20 bookshops unite for Singapore's first Indie Bookshop Day, with book talks, stamp trails and more

Singaporeal's first Indie Bookshop Day is set to take place from October 2 to 4, with 20 independent bookshops across the city-state joining forces to celebrate the literary community. From October 2, the festivities will include a variety of activities such as storytelling sessions, author visits, bookshop stamp rallies, and more.

The event, co-organized by the participating bookshops, the Singapore Book Publishers Association, and supported by the National Arts Council and international publisher Hachette Book Group, will not only focus on selling books but also on celebrating the unique spaces of bookstores and fostering connections among readers.

Ibrahim Tahir, one of the event's organizers and founder of Wardah Books, emphasizes that SGIBD is not merely a book sale fair but a platform to showcase the diverse identities of the participating bookshops. Bookseller Ho TingXuan from Wormhole agrees, stating that each shop will design its own programme, reflecting its unique character.

Visitors can participate in activities tailored to their interests, such as browsing President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's book recommendations at Book Bar, engaging in a blind book swap at Epigram Books, enjoying a live sketching demonstration at Basheer Graphic Books, or attending a zine workshop at City Book Room. Readers can also immerse themselves in Singapore comics and self-publishing at Dakota Dreams, have their portraits drawn after making a purchase at Bommoi, or receive personalized Malay poems typed on a typewriter at Nurul Anwar Bookstore.

The SGIBD Passport, a directory and stamp rally, will guide participants through the 20 participating bookshops, offering stamps from at least half of the shops to enter a lucky draw with prizes like book vouchers and curated gift sets. Additional activities include walking routes connecting bookshops in Chinatown, Bras Basah, and Joo Chiat, as well as a paid bus tour for those who wish to visit multiple shops in one trip.

Limited-edition SGIBD bookmarks will be available at participating bookshops while supplies last. Organizers hope that SGIBD will not only highlight the breadth of Singapore's indie bookshop scene, including smaller and less visible shops, but also emphasize the role bookshops play in building community, fostering conversations, and providing encounters that extend beyond the act of purchasing books.