Bookstore Singapore: Discover the Best Places to Buy Books in the City

Are you a book lover in Singapore looking for the perfect place to browse and buy books? Look no further than the many bookstores scattered throughout Singapore. With a rich history of bookstores in Singapore, you can find anything from rare and antique books to the latest bestsellers.

There are many different types of bookstores in Singapore, catering to a wide range of interests. From large chain stores like Popular to independent bookstores like BooksActually, you can find everything from fiction and non-fiction to children’s books and academic texts. Many bookstores also offer a range of other products, such as stationery, gifts, and even coffee and snacks.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are many popular bookstore locations throughout Singapore. Orchard Road is a popular shopping district that is home to several large bookstores, while areas like Tiong Bahru and Bras Basah are known for their independent bookstores. No matter where you are in Singapore, you’re sure to find a bookstore nearby.

Key Takeaways

  • Singapore has a rich history of bookstores, with many different types of bookstores catering to a wide range of interests.
  • There are many popular bookstore locations throughout Singapore, from large chain stores to independent bookstores.
  • In addition to books, many bookstores in Singapore also offer a range of other products and services, such as stationery, gifts, and coffee.

History of Bookstores in Singapore

If you’re a book lover in Singapore, you’re in luck – the city-state has a rich history of bookstores that have stood the test of time. In this section, we’ll take a look at the evolution of Singaporean book retail and some of the most iconic bookstores and their legacy.

Evolution of Singaporean Book Retail

The history of bookstores in Singapore dates back to the late 19th century, when the first bookstore, Kelly & Walsh, was established in 1881 at Raffles Place. Since then, bookstores have evolved to cater to the changing needs of readers.

In the early 2000s, bookstores like Times and Kinokuniya gained popularity with their wide range of books and magazines. Basheer Graphic Books, on the other hand, became a popular destination for artists and designers looking for design and art-related books.

With the rise of e-books and online retailers like Amazon, Singaporean bookstores have had to adapt to stay relevant. However, despite the challenges, many bookstores have managed to survive and even thrive.

Iconic Bookstores and Their Legacy

Some of the most iconic bookstores in Singapore have left a lasting legacy on the local literary scene. For example, Times Bookstores, which was established in 1978, was known for its wide range of books and magazines. Although the chain has since closed down, it is still remembered fondly by many Singaporean readers.

Another iconic bookstore is Kinokuniya, which first opened in Singapore in 1983. The store quickly gained a reputation for its extensive collection of books, including many hard-to-find titles. Today, Kinokuniya is still one of the most popular bookstores in Singapore, with branches in several locations across the city-state.

Epigram, which was established in 1991, is another iconic bookstore that has left a lasting legacy. In addition to selling books, Epigram is also a publisher that has helped to promote local writers and literature. The store has since closed down, but its impact on the local literary scene is still felt today.

In conclusion, the history of bookstores in Singapore is a rich and varied one. From the first bookstore established in the late 19th century to the modern bookstores of today, Singaporean bookstores have evolved to cater to the changing needs of readers. Despite the challenges posed by e-books and online retailers, many bookstores have managed to survive and even thrive, leaving a lasting legacy on the local literary scene.

Types of Bookstores

If you’re looking for a good read in Singapore, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of bookstores to choose from. Here are the three main types of bookstores you’ll find in Singapore:

Independent Bookstores

Independent bookstores are typically small, locally-owned shops that focus on a curated selection of books. They often have a cozy, intimate atmosphere that makes browsing a pleasure. Independent bookstores in Singapore include Littered with Books and Woods in the Books.

Littered with Books is an independent bookseller housed in a conservation shophouse with a charming and cozy atmosphere. It offers a curated selection of books that includes fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. Woods in the Books is another independent bookstore that specializes in children’s books. It has a whimsical interior that will delight children and adults alike.

Specialty Bookshops

Specialty bookshops are bookstores that focus on a particular genre or subject. They can be independent or part of a chain. Specialty bookshops in Singapore include Times Bookstore and Popular Bookstore.

Times Bookstore is a chain bookstore that offers a wide selection of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. It also has a section dedicated to stationery and gifts. Popular Bookstore is another chain bookstore that specializes in Chinese-language books. It has a large selection of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and educational books.

Chain Bookstores

Chain bookstores are large, well-known bookstores that can be found in many countries. They typically have a wide selection of books, including bestsellers and popular titles. Chain bookstores in Singapore include Kinokuniya Bookstore and Popular Bookstore.

Kinokuniya Bookstore is a renowned bookstore chain in Singapore that offers a huge range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. It also has a section dedicated to stationery and gifts. Popular Bookstore is a leading Singapore bookstore chain with a long history and a part of many Singaporean’s childhood memories. It has a large selection of books, including fiction, non-fiction, an