Cover Photo: Epigram
Photo: Epigram
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Looking for a cosy place to hole up and devour a good book? Here are the best indie bookshops around the island to explore
This story was first published on August 18, 2021, and updated on April 22, 2022.
It’s certainly a loss felt by everyone but unfortunately, beloved Japanese book store Kinokuniya will be shutting down its Jem shopping mall outlet come May 9 as it struggles to cope with increased rental charges.
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Its closure means that there are only two Kinokuniya outlets left in Singapore. One is located in Ngee Ann City and the other is in Bugis Junction.
As devastating as it is that many of our major bookstores have shut down over the years, it does mean that it will push more people to explore books through other means such as visiting our local independent bookstores. These bookstores tend to be smaller, stock lesser-known books and are generally very wholesome and lovely places for readers.
This World Book Day on April 23, show your support for some of our smaller bookstores by dropping by to browse and perhaps pick up a brand new read that may change your life.
Here is a list of the best indie bookstores to visit around the island.
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1. Epigram
After a tough few years of attempting to stay afloat by any means possible during the pandemic, Epigram finally has a place it can call a permanent home once again.
From March 1, Epigram will be setting up a pop-up space at SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. They will continue to run this pop-up space till its permanent store opens at the same location later this year.
With a gorgeous view of the port, there isn’t a better or more serene place to browse the latest in local literature.
Find out more here.
2. Basheer Graphic Books
If you are into graphic novels, magazines and more, Basheer Graphics is the place for you. It is a specialised bookstore for design books and magazines related to topics such as architecture, interior design, landscape design, graphic design, animation, product design, fashion design, arts and craft, typography, and photography.
You will certainly be able to find books here that you will find nowhere else. The best part is that you can order your books online from them as well as go down to their physical store at Bras Basah Complex so you have multiple options to get your books.
Find out more here.
3. First Draft Bookstore
As more people begin to return to the office, it can be very comforting to have a convenient and cosy bookstore near the workplace to hole up during your lunch break when things get just a bit too busy.
First Draft Bookstore is located at Beach Road and it is a lovely little bookstore where you can browse non-fiction, books for children, art titles and more.
You can also access its collection online before checking out the physical space.
Find out more here.
4. Littered with Books
Littered with Books is a cosy and quaint independent bookstore located in a conservation shophouse and they are pretty well known for their range of carefully selected novels that include non-fiction books, crime, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy books, travel narratives and award-winning children’s books.
It also offers a lovely selection of local literary novels that you may not be able to find at bigger bookstores.
Find out more here.
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5. Closetful of Books
If you’re struggling to get your child to read more, Closetful of Books will bring the bookstore to your child. As a roaming bookstore that specialises in children’s literature, you’ll certainly be able to find something here for even the pickiest child.
With the pandemic, Closetful of Books had to adapt to the changes and have not been able to hold as many book fairs. However, it is available online as well as on social media if you need personalised recommendations and will have your books delivered to straight you.
Find out more here.
6. Booksactually
As an independent bookstore, Booksactually is well-known in the local literary scene particularly because they specialise in local literature, poetry, literary journals and essays. It offers some rare and antique editions of books that allows it to stand apart from the rest.
Booksactually now operates entirely online so you can shop for your favourite titles at home and have them delivered right to your doorstep.
Find out more here.
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7. Woods In The Books
Woods In The Books is an independent bookshop that specialises in illustrated books for young children and it is an absolutely magical and whimsical place for young minds.
Their bookstore, which is located in Tiong Bahru, is a cosy and calm environment for little minds to immerse themselves in as they learn to fall in love with words.
If you can’t make it down physically, you can order their books online.
Find out more here.
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Camillia Dass is the digital writer for Tatler Singapore.
