With the advancement of technology happening daily, the sight of people holding a book in hand is becoming a rare sight. Printed books compete with various media platforms nowadays that make reading convenient. But, there are still readers who prefer to read the old-fashioned way—flipping pages while enjoying the distinct smell that only comes from the fusion of the different components that make up a printed manuscript. If you belong to the standout few of bookworms who wish to uphold the banner of not letting printed books go extinct, these local indie bookstores are for you.
1. AllScript Magazines
Address:
- Office: #02-01 4 Kaki Bukit Avenue 1, Singapore 417939
- Store: 112 East Coast Road, #B1-71 Katong Mall, Singapore 428802
Telephone:
- Office: +65 6287 7090
- Store: +65 6636 3870
Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily (Katong Mall)
Probably the only store that houses a vast collection of magazines, AllScript Magazines has a catalogue that showcases more than 3,000 titles—and they’re not even finished yet! Since 1991, the owners of AllScript have made it their mission to provide their readers with good and eye-opening content. All printed materials being distributed in their shop are strictly curated. For readers who are more adventurous and are keen on picking up a new read, do try their subscription package where a member of the staff does the choosing for you. If you are too busy to drop by their stores to pick a reading material, no worries! Head on to their online shop and just add to cart!
2. BooksActually
Address: 9Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168645
Telephone: +65 6222 9195
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tucked in a quiet street in Tiong Bahru, BooksActually is popular not only for their excellent books selections, but also for their adorable resident cats—Cake, Lemon, and Pico. BooksActually started back in 2005 as an independent bookstore that offers fiction and literature. Their wooden shelves are mainly stocked with books on poetry, essays, and literary journals from local and international authors. If you’re looking for local literary publications, BooksActually just might have any book you’re looking for as they carry the largest collection of literature published locally. Watch out for their events as they usually host book launches for local and international authors. Check out their Facebook page for that!
3. Comics World
Address: #B1-22 Parklane Shopping Mall, 35 Selegie Rd. Singapore 188307
Telephone: +65 6339 6413
Opening hours: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday to Saturday; 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday and Public holidays.
A haven for comic book lovers, Comics World’s shelves are filled with the A-Z of graphic novels you can ever think of. Browse through the different titles of superhero comics that go beyond generations. Looking for limited editions or hard to find graphic novels? You might just find that in this store. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sight of plastic-wrapped comic books, so if you know what you’re looking for (and wish to save up on cash) be sure to only get what you came for!
4. GOHD Books
Address: #01-37 Burlington Square Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189649
Telephone: +65 9090 6181
Opening hours: 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM Friday to Sunday; By appointment only - Monday to Thursday.
Step into GOHD Books’ four walls and be transported into Renaissance feels. Among all the independent bookstores in Sinagpore, Gohd Books is perhaps the most intriguing. Its collections are far from mundane. Think hardbound, leather-bound, rare, antiquarian, and pages that have been elegantly worn out by time. GOHD Books continue their passion to bring in hard-to-find books into their timeless collections since they opened up their first ever shop in Serangoon. Ten years later, GOHD books is now located in their new home at Burlington Square. New home, same oldies but goodies reads. Be mindful of when you decide to drop by. GOHD Books, unlike other book stores, are only open regularly during Friday to Sunday for only five and a half hours! Visiting on other days? Be sure to call the shop and book an appointment!
5. The Moon
Address: 37 Mosque Street, Singapore 059515
Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday to Thursday; 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM Friday to Saturday
Sarah Naeem, The Moon’s founder, takes inclusivity to a whole new level — through books. This bookshop makes it possible for talented authors to be noticed by housing their works in one of their shelves. The Moon takes a special spotlight on artists and writers of colour, addressing the problem that these creative souls often face when their works are most likely overlooked in mainstream publishing. Expect their collection of books to be diverse as they continue to pursue their commitment to keeping reading materials that are multicultural. Aside from being an awesome bookshop with exquisite reads, The Moon also doubles as a café serving a rich menu that still stays true to their promise of diversity.