Lede
Tucked between the bustling dry-goods stalls of Chinatown Complex, a roughly two-metre-by-two-metre nook holds what may be Singapore’s smallest bookstore. Eliko, founded by May Lin, offers a curated library of rare and international picture books—many out of print, many in foreign languages—along with a bold philosophy about accessibility, discomfort, and the true value of browsing. Open since August 2022, the store is a testament to the resilience of independent bookshops in an era of one-click ordering.
A Bookstore Born From a Pandemic
The idea for Eliko emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Lin’s nephew was born. “The idea of new beginnings and childhood wonder came to mind,” she says. She had long loved picture books but never collected them seriously. Impulsively, she rented a space at Pearl’s Hill Terrace, but fear set in. “For years, I was paying rent, but we never opened,” she admits.
When the pandemic ended, so did that lease. But Lin’s dream lived on. While scouting for a new location, she stumbled upon the units at Chinatown Complex—a market better known for Chinese New Year decorations and household goods than picture books. Because tenants own their spaces, availability is rare. “In August two years ago, this unit finally opened up—it was pure luck,” she says.
Why a Market, Not a Trendy Neighbourhood
Lin’s decision to settle among the hawkers and sundry vendors was both practical and philosophical. “It’s very small here so the rent is affordable. It didn’t feel so scary,” she explains. More importantly, she wanted to be uncomfortable. “Previously at Pearl’s Hill Terrace, it was a wonderful arts hub, but the people who go there are a particular type. Over here, it feels more grounded. I don’t speak Mandarin too, so that’s a bit difficult, but that makes life interesting.”
She deliberately avoided natural homes like Joo Chiat or Tiong Bahru. “A picture book store can be categorised as upper middle class. Prioritising culture and imagination is often a luxury,” Lin says. “I don’t want the bookstore to come across as too atas.” To keep the vibe accessible, she uses cardboard and paper plates for signs. “I can’t deny my books are in French, German, Dutch, Norwegian, Japanese, Russian… but I don’t want people to feel it’s not for them.”
Inside the Tiny Library
Eliko fits only two or three people at a time, yet it feels inviting rather than cramped. The store spills into the corridor with vintage finds, a coffee machine, chairs, and Lin’s global collection of knick-knacks. The shop runs on a library system: for S$8, visitors get one hour of browsing and free coffee. Books without a blue dot sticker are for sale; the rest are for in-store reading only.
The shelves hold treasures: out-of-print titles from the 1970s and ’80s, contemporary European picture books, and pop-up books. Lin favours stories that are surprising. “European picture books tend to be more candid about heavier topics like death and war,” she says. “Even if they’re in foreign languages, there are fewer words—you can just use Google Translate.”
The Challenges of a Tiny Space
Running a bookstore this small comes with daily hurdles. “Every day during closing, I have to bring everything inside because there’s no storage space,” Lin says. She can’t accept every donated book. Curation is also a steep learning curve. “I started with ‘Top 100 Picture Books’ lists, but I realised a lot were ‘My Best Friend Is a Bear’. A children’s book that only appeals to children isn’t a very good children’s book,” she explains. “I ask myself: is this for kids or for adults? The books I really like are the ones where I can’t quite answer who it’s for.”
The lack of air-conditioning makes lingering difficult on hot days. And as an introvert, Lin finds the constant chatting draining, though she balances it with her work as a documentarian.
Sustainability is another concern. “Some bookstores discourage browsing because people check prices online and buy in front of you. To me, the value of a bookstore is being able to see and experience the books in person. If I can’t monetise that enough, then I’ll just have to close down,” she says.
What Keeps Eliko Going
Beyond passion, Lin’s daily survival kit is simple: “Coffee. And cold water in my flask. Otherwise? I can’t survive.”
Eliko is located at 335 Smith St, #01-079 Chinatown Complex, Singapore 050335. For those seeking a truly unique browsing experience—and a reminder that the best bookshops don’t need to be big—this tiny spot is a world unto itself.
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