10 best secondhand bookstores for thrifty bookworms

Been wanting to read new books without breaking the bank? Second-hand bookstores selling pre-loved books are your best bet! From used popular fiction books to vintage comics, second-hand bookstores are often the best places to find unique reads at a fraction of the cost.

What makes the best second-hand bookstore?

• Variety: Some second-hand bookstores specialise in certain types or genres of books, while others carry a wide variety.
• Condition: Books inevitably show their age with yellowing pages and scuffed covers, but the book should have all its pages and not suffer from serious water damage.
• Price: As the books are second-hand, prices should be considerably lower than the retail price, unless the books are special, vintage and/or out-of-print.

These second-hand bookstores are not ranked by the quality of the books they sell or the size of their collections — one bibliophile’s trash is another’s treasure, so I encourage you to visit them all as I did.

Here are 10 second-hand bookstores that will help you channel your inner bookworm.

1. Evernew Bookstore

Evernew Bookstore was established as Book City in 1988 in Singapore’s book headquarters, Bras Basah Complex. It evolved into a second-hand bookstore after the owners realised they couldn’t bear the idea of new books being thrown away. Today, they specialise in both purchasing and selling pre-loved books of all varieties.

As I browsed the shelves, I found that Evernew Bookstore offers an impressive mix of books ranging from children’s books, classics and contemporary titles, as well as non-fiction books. One of my favourite finds was the row bargain bins outside the store. With books going at 2 for S$10, I speed-walked to find more good reads at this even better price.

Some popular titles I noticed were: The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami (S$9.90), Love & Misadventure by Lang Leav (S$9.90) and Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee (S$6.90).

Main outlet:
231 Bain Street, #01-07 Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231
+65 6338 1753
Mon to Sat: 11am – 7.30pm
Sun: 11am – 6.30pm

Beauty World Centre outlet:
144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #01-26A, Singapore 588177
+65 6038 0344
Mon to Fri: 11am – 7.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 8pm
Instagram | Website

2. Hungry Traveller Bookstore

The Hungry Traveller caught my attention with its signboard displaying the words ‘vintage and antiquarian books’. This immediately told me I was up for a fun time discovering atypical books in this bookstore. Instead of modern bestsellers, I was surrounded by hand-picked cookbooks and travel guides, all of which were carefully curated. The Hungry Traveller is the place for anyone who loves food, history, or exploring the world through literature.

While browsing the shelves, I saw many vintage cookbooks written by renowned chefs and culinary experts, dating from the early 1700s to the 1960s. With each book I looked through, it felt as though I was taking a journey through centuries of culinary traditions and food culture, offering me a fascinating glimpse into the past. 

I’m a lover of knick-knacks, and what made my visit even more memorable was that the bookstore sells more than just books. There was unique food and travel ephemera (as they put it), such as vintage labels, advertising cards and old menus, adding to the nostalgia I was feeling for eras past. 

231 Bain Street, #01-31 Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231
+65 8600 0553
Mon: 10am – 1pm
Fri to Sun : 10am – 6pm
Closed on Tue, Wed, Thu
Facebook | Instagram | Website

3. Ana Bookstore

Ana Book Store is a place worth visiting as it is the last remaining second-hand bookstore in the area; it has been serving readers for over 40 years. During my visit, I learned that the shop is run by Mr Mohd Noorul Islam, who grew up surrounded by books. He took over the family business from his father and renamed it Ana Book Store in honour of his mother, Sultana. 

Whilst browsing the shelves, I found a wide variety of books that suit various interests. There were literary classics, bestselling fiction and non-fiction, travel guides from destinations around the world, musician biographies, and even comics. I could tell their selection was carefully built over the years, with care and love. 

One thing that was interesting to me is the fact that there is an option to rent selected books instead of buying them outright, and it reminded me of rental DVDs. I appreciate this service as someone with limited space at home, and I like that I can enjoy the book for the time I rented it, before returning it and freeing up my much-needed space. 

14 Scotts Road, #05-01 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
+65 6737 2385
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Closed on Sun

4. Book Treasure Bookstore

Book Treasure is nestled in a corner of Parklane Shopping Mall and has been run by a retired couple for around 25 years. Aptly named, it really is like a treasure hunt in this bookstore, with books piled up in boxes as if it were an atrium sale. While digging through for my next treasure (book), I found a wide variety of pre-loved fiction books like classics, fantasy and science-fiction. I also discovered non-fiction books such as self-help books and cookbooks.

One thing that stood out to me was how their books are painstakingly wrapped individually with plastic, which I appreciate and like, as it is what I personally do as well, in order to protect and preserve my books. I found it abundantly clear that Book Treasure prides itself on good quality yet affordable pre-loved books, which is why they go through the arduous wrapping process. As I was admiring their plastic-clad books, I realised that this also makes their books the perfect gift, as they are already wrapped.

35 Selegie Road, #01-31 Parklane Shopping Mall, Singapore 188307
Mon to Sat: 11am – 7pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Facebook 

5. Books Beyond Borders

Books Beyond Borders stands out as more than just a second-hand bookstore; it also supports a meaningful cause. Founded by Randall Chong, the bookstore is a social enterprise that raises funds to support girls’ education in Nepal. Knowing that every purchase contributes to making a positive impact on something bigger made my visit feel even more worthwhile and intentional.

As I walked around the store, I noticed that around 80% of the store’s books were priced at S$15, and there was a bundle discount of S$5 off when you purchase 2 books. There were also many book genres, and they were all in good condition. For someone often plagued by decision paralysis, especially in the face of many good books, I found their mystery books corner interesting. No, these aren’t books with mystery stories, but tomes wrapped in opaque parchment — you get a surprise read, with no need to decide between either or. 

Apart from books, there was also a selection of rare vintage items and handmade crafts by Nepalese artists. Browsing these unique products added an extra layer to my experience, knowing that I couldn’t get these products anywhere else.

33 Erskine Road, #01-08 Opposite Maxwell Food Centre/MRT Exit 2, Singapore 069333
Daily: 11am – 8pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

6. Dakota Dreams

Dakota Dreams is a non-profit bookstore set up by 5-semi retirees, Vienna Fong, Chan Wai Han, Sng-Fun, Fong Hoe Fang and Richard Chong. When I visited, I felt that the bookstore had a cosy atmosphere resembling a community club, like it was a place where interaction with the community could take place.

Whilst browsing, I saw that Dakota Dreams sells pre-loved literature, including children’s books and comics from Singaporean authors, fiction and non-fiction books, which I appreciate as supporting locals is always something I like to look out for. They are non-profit, and all proceeds go towards their rental costs and business expenses. 

Apart from selling pre-loved books, Dakota Dream also hosts workshops and book clubs as a way to provide the community with a space to bond together, especially for senior citizens.

51 Old Airport Road, #02-55, Singapore 390051
Tues to Fri: 11am – 5pm
Sat: 11am – 5pm
Closed on Mon & Sun
Facebook | Instagram 

Best indie bookstores in Singapore that are in our good books

7. Book Point

Book Point has a 50-year history, originally located in one of the now-demolished shophouses on Bras Basah Road, then moving to its present site in Bras Basah Complex.

Despite its storefront featuring Ten-year series and assessment books (which triggered horrendous flashbacks of my PSLE and GCSE days), don’t judge a bookstore by its storefront. I stepped inside to discover a wide range of pre-owned books, including literary fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. What a pleasant surprise to counter the flashbacks!

I also spotted Singaporean Literature books in English, Chinese, Tamil and Malay, which I appreciate as someone trying to discover more local authors and works.

231 Bain Street, #02-69 Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231
+65 6338 9106
Mon to Wed: 10am – 8pm
Thu: 10am – 7pm
Fri: 2pm – 8pm
Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 10.30am – 8pm
Facebook | Instagram 

8. Dignity Mama Bookstore

Visiting Dignity Mama Bookstore was a meaningful experience for me as the store integrates social causes with the sale of books. They are a social enterprise which employs adults with special needs to man the bookstores, along with the guidance of caregivers. Besides seeing second-hand books be given a new lease of life through Dignity Mama Bookstore, I appreciated that they were creating safe spaces for differently abled individuals to develop employable skills and gain independence through their experiences at the bookstore.

As I browsed the stall, I saw that Dignity Mama sells children’s books like comics and story books, along with magazines like National Geographic and Reader’s Digest. They carry a wide variety of non-fiction books on topics such as management, business, photography, and all kinds of adult fiction, sans science fiction. 

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
Facebook | Instagram | Website

9. A Million Books

I discovered A Million Books while searching for eco-friendly things to do in Singapore. I was not searching for books at all — call it serendipitous! A Million Books curates and sells pre-loved books at S$5, a price which made me gasp in shock, as you can hardly find anything going for that price nowadays, especially books. Additionally, they channel their profits into tree planting. To date, A Million Books has rehomed around 1,737 pre-loved books to new readers since 2020, as well as planted 11 trees. 

Knowing that every purchase I make helps the environment, while also getting to read new books makes me really excited to shop at A Million Books, especially with their S$5 price tag. Additionally, I appreciate that I can browse most of their available books on Goodreads from the comfort of my own home and order their books online, with delivery right to my doorstep.

21 Bukit Batok Crescent, #06-78 WCEGA Tower, Singapore 658065
Mon to Fri: 11am – 6.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm
Visits to A Million Books are strictly by appointment only; click here to make an appointment.
Facebook | Instagram | Website

10. Thryft 

I discovered Thryft back when they still had their physical space; though their physical store has now closed, Thryft is still thankfully available on their website. Thryft sells a selection of pre-loved books, but they also sell clothes and vinyl records. This creates the perfect reading experience in my opinion — imagine reading your pre-loved book as one of their second-hand vinyls plays in the background. A true quality experience for a fraction of the price. Their vinyl records start from S$8.90 and vintage books start from S$15, while best-selling books and clothes are up to 90% off retail prices. 

Besides that, Thryft is fully committed to sustainability, down to their shipping process; local orders are gift-wrapped without tape, saving the environment in small steps.

Facebook | Instagram | Website

How to choose the right second-hand bookstore in Singapore

Choose based on the type of books and shopping experience you value most. Evernew Bookstore and Book Point are suitable if you want a broad selection across genres, while Hungry Traveller Bookstore is a better fit for vintage cookbooks, travel books and antiquarian finds.

If supporting social causes matters, consider Books Beyond Borders, Dakota Dreams or Dignity Mama Bookstore, each with a different community focus. Budget-conscious readers may prefer A Million Books for its S$5 titles, while Ana Book Store is practical if you would rather rent selected books.

The right choice depends on whether you prioritise price, niche collections, sustainability or community impact.

People also read:

Where are the best independent bookstores in Singapore?

Can I spend my SG culture pass on books?