Bookstore Boom or Bust? The BooksActually Drama Unfolds
For more than a decade and a half, BooksActually has been the go-to indie hub for book lovers in Singapore. But the shock wave is coming from the other side of the counter.
Who’s in the Spotlight?
Meet Kenny Leck, 42, the man who built a literary empire out of a humble shop. He’s stepping down from his role after a recent bombshell article by Rice Media revealed a murky past involving young female employees.
What Does the Report Say?
- Charmaine Poh, a respected writer‑artist, interviewed Kenny’s ex‑wife Renee Ting, who was in a six‑year relationship with him.
- Another former staff (“Mel”) claimed Kenny made advances while married to Renee and even talked about “phasing her out” over two years.
- Staff aged in their 20s said pay was low, often late, and breaks were non‑existent. They feared retaliation if they spoke out.
Meanwhile, Kenny slammed the claims as “false” and refused to comment further alongside his current partner.
Community Fallout
Readers, writers, and believers in the indie scene are voicing concerns. “BooksActually has been a pillar for us,” people say. But now, calls for solid accountability are louder than ever.
BooksActually’s Response
Five “book elves” (the current team) issued a statement on Facebook:
“BooksActually is more than a person. Our plan: Kenny will hand over sole ownership of BooksActually and Math Paper Press to the entire team.”
“Since 2019 we’ve introduced better welfare— timely pay, 1‑hour lunches, and strict work hours.”
“We recognize that early years weren’t safe. Moving forward, we’ll boost staff welfare, tighten HR, and bolster anti‑harassment policies.”
Details on the ownership switch are yet to be released.
Who’s Got the Stories?
- Renee Ting started in 2011 at 19 with Kenny and Karen Wai (co‑founder). She and Kenny married in 2016 and separated a year later.
- Another employee, “Mel” (22), was allegedly told Kenny would “phase Renee out”.
- A handful of local writers (13 of 16 contacted) remain silent on whether they’d backed the shop under these conditions.
Reactions from the Literary Circle
Cartoonist Sonny Liew chronicled how the community quietly accepted questionable fundraising at BooksActually. He noted a “David vs Goliath” narrative that perhaps let powers slip.
Poet Gwee Li Sui urged doctors for the women quoted: “Listen objectively and protect them from backlash.”
Industry Watchdogs
Marketing pro Joshua Poh is taking a stand: “I’ll shut off my bookseller patronage until Kenny is held accountable.” He’s honed in on supporting new local authors instead.
What’s Math Paper Press Doing?
The imprint has released celebrated works with Joshua Ip, Cyril Wong, and Alvin Pang among others. But the question now: Will they continue associating with this bakery of books?
In short, the echoes of a once‑glorious indie bookshop are reverberating louder than ever. It’s a test of integrity, community, and, most importantly, the heart behind “BooksActually.”
