61 Ubi Road 1, #04-34 Oxley BizHub (near MacPherson MRT). The shop is open Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and by appointment on weekends. It is more of a showroom than a traditional bookstore, but it carries the full Epigram catalogue, over 200 titles.
Specialities:
- Singaporean fiction and nonfiction
- Comics and graphic novels (including “The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye” by Sonny Liew)
- Children’s books (Epigram is the publisher of the popular “Saga of the Exiles” series)
Price range: SGD 20-40 for most books. Special limited editions (signed copies) can be SGD 60-100.
Why visit: It is the only place where you can buy all Epigram titles together, including out-of-print editions. It also serves as a hub for the local literary scene, you might run into an author or editor. If you are interested in rare or signed copies, Epigram occasionally holds special sales of first editions.
The Moon, A Small but Mighty Queer-Friendly Space
Located at 37 Campbell Street, near Bugis MRT, The Moon is a relatively new independent bookstore (opened 2022) that focuses on queer literature, feminist writing, and social justice topics. It is a one-room shop of about 30 square metres, but it packs a lot of intention.
Specialities:
- LGBTQ+ fiction and nonfiction
- Gender studies
- Poetry (with an emphasis on underrepresented voices)
- Zines and independent magazines
Price range: SGD 15-30 for most books. Zines are SGD 5-15. They also sell badges and prints (SGD 5-20).
Events: Monthly queer book club (free), occasional film screenings (SGD 10-15), and workshops on zine-making.
Why visit: The Moon fills a critical gap in Singapore’s literary landscape. It is a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ readers and a vital resource for those seeking perspectives rarely found in mainstream bookshops. For more on book swap events in the Bugis area, The Moon sometimes hosts informal swaps.
Evernew Book Store, A Used Book Institution in Golden Mile
Evernew Book Store is a well-known secondhand bookshop located in Golden Mile Tower (6001 Beach Road, #01-33). It has been operating since the 1990s and is one of the largest used book dealers in Singapore, carrying over 20,000 titles at any time. It is not a typical independent in the new-book sense, but its size and curation make it a key player.
Specialities:
- Fiction, nonfiction, and reference books
- Travel guides and maps
- Photography and art books
- Academic texts (science, history, philosophy)
Price range: SGD 5-20 for most paperbacks. Hardcovers: SGD 15-40. Rare or first editions can be SGD 50-200. They also offer trade-in: bring in used books, and get 20% off your purchase in store credit.
Why visit: Evernew is ideal for bargain hunters and collectors. Its shelves are dense and slightly chaotic, you need to hunt. But that is part of the charm. For a deeper dive into the used book market, see our Best Secondhand Bookshops guide.
Second Shelf at Bras Basah Complex, A Niche for Rare Finds
Bras Basah Complex (231 Bain Street) is known as Singapore’s “books and arts” building, housing many secondhand and specialist bookshops. Among them, Second Shelf is a small, owner-operated store on the second floor (#02-35). It specialises in out-of-print, rare, and collectible books.
Specialities:
- Signed first editions (especially of Commonwealth literature)
- Vintage nonfiction (cookbooks, travelogues)
- Malaysian and Indonesian old editions
Price range: SGD 30-150 for most items. Very rare books can go over SGD 500. The owner, Mr. Lim, has been dealing rare books for 30 years and provides authentic appraisals.
Why visit: If you are a collector or need a specific out-of-print title, Second Shelf is unmatched in Singapore. It also partners with the National Library Board for interlibrary loan requests on rare local materials.
Closetful of Books, A Pop-Up with Personality
Closetful of Books is a mobile independent bookstore that operates as a pop-up in various locations around Singapore, cafes, art galleries, and community centres. Founded in 2017 by former journalist Grace Tong, it focuses on affordable books in good condition. The inventory rotates constantly: typically 500-1,000 titles per event.
Specialities:
- Modern fiction and thrillers
- Self-help and business books
- Children’s books
Price range: SGD 2-10 per book, one of the cheapest sources of used books in Singapore. Trade-ins accepted: bring in your old books and get 50% off a purchase (up to three books).
Why visit: Closetful of Books is perfect for casual readers who want a low-commitment browsing experience. Follow their Instagram to track upcoming pop-ups. It is also a good place to find books for donation or for community book exchanges.
Practical Tips for Visiting Independent Bookstores in Singapore
To make the most of Singapore’s independents, keep these points in mind:
- Check opening hours online, Many independents open late (11 AM or noon) and close around 8 PM. Some are closed on Mondays.
- Cash is still welcome, Most accept PayNow and credit cards, but smaller shops like Second Shelf prefer cash for small transactions.
- Ask for recommendations, The owners have deep knowledge. Tell them what you last enjoyed, and they will find you something.
- Consider supporting via membership, Some shops (like Woods in the Books) offer annual membership for event discounts (SGD 30-50/year).
- Combine with library visits, You can borrow books from the National Library Board for free, but independents fill the gaps with out-of-print and niche titles.
If you are looking to buy new books in a broader sense, see our Where to Buy New Books guide. For digital reading, the Borrowing eBooks from NLB article covers the e-platform.
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