Singapore has a vibrant book culture, with options ranging from gleaming megastores to tiny neighborhood libraries and bustling online marketplaces. Whether you prefer to own pristine copies, borrow for free, or hunt for bargains, this guide walks you through every major avenue for acquiring books in Singapore in 2025. We cover prices, locations, membership details, and practical tips, so you can make informed decisions on where and how to get your next read.
Below, we break down the landscape into four main areas: buying new books, borrowing from libraries, purchasing secondhand, and accessing digital or online-only options. Each section includes specific retailers, typical price ranges, and advice on what to expect.
Buying New Books in Singapore
For many readers, there is nothing quite like the experience of browsing a well-stocked bookstore. Singapore offers a range of new-book retailers, from international chains to local independents. Prices for new paperbacks in Singapore typically range from SGD 15 to SGD 30 for trade paperbacks, while hardcovers can cost SGD 30 to SGD 50 or more. Below are the key players.
Kinokuniya Singapore
Kinokuniya is arguably the largest and most comprehensive English-language bookstore in Singapore. Its flagship outlet at Ngee Ann City (391 Orchard Road, #04-20/21/22, Singapore 238872) spans over 30,000 square feet and stocks more than 500,000 titles. The store is particularly strong in fiction, manga, art, and design books. Prices are generally at the recommended retail price (RRP), with occasional promotions for members. Kinokuniya’s loyalty programme, Pika Card, costs SGD 15 per year (as of 2025) and gives a 10% discount on most purchases. Non-members can still find sales during the annual Kinokuniya Members' Preview Sale in April and October, with discounts of up to 20% on selected titles.
Times Bookstores
Times Bookstores is a homegrown chain with multiple outlets across Singapore. Notable branches include those at Waterway Point (5 Punggol Drive, #02-00) and Junction 8 (9 Bishan Place, #03-24). Times carries a broad selection of fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and stationery. Prices are competitive, often 5-15% below RRP on bestsellers. They run regular promotions such as “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” on selected titles. For more context on how to maximise savings across different stores, see our comparison of bookstore pricing.
Times also offers the Times Card loyalty programme, which costs SGD 10 annually (renewable) and provides a 10% discount on most items, plus exclusive member events. The card is worth it if you buy more than SGD 100 worth of books per year. For families, Times runs a Kids Club with special activities and discounts on children’s books.
Popular Bookstore
Popular Bookstore is a ubiquitous chain of bookshops in Singapore, often found in heartland malls such as Toa Payoh HDB Hub (500 Toa Payoh Lorong 6, #04-01) and Compass One (1 Sengkang Square, #B1-12). While Popular is best known for textbooks and stationery, it also stocks a decent selection of fiction, self-help, and Chinese-language books. Prices are generally lower than Kinokuniya, with trade paperbacks often priced at SGD 12-20. Popular runs regular promotions such as “Buy 3 for SGD 25” on selected paperback novels. The chain also operates an online store with home delivery (SGD 5 for orders under SGD 60, free above SGD 60).
Epigram Books (Online & Pop-Ups)
Epigram Books is a local independent publisher and bookstore. Its primary sales channel is the Epigram Books website, though it occasionally holds pop-up shops at locations like Clarke Quay and The Arts House. Epigram specialises in Singapore literature, including works by local authors such as Sonny Liew and Cyril Wong. Prices range from SGD 18 to SGD 25 for paperbacks. The site offers free delivery for orders above SGD 40. For readers interested in supporting local writing, we recommend checking their curated selections.
Indie Bookshops
Singapore has a small but passionate independent bookstore scene. Notable names include BooksActually at 9 Yong Siak Street, which focuses on literary fiction and poetry, and Littered with Books at 20 Duxton Road, a two-storey shop with a curated selection of fiction and non-fiction. Prices at indie stores are often at RRP or slightly higher, but the atmosphere and personalised recommendations are a strong draw. Most indie stores also host events such as book launches and readings. For a list of events and new releases, see our upcoming book launches calendar.
Borrowing Books from Singapore's Libraries
The National Library Board (NLB) operates an extensive network of 28 public libraries across Singapore, plus the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library at 100 Victoria Street. Membership is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents, and foreigners can join for a refundable deposit of SGD 10 (as of 2025). Each member can borrow up to 16 physical items simultaneously (including books, magazines, and audio-visual materials), with a loan period of 21 days for books. Renewals can be done online up to two times if the item is not reserved by another patron. Late fees are SGD 0.15 per day for books, capped at SGD 7 per item.
Library Locations and Highlights
Each library has its own strengths. Here are a few standout branches:
- library@orchard, Located at 277 Orchard Road, this stylish two-storey library focuses on lifestyle, design, and the arts. It has a large graphic novel and manga collection.
- Woodlands Regional Library, One of the largest regional libraries, with a dedicated children’s section and a strong collection of Chinese-language books.
- Jurong Regional Library, Known for its extensive collection of business and career-related books, as well as a large Malay-language section.
- Toa Payoh Public Library, The first full-time public library in a heartland area, recently renovated with new reading pods and a larger 24-hour book drop.
- Bishan Public Library, Features a panoramic reading space on the fourth floor with views of the surrounding trees, plus a strong collection of young adult fiction.
NLB Mobile App and e-Books
The NLB’s NLB Mobile app (available on iOS and Android) allows users to search the catalogue, place reservations (SGD 0.55 per item), and borrow e-books and audiobooks through the Libby and OverDrive platforms. The app also provides access to digital newspapers, magazines, and academic databases. As of 2025, the NLB digital collection includes over 500,000 e-books and audiobooks. Loan periods for e-books are generally 21 days, and there are no late fees, they are automatically returned. The app also supports “tap and borrow” via NFC at physical libraries.
For readers who prefer physical space to study, the NLB also offers bookable study rooms and reading pods at many branches, free of charge for up to 3 hours per day. Check the NLB website for availability.
Secondhand and Discount Book Options
Buying used books can save you significant money, often 50-70% off retail prices, and is also environmentally friendly. Singapore has several dedicated secondhand bookstores and online marketplaces.
Physical Secondhand Shops
- Bookfest @ Singapore, Occasional warehouse sales held at venues like the Singapore Expo (1 Expo Drive). These sales offer tens of thousands of titles at steep discounts: most paperbacks are SGD 8, hardcovers SGD 12, and children’s books SGD 5. Dates are irregular but typically announced on their Facebook page.
- Cash Converters and Hock Li Bookstore, Chain pawnshops and used goods stores that often have small book sections. Hock Li at 141 Neil Road has a rotating selection of novels, textbooks, and reference books at SGD 3-10 each.
- Kampung K藏books, A charity-run secondhand book outlet at 23 Kampong Bahru Road, run by the Bhawani Foundation. Proceeds support underprivileged children. Prices are SGD 2-8 per book.
- Bras Basah Complex, This building at 231 Bain Street is known for its cluster of bookshops, many of which sell remaindered or discounted new books. Books & Stories and Evernew Bookstore are two shops that offer selected titles at 40-60% off RRP. You can often find bestsellers from 2-3 years ago at SGD 8-12.
For more tips on where to find the best bargains, see our thrifting guide for book lovers.
Online Secondhand Marketplaces
Many Singaporeans sell used books via online platforms:
- Carousell, Singapore’s most popular classifieds app. Search for “used books” or “preloved books” and filter by location. Prices typically range from SGD 3 to SGD 10. Many sellers offer bundle deals. You can also list your own books for free.
- Facebook Groups, Groups such as “SG Used Books Buy & Sell” and “Book Lovers Singapore” have active communities. Some groups organise regular meet-ups for swaps.
- Telegram channels, Channels like “SG Books for Sale” post daily listings of new and used books, often with prices as low as SGD 5 including postage.
When buying online, always arrange pickup or check shipping costs. Many sellers will deliver for SGD 2-5 within Singapore.
Digital and E-book Options
The rise of e-readers has made it easy to buy or borrow e-books without leaving home. Singapore readers can access e-books through several channels.
Buying E-books
Major global platforms work well in Singapore:
- Amazon Kindle Store, The largest selection of English e-books. Prices vary widely, from free classics to SGD 25 for new releases. Amazon.sg delivers Kindle devices and accessories locally.
- Apple Books, Integrated with iOS devices, offering many of the same titles as Kindle, often at similar prices.
- Google Play Books, Available on Android and web browsers. Google runs frequent sales, especially on backlist titles.
- Kobo Store, Popular for its integration with the Rakuten ecosystem. Kobo readers are available at Challenger and Harvey Norman stores in Singapore. Kobo often has a “daily deal” at SGD 2.99.
For readers who prefer to avoid DRM, consider Project Gutenberg (free, public domain books) or Smashwords (indie authors, many free or low-cost).
Borrowing E-books from NLB
As mentioned earlier, NLB offers a large e-book collection through the Libby/OverDrive app. The process is straightforward:
- Download the NLB Mobile app and log in with your myLibrary ID.
- Tap the “eBooks” tab to browse the collection.
- Borrow a title and choose to read it in the app or download a DRM-protected EPUB file to your device.
- Returns are automatic after 21 days.
The selection includes bestsellers (often with hold lists), children’s books, and non-fiction. The NLB also offers e-book subscriptions to National Geographic Kids and The Economist via the PressReader app.
For those who read Chinese books, the HyRead app (accessible through NLB) has a growing collection of Chinese-language e-books, including Taiwanese bestsellers and local Chinese authors.
Book Exchanges and Community Swaps
Bartering books is a great way to refresh your shelf at no cost. Singapore has a few formal and informal exchange networks:
- Book exchange bins, Some community libraries and RC centres (Residents’ Committee) have small book exchange shelves. Locations include Toa Payoh Central and Tampines Hub. Rules vary, but the principle is “take a book, leave a book.”
- Little Free Libraries, There are over 30 registered Little Free Library boxes across Singapore, often located in HDB void decks or private housing estates. Check the map on the Little Free Library website for a location near you.
- School book drives, Many international schools (e.g., United World College, Tanglin Trust School) hold annual book swaps where parents and students can trade books for free or a small donation.
- Online swap groups, Telegram groups like “SG Book Exchange” allow members to list books they no longer need and arrange meet-ups. No money changes hands.
For a deeper dive into the community reading culture, read our feature on book clubs in Singapore.
Bestseller Lists and Reading Recommendations
If you are unsure what to read next, Singapore’s bestseller lists are a good starting point. The main sources are:
- The Straits Times publishes a weekly “Bestsellers” list every Saturday, based on sales from Kinokuniya, Times, and Popular. Categories include Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Children’s Books.
- Kinokuniya posts its own monthly top 20 on its website and at the store entrance.
- NLB’s “Read of the Day”, A daily recommendation on the NLB Mobile app, curated by librarians.
- Community-driven lists, The Singapore Book Council publishes lists of local award winners, such as the Singapore Literature Prize and the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award.
If you are a heavy reader, consider subscribing to a service like Audible (SGD 14.90 per month for one credit) or Scribd (SGD 9.80 per month for unlimited e-books and audiobooks). Both work well in Singapore. For comparison, see our guide to audiobook and ebook subscriptions in Singapore.
We hope this guide helps you navigate Singapore’s book landscape with confidence. Whether you prefer the smell of new ink, the quiet of a library, or the thrill of a bargain bin, there is always a way to get your next great read. Happy reading!
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- The Thrifting Guide for Book Lovers in Singapore
- Book Clubs and Reading Communities in Singapore
- Audiobook and Subscription Services for Singapore Readers
- How to Save on Books: Discounts, Coupons, and Sales in SG