Charis Joy
17 Nov 2022
Trying to Preserve Singapore’s Dying Literary Scene
Singaporeans are reading less and less. CHARIS JOY looks at bookshops that aim to preserve Singapore’s unique literary culture.
When people talk about bookshops, most of us think about the flagship stores like Kinokuniya or Popular, which sell books from many international writers. However, there are others in the bookshop scene in Singapore that deviate from the norm of stocking the most popular books.
Instead of aiming to gain as much revenue as possible, these stores have a much more noble and humble goal in mind — to preserve Singapore’s unique literary culture.
Singapore is known for its diverse cultures and stories, from which local writers get inspiration, shining a light on the many experiences that only Singaporeans can resonate with. Unfortunately, according to an article by Rice Media, a news website, on Sept 14, 2019, the bookshops that preserve this literary culture are dying off.
"We put in so much effort and energy to (start) this kind of (niche) bookshop, but honestly there are times when I ask myself: ‘Is it worth it?’, especially on days where we don’t sell (any books) and morale is low,” said Mr Abdul Nasser, 57, owner of Basheer Graphic Books, a bookshop specialising in Singaporean art, architecture and design..
One would think that the issue lies with the idea that these stores are getting outclassed by larger bookshops and e-books. However, this isn’t the case. In fact, this issue is much deeper rooted. Singaporeans, as a whole, aren’t reading books anymore.
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Even with the lack of customers, Ms Tan and her husband, Mr Paul Kam (from left), do their best to make their bookstore bright and organised for customers.
(Photo credit: CHARIS JOY)
Ms Waln Ching, 39, owner of City Book Room, a bookshop specialising in Chinese-Singaporean literature, said: “I think the concern is not that people are reading e-books, it’s that they aren’t reading (at all). In Singapore, we are more focused on the practicality of doing it. They ask: ‘What’s the purpose?’ or ‘Why do I want to read?’ Instead, we should be asking: ‘If I don’t read, what am I missing out on?’”
According to an blog post on TheSmartLocal , a blogging website, on Jul 15, 2020, only 25 percent of adults pick up a book more than once a week.
As Singaporeans start reading less, the already small demand for local literature in Singapore will shrink even more. As this happens, these niche bookshops will find it increasingly more difficult to stay afloat. Eventually, these shops may have to shut down, which could spell an end for Singapore’s local literature scene as we know it.
To make matters worse, the Singaporeans who do read choose to purchase their books online instead of going down to these brick-and-mortar bookshops. According to an article by The Straits Times on Oct 10, 2022, 58 percent of the Singaporean adults who read a book in 2021 did so online rather than purchasing a physical copy from a bookshop.
According to another article by Kitaboo, an online bookstore, on Dec 12, 2022, more people are choosing to use e-books because of its accessibility and convenience it provides.
“Everything is so easy with technology on our hands. It helps us to (save time), which really makes it stick to us, you know,” said Mr Nasser.
However, this doesn’t mean that all hope has been lost for these niche bookshops in Singapore. As Singaporeans’ tastes in books change, these bookshops are changing along with them.
Interior of Basheer Graphic Books, where many stacks of books are displayed on shelves untouched, some not even taken out of their boxes. (Photo credit: CHARIS JOY)
“(People) have developed interests and preferences. As long as we can cater to them and listen to our customers, we’ll be able to provide them with what they want,” said Mr Nasser.
However, this doesn’t change the fact that Singaporeans are reading less and less. Unless Singaporeans start actively choosing to read more, this small spark of hope may end up getting put out as well.