It has always been my dream to have a full-wall bookshelf at home, but the limited space doesn’t allow it.
When I saw that the newly opened Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop has an entire wall filled with books by Singaporean authors or books published by Singapore, I was ecstatic to make a trip down to Maxwell Road.
The only mistake of visiting Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop was going during lunch hour, which was fully packed with the neighbouring office crowd that came by to grab a cuppa, while others held short meetings in the 1,000 square feet cafe — not quite the coffee bookshop I imagined.
Determined to wait till the crowds die down, I bought an iced coffee and redeemed a book (chosen at random), which I used 100 Grab points to purchase, available from now till 31 March 2019, in support of #BuySingLit.
Of course, the other titles are available for purchase too if it catches your eye.
Sure enough, the space was soon vacated and at long last a little pocket of quietness for those who fancy a read over a cup of coffee. If you’re wondering what’s the best time to visit, I’d say between 2.30pm – 4pm.
You’re welcome to browse the books on display before bringing them home to add to your arsenal of collections. Familiar names include Cyril Wong, Kevin Kwan and many more.
I could see myself sitting in the coffee bookshop all day, picking up books after books. If only time allowed.
The best part of this bookshop is that you’ll get to meet local authors and artists who will be allocated time to write or draw, talk to customers, and even have your book signed.
It was the first week of Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop’s opening during our time of visit, so none of the authors was around. But a lineup is already in place from 18 March 2019 onwards.
And for you Instagrammers, the full-wall bookshelf is something you’ll want on your feed, and I won’t be surprised to see it popping up everywhere on social media soon. Though I have to admit, it’s really pretty.
If not for the crowd, it would have been a really pleasant place to while the hours away, but nonetheless, a cool concept of having an entire bookshop selling only local books.
I’m all for supporting local, and hopefully, Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop will serve as a step forward in helping locals authors and aspiring ones gain more exposure.
Prices: Various book prices
Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop: 45 Maxwell Road, #01-01, Singapore 069118 | Opening Hours: (Mon – Fri) 10am – 7pm, (Sat) 10am – 2pm, (Sun) Closed | Website | Facebook
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