Let’s be real — Singaporeans are busy people. Between work, school, social life, and family obligations, sitting down with a book often feels like a luxury. But reading is quietly making a comeback here.
According to the National Library Board, over 36 million books were borrowed in 2023 — and the numbers are climbing again post-pandemic. It’s proof that reading hasn’t died; it’s just changing form. Whether you’re listening to audiobooks on the MRT, scrolling through e-books on Libby, or lounging at a book café in Tiong Bahru, reading is woven into modern Singapore life more than we realise.
Beyond leisure, reading sharpens focus, sparks creativity, and gives your brain a much-needed break from screens. Think of it as mindfulness with pages — something that helps you recharge, reflect, and reconnect.
🕰️ Step 1: Build Reading Into Your Daily Routine
Here’s the secret: a reading routine doesn’t need to be a strict one-hour marathon. It’s about consistency, not quantity.
🌅 Morning Readers
Start your day with 10–15 minutes of reading before touching your phone. You could sip your kopi and read a few pages of something inspiring — maybe a motivational book like Atomic Habits or a local memoir like How We Live Now by Michelle Lim.
🚇 Commute Readers
Singapore’s MRT is practically made for reading — it’s quiet, predictable, and distraction-free (most days). Load up e-books or audiobooks on NLB Mobile or Libby, and aim to read for the first half of your ride.
🌇 Evening Readers
Wind down before bed with a print book. Studies show it helps with better sleep compared to scrolling TikTok. Dim lights, calming tea, and no screens — it’s like spa time for your brain.
☕ Step 2: Create a Reading Space You Actually Enjoy
Environment makes all the difference. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy home library — just a comfy spot that tells your brain “reading time starts now.”
At Home
Set aside a corner near a window or your balcony. Add a warm light, some cushions, and a small stack of your current reads. Keep your phone out of reach — this one’s key.
Outside Home
Try book cafés like:
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The Moon (Chinatown): A female-owned bookstore café that curates diverse, inclusive titles.
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Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop (URAC): Local coffee meets local literature.
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Book Bar (Duxton): Quiet, stylish, and perfect for weekday reading dates.
Libraries
Don’t sleep on our libraries. The National Library in Bugis, library@orchard, and Tampines Regional Library have serene reading zones with gorgeous views and plug points — perfect for a long read or study session.
📆 Step 3: Start Small — The “5 Pages a Day” Rule
A realistic routine beats an ambitious one you’ll abandon.
Start with five pages a day. It sounds too easy, but it tricks your brain into consistency. Some days you’ll read just five, other days fifty — what matters is that you keep the streak alive.
Bonus tip: track your progress on apps like Goodreads or StoryGraph. It’s oddly satisfying to see that “books completed” count go up.
🧠 Step 4: Mix Formats to Suit Your Lifestyle
You don’t have to stick to physical books. Singapore’s on-the-go lifestyle calls for flexibility.
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E-books: Use NLB’s Libby app or Kindle for quick reads on your phone.
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Audiobooks: Great for gym sessions or walks around Marina Bay.
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Short reads: Essays, poetry, or short stories — easier to finish, easier to love.
The key is to meet yourself where you are. Reading isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up.
🧑🤝🧑 Step 5: Read With a Community
Reading alone is great — but reading together keeps you accountable.
Check out book clubs like:
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No Readgrets Book Club: A chill, inclusive community that meets monthly.
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Wardah Books Reading Group: Thoughtful discussions on spirituality, literature, and local culture.
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The Saturday Book Club: A cosy mix of classics and modern favourites.
Many clubs have Instagram pages or Telegram chats you can join to stay updated. You’ll make friends, exchange titles, and stay inspired to keep reading.
💡 Step 6: Make It Meaningful
Finally, don’t just read for the sake of finishing books. Read to feel something.
Annotate your books. Highlight lines that hit. Journal about what you’ve read. Share your thoughts online or with friends.
In the end, your reading routine isn’t a productivity flex — it’s a self-care ritual. One that helps you slow down, learn new things, and see the world through fresh eyes.
🌟 Final Thoughts
In a city that moves as fast as Singapore, reading gives you permission to pause. You don’t have to overhaul your life to make it happen — just start with five minutes, one page, one story.
Who knows? That nightly 10-minute reading habit might just become your favourite part of the day.
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