Book Depository Is Closing: 5 Affordable Alternatives in Asia for Book Lovers

Book Depository alternatives
If you’re mourning, there’s a life after Book Depository ! 
If you’re among the mourning Book Depository fans, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of affordable alternatives, eco-friendly that can serve as your next favourite book retailer and encourage circularity to help you make the best choice:

RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS 

Thryft.asia  

As a sustainable thrift store, Thryft Asia aims to offer high-quality and affordable books and clothes while making a positive impact on both people and the planet. They deliver to multiple countries, including Hongkong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. In addition to selling affordable items, they also accept trade-ins and donations of books and clothes through convenient drop-off points. By donating or trading in items, customers can help support their sustainable and environmentally friendly efforts. The store encourages everyone to join their mission to make the world a better place by choosing to shop sustainably and responsibly with them.
A screen grab of Thryft Asia

Book Dont Throw – Singapore 

Book Don’t Throw is a Facebook group based in Singapore that provides a platform for its members to exchange books for free or through barter trading. The group aims to promote reading among its members, while also advocating for the reduction of waste by giving books a second lease of life. Book Don’t Throw is not just a platform for exchanging books, but also a community that encourages kindness and generosity. By participating in the group, members are not only helping to reduce waste but also fostering a love for reading and connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar interests. Book Don’t Throw is an excellent example of how social media can be used to build communities around a common cause while also contributing to a better and more sustainable world.

Book XCESS – Malaysia & Singapore 

BookXcess offers an extensive collection of books, including children’s books, bestsellers, classics, and self-help books at unbeatable prices. With discounts of up to 50%, BookXcess has become one of the go-to places for book lovers to read and purchase books in Malaysia and Singapore. However, the bookstore’s popularity is not only due to its low prices but also because it offers remainder books that publishers overprint and can’t sell to standard bookstores. As BookXcess tries to clear their stock, they offer these remainder books to consumers at discounted prices. This unique offering has made BookXcess an affordable and reliable source for bookworms looking for great deals on a variety of books.
image : Book Xcess Malaysia

BookLittle Free Library @ Henderson Crescent – Singapore 

The Little Free Library at Henderson Crescent, located in the Senior Citizen Corner, is a wonderful initiative that promotes the love of reading and encourages community sharing. This library is open 24/7 and is hosted by Anita Rai-Tiwari, who has made it possible for the locals to take or borrow books for free. It is situated in the area between Redhill and Tiong Bahru MRT, near Tiong Bahru Park, in the south of Singapore. Visitors are encouraged to return the books once they have finished reading them, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly initiative. The Little Free Library at Henderson Crescent is an excellent way to promote community bonding and encourage people to read more.
Little Free Library @ Henderson Crescent.
Little Free Library @ Henderson Crescent.

Better World Books 

If you’re looking to buy books online, consider purchasing from two US college graduates who have sold over 8 million new and used books. Not only do they offer popular titles under the BookTok section and S$5 reads from the bargain bin, but they also partner with libraries to save books from landfills. Plus, every purchase funds educational nonprofits in less developed countries and donates a book to someone in need. International shipping is available for approximately S$2 per book, and it’s free for purchases above S$15. If you’re interested in reading Atomic Habits, it costs approximately S$41 and delivers to Singapore in ten to 21 days. Don’t settle for just any online bookstore when you can support a company that makes a positive impact on the world with every purchase.