Singapore's library network is managed by the National Library Board (NLB), which oversees 27 public libraries, a national reference library, and the National Archives. The system holds over 11 million items and processes upwards of 30 million loans annually. Beyond the public system, a number of independent bookstores cater to specialised reading interests. This guide covers the major locations.
The National Library Building
Located at 100 Victoria Street in the Bugis district, the 16-storey National Library Building is the flagship of Singapore's library system. Designed by TR Hamzah & Yeang, the building opened in 2005 and features a distinctive green-walled exterior with sky gardens on upper floors.
Lee Kong Chian Reference Library
Occupying floors 7 through 13 of the building, this reference library holds more than 600,000 volumes spanning social sciences, arts, science, and technology. It is open to the public without charge and includes dedicated areas for Singapore and Southeast Asian studies. Researchers can access rare materials including historical maps, colonial-era government records, and early Malay-language manuscripts.
Central Public Library
The lower floors of the National Library Building house the Central Public Library, the busiest lending branch in the NLB system. Collections cover fiction, non-fiction, children's books, and multimedia. It is also the primary venue for NLB-organised events including book clubs, author talks, and exhibitions.
Regional and Neighbourhood Libraries
NLB classifies its branches into three tiers:
- Regional Libraries: Jurong Regional Library (the largest public library in Southeast Asia at 20,000 square metres), Woodlands Regional Library, and Tampines Regional Library. These hold between 500,000 and 600,000 items each and include dedicated teen zones, multimedia studios, and makerspace areas.
- Public Libraries: Mid-sized branches like Bishan Public Library, Queenstown Public Library, and Geylang East Public Library. These are the backbone of neighbourhood lending and typically stock 100,000 to 200,000 items.
- Community Libraries: Smaller branches embedded within community centres, such as library@harbourfront and library@chinatown. These offer curated collections and digital borrowing terminals.
Notable Branches
Bishan Public Library is the most photographed library in Singapore, thanks to its treehouse-like pod design by LOOK Architects. It opened in 2006 and includes a glass-fronted reading area overlooking Bishan Park.
Queenstown Public Library, Singapore's first branch library (established in 1970), underwent a major renovation in 2020 and now features coworking spaces and a heritage corner documenting Queenstown's evolution as Singapore's earliest satellite town.
library@harbourfront at VivoCity targets families and tourists with a children's section that includes interactive storytelling stations and a curated travel reading corner.
Independent Bookstores
Kinokuniya Singapore
Occupying a 43,000-square-foot space at Ngee Ann City on Orchard Road, Kinokuniya Singapore is the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia. The store carries over 500,000 titles across English, Japanese, Chinese, and Malay. Its non-fiction section is one of the most comprehensive in the region, with dedicated areas for business, science, history, and Southeast Asian studies. Open daily, with late closing on weekends.
Wardah Books
Tucked into a two-storey shophouse at 58 Bussorah Street in Kampong Glam, Wardah Books is a niche independent store specialising in social science, philosophy, and Islamic studies. Owner Ibrahim Tahir has operated the shop since 2002, and it has become a gathering point for readers interested in non-fiction beyond the mainstream bestseller lists. The store also hosts the Pretzel Book Club for children.
Epigram Bookshop
Run by Epigram Books, Singapore's most prominent independent publisher, this outlet at Bukit Pasoh Road stocks the full Epigram catalogue alongside selected international titles. Recent bestsellers include Lala-land: Singapore's Seafood Heritage (winner of the 2025 Singapore Book Awards for Best Food Book) and Wise Beyond Its Size.
BooksActually
Originally located in Tiong Bahru, BooksActually was Singapore's most well-known indie bookshop before transitioning to an online-only model. Its associated imprint, Math Paper Press, continues to publish experimental Singaporean literature and poetry. Titles can be ordered from their website.
Littered with Books
Located at Duxton Hill, this compact bookshop focuses on literary fiction, poetry, and independent press titles. The store curates monthly staff picks and occasionally hosts small-scale readings.
Using the NLB System
Practical notes for anyone new to the system:
- Membership: Free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners with a valid pass can register for an annual fee of S$10.50.
- NLB Mobile App: Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines digitally. The app also supports scanning physical books for self-checkout.
- Reservations: Reserve any available title online and have it delivered to the branch of your choice for S$1.55 per item.
- Book Drop: Returns can be made at any branch, regardless of where the item was borrowed. Book drops are available outside library hours at most locations.
- MyLibrary ID: Required for ebook and digital resource access, set up through the NLB website or app.
Annual Events
- Read! Fest: NLB's biennial reading festival. The 2025 edition, branded as READ30, featured a marquee sensory experience and pop-up libraries across Orchard Road. The next edition is expected in 2027.
- Read for Books: NLB's charity book drive, held every July. In 2025, the initiative raised 3,190 books for beneficiaries. Supporters include Kinokuniya, Scholastic Singapore, and Epigram Books.
- Singapore Writers Festival: Held annually in November at the Arts House, this festival features local and international authors across fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
- Love Our Libraries and Archives (LOLA): NLB's birthday celebration in September, with cake-cutting parties, book giveaways, and exhibitions at libraries across the island.
Whether the goal is borrowing a bestseller, finding a rare Southeast Asian history text, or browsing a shophouse bookshop on a Saturday afternoon, Singapore offers a range of options that few cities of similar size can match.