These 5 Indie Bookstores Are A Bibliophile’s Dream And Will Make You Want To Never Leave

“A town isn’t a town without a bookstore” — so writes Neil Gaiman in American Gods, and we agree.

For all you bookworms, we’ve rounded up 5 best independent bookstores around the island where you can get your lit geek on and #SupportLocal while you’re at it.

1. Booktique

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1066"] Image Credit: 2. BooksActually

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]BooksActually store interior Image Credit: BooksActually[/caption]

BooksActually is the place to be if you’re looking for local literature, with its good selection of works by Singapore poets. Here, you’ll also find the trademark minimalist SingLit book covers printed by BooksActually’s publishing arm, Math Paper Press.

Venture into the back room and you’ll find several knick-knacks and accessories with local flavour. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get a chance to say hi to the bookstore’s resident feline friends.

BooksActually
Address: 
9 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168645
Opening Hours: Tues – Sat: 10am – 8pm; Sun – Mon: 10am – 6pm
Website

3. Woods in the Books

A few doors down from BooksActually is Woods in the Books, an independent bookshop that specialises in picture books for the little ones.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="4669"]Woods in the Books' storefront mural Image Credit: Kaimen Asia[/caption]

With its adorable outdoor mural and charming decor, Woods in the Books is nothing short of enchanting.

The young at heart can also indulge in a little childhood nostalgia here, as the bookstore carries plenty of classic titles such as The Giving Tree and The Hungry Caterpillar.

Woods in the Books
Address:
 3 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 16864
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 10am – 7pm; Sat: 10am – 8pm; Sun: 10am – 6pm; Closed on Mon
Littered with Books Image Credit: Littered with Books[/caption]

Wandering through the bookshelves here will take you from fantasy novels to science fiction, to cookbooks and travel guides, with helpful post-it recommendations along the way on the staff’s favourite picks.

DiscoverSG Pro Tip: Look out for the discount pile under their staircase, where you can get some great steals.

Littered With Books
Address: 
20 Duxton Road, Singapore 089486
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 12pm – 8pm; Fri 12pm – 9pm; Sat 11am – 9pm; Sun 11am – 8pm
Website

5. Basheer Graphic Books

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="970"]Basheer Graphic Books Image Credit: Basheer Graphic Books[/caption]

Hankering for a dose of design inspo? Head to Basheer Graphic Books. Offering shelves upon shelves of books and magazines on architecture, graphic design, fashion, photography, typography and more, the store is a mecca for lovers of design and collectors of magazines. The store’s no-frills, old-school vibe is also a big part of its charm.

Basheer Graphic Books
Address: 
Bras Basah Complex #04-19, 231 Bain St, Singapore 180231
Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat: 10am – 8pm; Sun: 11am – 6.30pm
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Hide & Seek: Find These Hidden Books In Your Neighbourhood And You’ll Get To Keep Them.

Fancy playing hide and seek with books?

Starting from today to 24 February, there’ll be 50 published books hidden all across Singapore’s 5 heartland areas!

Placed in public spaces such as walkways, benches, parks and void decks, you will get to keep a book if you find it.

What’s this all about?

A project supported by the National Arts Council, the Buy SingLit movement aims to celebrate Singapore’s literature.

Advocating ‘Buy Local, Read Our World’, homegrown book publishers, retailers and literary non-profits have come together, all in the effort of encouraging the discovery and appreciation of stories from Singapore, by Singaporeans.

Epigram Books has joined in the Buy SingLit Project with the ‘SingLit Heartland Book Drop’. The 50 hidden books are from Epigram books and will include picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, literary fiction and many more.

Through this initiative, Epigram Books hopes that more people will discover and enjoy Singapore’s literature, as well as support local writers.

When you’ve found a book, tag @epigrambooks on Instagram. Include the hashtags #BuySingLit, #HoldSGInYourHands and the serial number on the book. You’ll receive an e-voucher for a discount on your next purchase with Epigram Books.

So put on your running shoes, grab an empty backpack, and get ready to pick up some books!

Location of hidden books

The books will be hidden in the following areas from 17 to 26 February 2017:

  • North: Ang Mo Kio (17 February 2017)
  • South: Telok Blangah (22 February 2017)
  • East: Tampines (23 February 2017)
  • West: Clementi (24 February 2017)
  • Central: Bugis-Bras Basah (24 February 2017)

For hints on the hidden book, click here. It’ll be updated with each dropped book!

Buy SingLit Movement
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