Books Actually (est. 2005) is an independent bookstore specialising in Literature (including obscure and critical works).
In this fabulous bookstore, you can often find literary trinkets in the form of stationery and other lovely tchotchkes.
They publish and distribute books under our imprint Math Paper Press and also hand-stitch notebooks and produce stationery under Birds & Co.
Books Actually is a unique book store in the heart of Tiong Bahru.
Comments
LONG READ:
First up, we hope everyone has been doing okae during this time, Phase 2 of the circuit breaker. We had previously announced that the physical bookstore at Yong Siak Street will not be open yet, and this response is the follow-up to our decision.
Our team is sticking to the decision of still not opening the bookstore during Phase 2 or maybe even when we eventually roll into Phase 3 of the circuit breaker. This is a decision that we have not taken lightly, and it has definitely taken an invisible toll on us. Regardless, we know this is a decision that is probably the best foot forward looking at the factors surrounding us.
In our line of work, taking into account all the precautions that we can take. From safe entry, availability of hand sanitizers, awareness of our personal hygiene, to strict protocols of how long our customers can stay inside the bookstore, the variables may be reduced but they are still there. Apart from being book elves, we are sons and daughters, grandchildren and close friends.
We are constantly thinking of all the people we could possibly impact. To paraphrase a Minister, "we can fool ourselves but we can't fool the virus". Plus, as a human being, we might slip up at some point even when complacency doesn't claim us first.
Similarly, we are NOT heroes by deciding to stay shut. We are just lucky that our Online Store along with you, and you, and you, and your support, has helped to keep us going. It's helping to keep us running at the bare minimum, supporting the team, and putting food on our table.
On this note, do continue spreading the word that we are still running Full Force with our BooksActually Online Store Similarly, let us not kid ourselves. One can't get rich running a books business.
There is no right or wrong. Whether we are portrayed as making a wise decision as compared to other retailers. With this pandemic, almost everything falls into the grey area.
When another business decides to open up during Phase 2 as it is allowed, that is a brave decision too. At the end of the day, we are in this together. Every decision that we make, no matter how fraught with anxiety it can be, it is a thought-out decision, and we have to make the best of it.
We hope everyone will stay safe and keep well. We are still here to serve you as your favourite booksellers from Yong Siak Street albeit from our Online Store For those that have bought from us, thank you very much. We will continue to make the experience of buying books online from us to be a nice surprise each time.
And of course, we can't repeat ourselves more. Go CHIONG our Online Bookstore http://www.booksactuallyshop.com It is sibeh safe one. No mask needed. You can browse our book curation, and make your purchase anytime from the comfort of your home. We are open 24/7 because we have to live up to our boss Kenny's rep of #nevernotworking mah.
First up, we hope everyone has been doing okae during this time, Phase 2 of the circuit breaker. We had previously announced that the physical bookstore at Yong Siak Street will not be open yet, and this response is the follow-up to our decision.
Our team is sticking to the decision of still not opening the bookstore during Phase 2 or maybe even when we eventually roll into Phase 3 of the circuit breaker. This is a decision that we have not taken lightly, and it has definitely taken an invisible toll on us. Regardless, we know this is a decision that is probably the best foot forward looking at the factors surrounding us.
In our line of work, taking into account all the precautions that we can take. From safe entry, availability of hand sanitizers, awareness of our personal hygiene, to strict protocols of how long our customers can stay inside the bookstore, the variables may be reduced but they are still there. Apart from being book elves, we are sons and daughters, grandchildren and close friends.
We are constantly thinking of all the people we could possibly impact. To paraphrase a Minister, "we can fool ourselves but we can't fool the virus". Plus, as a human being, we might slip up at some point even when complacency doesn't claim us first.
Similarly, we are NOT heroes by deciding to stay shut. We are just lucky that our Online Store along with you, and you, and you, and your support, has helped to keep us going. It's helping to keep us running at the bare minimum, supporting the team, and putting food on our table.
On this note, do continue spreading the word that we are still running Full Force with our BooksActually Online Store Similarly, let us not kid ourselves. One can't get rich running a books business.
There is no right or wrong. Whether we are portrayed as making a wise decision as compared to other retailers. With this pandemic, almost everything falls into the grey area.
When another business decides to open up during Phase 2 as it is allowed, that is a brave decision too. At the end of the day, we are in this together. Every decision that we make, no matter how fraught with anxiety it can be, it is a thought-out decision, and we have to make the best of it.
We hope everyone will stay safe and keep well. We are still here to serve you as your favourite booksellers from Yong Siak Street albeit from our Online Store For those that have bought from us, thank you very much. We will continue to make the experience of buying books online from us to be a nice surprise each time.
And of course, we can't repeat ourselves more. Go CHIONG our Online Bookstore http://www.booksactuallyshop.com It is sibeh safe one. No mask needed. You can browse our book curation, and make your purchase anytime from the comfort of your home. We are open 24/7 because we have to live up to our boss Kenny's rep of #nevernotworking mah.
If you love books, and are sick of the usual stuff found in typical bookstores or online, then THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE!
Booksactually provides a range of Asian contemporary and classic titles, many of which cannot be found anywhere else - not online or in mainstream, popular stores?
Does it mean this store is "hipster"? A little, and its location in Tiong Bahru certainly attests to that. But it is also an independent publisher, publishing the best of Singaporean authors, so its indie stripes are well-earned and most deserving.
Fantastic place!
Booksactually provides a range of Asian contemporary and classic titles, many of which cannot be found anywhere else - not online or in mainstream, popular stores?
Does it mean this store is "hipster"? A little, and its location in Tiong Bahru certainly attests to that. But it is also an independent publisher, publishing the best of Singaporean authors, so its indie stripes are well-earned and most deserving.
Fantastic place!
Best bookstore in Singapore for its range of Asian writers stocked. LOTS of contemporary writing as well as back catalogue. Always have recent releases of literary works. The staff are really helpful although the cats never answer.
an oasis of books. exactly what a store should be.
The best bookstore in Singapore....bar none.
Love it! Great for booklovers, love the ambience, such a beautiful bookstore!
Support local authors!
I love this place! A great publishing house. They absolutely support Singaporean writers. It also has a great ambiance. If you're lucky, you''l get to meet the cat!
Awesome! I read a book a month and always enjoy going to different book stores. Can't wait to check this one out!
Love the concept and book variety. Good to see the local and International community engaging and sharing their love for books.
