Good news, bibliophiles: bag home a new Sing Lit read using SG Culture Pass credits at these bookstores in Singapore.
Book lovers, here’s your sign to whip out your SG Culture Pass credits and shop to your heart’s content at bookstores in Singapore! ICYMI: the one-time credit of $100 provided for all Singaporean citizens aged 18 and above can be used to purchase physical Sing Lit books at selected bookstores. It’s the perfect reason to bring home that book you’ve been eyeing for ages, or dip your toes in the local literary world.
To make things easy-breezy for you, we’ve rounded up nine participating bookstores in Singapore. Save this list for your next book shopping date!
9 bookstores in Singapore to use SG Culture Pass credits
1. Book Bar
If a perfect afternoon sounds like sipping freshly brewed coffee while devouring a delicious new read, Book Bar is the place to check out. Born out of a love for books, this independent bookstore boasts a wide collection of Singaporean and Asian literature. Grab a fresh title, tuck into a quiet nook in the bookstore’s cafe, and watch the hours fly by. Besides coffee and tea, the cafe also serves light bites like truffle fries, nuggets and sandwiches to curb the hunger pangs.
Best for: A cafe space to cosy up with books and a cuppa
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 7pm; Friday and Saturday, 9.30am to 10pm; Sunday, 9.30am to 6pm
Address: Book Bar, 57 Duxton Road, Singapore 089521
2. Lingzi Warehouse Books Sale
Chinese literature is in style at Lingzi Warehouse Books Sale. The bookstore arm of Lingzi Media offers a curated collection by local Chinese language authors, spanning literature, the humanities and Singapore-focused themes. Looking to spark the kiddos’ interest in Chinese books? You’ll find picture books, illustrated titles, comics and graphic novels that cater to young readers.
Best for: Chinese language books by renowned Singaporean authors
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Address: Lingzi Warehouse Books Sale, #06-106, No. 48 Toh Guan Road East, Singapore 608586
3. City Book Room
Looking to stock up on contemporary Chinese literature from local authors? We’d recommend making a trip to the East for City Book Room. Since 2014, this independent publisher and bookstore has garnered a loyal following for its vast collection of novels, prose, poetry and translated work from across the globe. Think Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. While it’s primarily known for Chinese literature, you’ll also find a modest selection of English books.
Best for: A treasure trove of contemporary Chinese literature
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 11am to 6pm
Address: City Book Room, #03-02, The Modules, 387 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427623
4. Kinokuniya
Ah, Kinokuniya needs little introduction. This well-loved Japanese bookstore chain has earned a special place in the hearts of local bibliophiles, thanks to its extensive collection that spans cultures and languages. While the SG Culture Pass credits can only be used on homegrown Sing Lit titles, you can also pick up anime, manga and Japanese-related merchandise when you’re there. Visit any of its three locations islandwide to shop Singaporean literature!
Best for: A massive book collection across cultures and languages
Opening hours: Varies by location
Address: Kinokuniya, multiple locations including Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Bugis Junction and Raffles City
5. Maha Yu Yi
If you’re trying to pique your kiddos’ interest in Chinese literature, head to family-run Maha Yu Yi. From eye-catching board books and flap books to sound books and picture books, the diverse collection will keep them busy for hours. Teens can also stay entertained with simple fiction, novels and comics, while the older folks can devour Singaporean literature, self-help and philosophical titles. Trust us, there’s sure to be a new read for everyone.
Best for: Diverse Chinese literature for all ages
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 10.30am to 6.30pm; Friday and Saturday, 10.30am to 7pm; Sunday, 11am to 6pm
Address: Maha Yu Yi, #03-07, #03-11 & #02-15, Bras Basah Complex, Blk 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231
6. Popular
Books, stationery and educational materials are what Popular bookstores are known for. But did you know this bookstore chain also houses Singaporean literature that can be bought using SG Culture Pass credits? Shop a wide range of books, including bilingual literary fiction, as well as children’s and young adult titles. With 26 locations across the city, book shopping is as convenient as it gets.
Best for: Convenient book shopping around the city
Opening hours: Varies by location
Address: Popular, multiple locations including Bedok Mall, City Square Mall and VivoCity
7. Union Book Co
You’ll be happily spoilt for choice at this Chinese bookstore in Bras Basah. Meet Union Book Co, a seven-decade-old bookstore with more than 10,000 Chinese books and counting. Take your pick from literature hailing from Singapore, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia. Meanwhile, the kiddos can keep busy with locally published children’s books and translated picture books.
Best for: A collection of over 10,000 Chinese book titles
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 6.30pm; Sunday, 12pm to 6.30pm
Address: Union Book Co, #03-01, Bras Basah Complex, Blk 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231
8. Wardah Books
This Kampong Glam gem is your best bet at finding books on Islam. Since 2002, Wardah Books has grown its inventory to over 4,000 titles across categories like arts, philosophy, regional history and Quranic studies. There’s also a comprehensive section of children’s picks, so kids aren’t left out either.
Best for: A wide range of Islamic books
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 9pm; Friday, 10am to 10pm; Saturday, 9am to 10pm; Sunday, 9am to 9pm
Address: Wardah Books, 58 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199474
9. Woods in the Books
Step into the whimsical space at Woods in the Books, and you’ll be whisked away to an enchanting world. This independent bookstore in Singapore handpicks its book selection for the young and young at heart. In the mood for a heartwarming story or a hilarious read? Pick up one of the picture or illustrated books, and you’re in for a wondrous adventure.
Best for: Enchanting reads that’ll warm your heart or tickle your funny bone
Opening hours: Varies by location
Address: Woods in the Books, multiple locations including New Bahru and Katong
What to know before your book shopping trip
Before you set off, check the SG Culture Pass website for the full list of participating bookstores – you can even enable access to see which outlets are near you. Next, make a trip to the bookstore, spot the SG Culture Pass label on eligible books and shop your heart out.
When it comes to payment, log in to your SG Culture Pass account via SingPass, go to your profile and tap ‘pay in store’. After entering the bill amount, it’ll generate a QR code which the cashier will scan to complete your purchase. Insufficient credits? No fret; just pay the balance with any accepted payment methods at the bookstore.
The wondrous world of Sing Lit is calling; bookmark these bookstore gems in Singapore for your next literary adventure!
This post is in partnership with SG Culture Pass.
