The home-grown success story that is Books Actually is one of the pioneers of the independent bookstore scene in Singapore. Aside from rare books and Asian literature, you’ll also find a range of vintage gifts and stationery. Books Actually also runs a publishing arm that gives local emerging writers a platform to be read and heard.
The owners of Books Actually branched out to another bookstore called Polymath & Crust, specialising entirely in nonfiction books that span the areas of psychology, film, art, science, travel and food. Both stores regularly run interesting events, details of which are published on their website and social media pages.
Littered With Books on Duxton Hill is also sure to delight book lovers — it’s a charming, quaint space with cozy reading corners and staff recommendations all over the shop.
For rare and out-of-print books, check out Gohd Books, which has an online store in addition to its physical store, and ships worldwide.
Singapore’s biggest bookstore deserves mention here: the Japanese chain, Kinokuniya, located in Ngee Ann City. This massive store stocks about 400,000 well-curated books including a wide selection of Japanese books, magazines and stationery.
