Where Bookworms Should Go in Singapore: 2025 Edition

Singapore is a city of contrasts. Skyscrapers soar above, hawker centres buzz with activity, and green spaces offer quiet escapes. Yet for book lovers, the city also hides literary corners where stories take centre stage. From cafés that invite a slow sip with a page, to libraries with curated collections, and independent bookstores that spark discovery, Singapore caters to every bibliophile.

Also read: Bookmark These Must-Visit Destinations from Your Favourite Books

Whether you prefer curling up in a quiet nook, browsing curated shelves, or joining fellow readers for discussions, the city has spots to inspire your next literary journey. Even amid the fast-paced metropolis, these spaces let reading slow time, invite reflection, and spark imagination. Let’s explore the places where bookworms thrive.

Brew over books at Book Bar

We begin with one of Singapore’s coziest spots. Tucked away on Duxton Road, Book Bar charms visitors with its warm, inviting interior. Since opening in 2023, it has showcased Singaporean and regional Asian authors. Curated shelves and comfy corners make it perfect for lingering over a coffee and a new book.

Beyond coffee and browsing, the café hosts events such as author talks, poetry readings, and book launches. These gatherings foster conversation and discovery, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Regulars enjoy the calm retreat it offers from city life, which makes Book Bar an ideal first stop for any literary tour.

Leaf through stories at Sit‑n‑Read nodes

Onto pop-up library spaces that appear in unexpected corners, the National Library Board’s Sit‑n‑Read Nodes bring literature to malls and social spaces. They offer a rotating selection of around 400 pre-loved books. This makes it easy for readers to discover something new while running errands.

Many Nodes also include digital resources such as e-books and magazines. By blending casual borrowing with easy access to technology, these Nodes blur the line between traditional library and pop-up literary haven, giving book lovers new ways to connect with stories wherever they are.

Turn pages at public libraries

Next, step into public libraries that are vast resources. Library@HarbourFront, located in VivoCity, blends convenience with comfort for readers of all ages. Its collection spans books for adults, teens, and children, alongside e-newspapers and digital magazines.

Families and travellers can enjoy quiet reading corners before or after shopping. Beyond HarbourFront, Library@Orchard offers curated collections on design, lifestyle, and applied arts, while the National Library, Victoria Street, remains a flagship with author talks, workshops, and extensive collections. Together, these libraries ensure readers can linger, explore, and be inspired.

Go on a blind date with a book

While libraries encourage structured exploration, some bookstores add an element of surprise. The “Blind Date With a Book” concept has captured readers worldwide, including Singapore. Books are wrapped to hide the cover and title, leaving only a short, intriguing description. Readers choose purely on curiosity, turning each purchase into a playful adventure.

Independent bookstores use this idea to nudge readers beyond familiar titles. It encourages exploration, inspires people to try new genres, and makes book shopping a memorable, fun experience. For readers seeking a sense of spontaneity, this is a must-try.

Read between the lines at book clubs

For those who enjoy discussing stories, book clubs offer another layer of engagement. Participants share insights, debate narratives, and exchange recommendations, enriching the reading experience. Active clubs include The Saturday Book Club, ideal for non-fiction lovers, the Quiet Readers Club, with silent reading followed by optional discussion, and the Book Lovers Club, offering themed sessions. 

Others, like Heartlands Book Club and Bookworm Banter, focus on socialising and discovery in café settings. Joining a club allows readers to meet like-minded people, attend author events, and take part in themed reading challenges, making reading social, interactive, and rewarding.

Also read: 10 Bucket-List Libraries You Must Visit Once In Your Lifetime

Epilogue

Singapore’s literary scene continues to evolve, offering both familiar retreats and unexpected discoveries. From sipping a latte at Book Bar to exploring Sit‑n‑Read Nodes or trying a Blind Date With a Book, readers can engage with stories in countless ways. Even amid the city’s modernity and bustle, literature thrives. Communities gather, imagination flows, and bookworms find spaces to explore, reflect, and connect. Singapore itself is a living library waiting to be discovered.