Despite being a young nation, Singapore’s literary scene has long made its mark on our country’s culture. Singapore-based writers from diverse backgrounds have created decades of poetry, fiction and plays. However, many local stalwarts in the book industry, such as Epigram Books, which championed Singaporean literature, have had to make the tough business decision to shutter their physical bookstore in recent years.
Last year, to celebrate SG60 and Singapore’s arts and heritage, the government introduced SG Culture Pass credits in September. All Singapore Citizens aged 18 and above received $100 in SG Culture Pass credits to use toward hundreds of eligible events and workshops. Back then, it was also announced that the credits could be used to buy Singaporean literature, or Sing Lit, in 2026.
Read Also: Guide To Redeeming Your $100 SG Culture Pass Credits And Where To Spend Them
On 1 March 2026, this came into effect, with the announcement of 9 Singapore bookstores where you can use your SG Culture Pass to buy eligible books. About 1,500 selected fiction books marked with the “SG Culture Pass” label are eligible. Note that you must be physically present to use your SG Culture Pass credits when you purchase them in stores.
#1 Wardah Books
Address: 58 Bussorah Street
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
Wardah Books specialises in books on Islam in the English language. They have operated in Kampong Gelam since 2002 and carry a wide range of Sing Lit books, many of which are eligible for purchase with the SG Culture Pass. They are normally opened daily from 10am to 9pm, but do note their opening hours have been revised for the month of Ramadhan.
#2 Union Book
Address: 231 Bain Street, #03-01, Bras Basah Complex
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
Union Book specialises in Chinese language books. They are a fixture of the Chinese literary scene, with a 74-year history in Singapore, and have been at Bras Basah Complex since 1981. They also stock a wide range of SG Culture Pass-eligible books, especially for younger readers. Conveniently, you can also use your CDC Vouchers and SG60 Vouchers here. They are open daily from 10.30am to 6.30pm.
#3 City Book Room
Address: 387 Joo Chiat Road, #03-02, The Modules
Nearest MRT Station: Marine Parade
City Book Room focuses on curating local titles in both Chinese and English languages. It was founded in 2014, opening its first physical bookstore in 2016 at North Bridge Road, before relocating to Joo Chiat in 2022. Their range of SG Culture Pass-eligible books naturally spans both languages. They are open daily from 11am to 6pm, but are closed on Tuesdays.
#4 Lingzi Media
Address: 48 Toh Guan Road East, #06-106
Nearest MRT Station: Jurong East
Book publisher Lingzi Media’s warehouse bookstore offers a diverse range of Chinese language books, with a focus on Singaporean authors. Their Chinese language books cater to a wide family friendly audience. Do note that they’re open from 9am to 6pm on weekdays, while Saturdays are appointment only.
#5 Book Bar
Address: 57 Duxton Road
Nearest MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar
Book Bar is a bookstore and café that specialises in literature from Singapore and the region. Most of their range is in English. Despite opening only in 2023, they’ve quickly become one of the most prominent local bookstores, hosting several packed events, including book launches and monthly book clubs. They open daily from 9.30am, though closing times differ depending on the day.
#6 Woods In The Books
Katong
Address: 206 East Coast Road
Nearest MRT Station: Marine Parade
New Bahru
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #03-06, New Bahru
Nearest MRT Station: Fort Canning
Books Ahoy!
Address: 583 Orchard Road, #02-03/04, Forum The Shopping Mall
Nearest MRT Station: Orchard
Woods in the Books began in 2009, with a specialisation in illustrated books for all ages, though their Books Ahoy! outlet caters more to younger readers. They opened their Katong branch in 2023, next to the iconic Chin Mee Chin, and are a fixture of the new arts and lifestyle hub New Bahru, which opened in 2024. Unfortunately, their flagship store in Tiong Bahru, where they had been for 11 years, closed in 2024. All three locations open daily, though opening hours differ.
#7 Maha Yu Yi
Address: 231 Bain Street, #03-07, #03-11, #02-15, Bras Basah Complex
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
Maha Yu Yi is a Chinese language bookstore at Bras Basah Complex. It takes up three units in the building, with the two on the third-floor catering to teenagers and adults, and to children and parents, respectively. The second-floor unit is their Culture and Event Centre. The bookstore was founded in 1969 and was recognised in 2025 as a SG Heritage Business by the National Heritage Board. You can also use your CDC Vouchers and SG60 Vouchers here. They are open daily.
#8 Books Kinokuniya
Singapore Main Store
Address: 391 Orchard Road, #04-20, Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Nearest MRT Station: Orchard
Bugis
Address: 200 Victoria Street, #03-10, Bugis Junction
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
Raffles City
Address: 252 North Bridge Road, #03-22/23, Raffles City Shopping Centre
Nearest MRT Station: City Hall
Since 1999, Books Kinokuniya has been a mainstay of the Singapore literary scene, with its main store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre quickly becoming a destination of choice for book readers. Their expertly curated, extensive range of books in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Japanese, has made them a constant draw over the years. They are open daily, though opening hours vary by store.
#9 POPULAR Bookstore
Address: 28 locations across Singapore
A household name in Singapore, POPULAR traces its history back to 1924. Since opening its flagship store in 1980 in Bras Basah Complex and transforming into a multilingual bookstore, it has grown from strength to strength, becoming the largest bookstore chain in Southeast Asia, with branches in both Singapore and Malaysia. They are open daily, though opening hours vary by store.
Many of these bookstores have set aside specific shelves for SG Culture Pass-eligible books, though “SG Culture Pass” labelled books can be found throughout the store.
How To Use Your SG Culture Pass Credits For Books
When in stores, open the SG Culture Pass bookstores page at sgculturepass.gov.sg/bookstores with your mobile browser.
Source: Screenshot of SG Culture Pass website
Select the bookstore you’re at and then select “Pay in store”.
Source: Screenshot of SG Culture Pass website
After logging in with your Singpass, you will be prompted to key in the amount of credits you plan to use.
Source: Screenshot of SG Culture Pass website
Once you click on “Pay”, a QR code will be generated that the cashier will scan to complete the purchase.
If you have insufficient credits, you can top up the difference using other payment methods as accepted by the bookstore.
The SG Culture Pass credits will be valid until 2028, so if you’re waiting for an upcoming Sing Lit novel, like Amber Chen’s An Auction Of Souls, or June CL Tan’s Brighter Than Nine, don’t feel pressured to spend your credits now.
