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All Singapore BooksActually
BooksActually is permanently closed.

This entry remains in the Atlas as a record of its history, but it is no longer accessible to visitors.

BooksActually

An independent bookstore and press with a large collection of local and English-language literature.

Singapore

Added By
Christy Kirwan
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  Debbs.
  Debbs.
  Banalities/CC BY 2.0
A sign outside the store.   graphyydees/CC BY 2.0
Photos on display in the store.   gurms/CC BY-ND 2.0
The mystery book vending machine out front.   ckirwan / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This charming indie bookstore in the Tiong Bahru neighborhood is frequented mostly by locals, and it is cultural fixture of the city. Founded in 2005, BooksActually carries vintage books of literature and poetry, including rare editions and autographed copies by famous authors, as well as new books. It has the largest collection of English-language works in Singapore, and carries many works by local authors and even has its own publishing imprint, Math Paper Press. Visitors can also purchase mystery books from a vending machine out front. 

BooksActually is a great place for people who want to read uniquely Singaporean fiction. It frequently hosts poetry readings and exhibitions, and Math Paper Press authors have won the Singaporean Literature Prize in English Poetry multiple years.

The mystery book vending machine out front allows visitors to pay S$10 to purchase books secretively wrapped in paper with cute doodles hand drawn on the outside. Some of the books are in Chinese, so visitors looking for books in English should be sure to choose from the books with the phrase "Mystery Book" written in English on the wrapping paper.

Related Tags

Bookstores Books Literature Shops

Know Before You Go

The shop is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Community Contributors

Added By

ckirwan

Edited By

Michelle Cassidy

  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

June 4, 2020

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Sources
  • https://saseye.com/2015/12/14/booksactually-is-the-authentic-singapore-bookstore/
  • https://www.timeout.com/singapore/shopping/booksactually
  • https://magculture.com/books-actually-singapore/
BooksActually
11 Yong Siak St
168646
Singapore
1.282492, 103.830298
Visit Website

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