The Tampa Bay area is home to a thriving collection of independent bookstores and used book exchanges, each with its own personality and specialties. From rare finds to cozy reading nooks, these local shops are well worth supporting.
If you’re anything like us, the New Year also brings a fresh to-be-read list. A resolution to read more books is one of the few goals where everyone wins.
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Back in the Day Books
355 Main St, Dunedin
Back in the Day Books features new titles, including current bestsellers, along with collectible, rare, and out-of-print books and fine bindings. The shop buys books by appointment and asks that customers call or email ahead to confirm availability. For larger collections, they even make house calls.
Black English Bookstore
401 E Oak Ave
Poetry, essay collections, fiction, nonfiction, puzzles, and more fill the shelves at Black English Bookstore. The women-owned, independently operated shop caters to readers of all ages while uplifting Black-authored books. The intimate 738-square-foot space holds roughly 1,200 to 1,500 books, along with puzzles, notecards, art, and gifts. The shop also shares space with another women-owned coffee business, plays records, and keeps a few plants thriving.
Follow the bookstore on Facebook, Instagram, and its website, as well as on Bookshop to learn more about what the store offers.
Bookends Ybor
Operating at Ybor Saturday Market, 1800 E 8t Ave
Tampa natives Laurie and Teresa Rodriguez are the owners behind Bookends, which currently operates at the Ybor Saturday Market. They’ve secured a permanent future home for Bookends: Literature & Libations at 2208 E 2nd Ave., set to open soon. In the meantime, you can support the shop online and follow their journey on Instagram. Their baked goods menu is nearly as tempting as the books they curate. You can also order books through Bookshop.org for home delivery.
Book + Bottle
17 6th St N, St. Pete
Books and wine are a winning combination, and Book + Bottle delivers both. This St. Pete gem blends an independent bookstore with a boutique wine bar and café. The shop hosts author talks, book signings, and multiple book clubs, and carries titles for both kids and adults. There’s also a strong selection of Florida-made books and gifts. The staff are as knowledgeable about wine as they are about literature.
Book Rescuers
8325 Ulmerton Road, Largo
Book Rescuers is home to more than 40,000 used books spread across nearly three miles of shelving. The massive collection spans genres for readers of all ages. The shop also features a 60-seat reading lounge, a coffee and tea bar, and 16 craft beers on tap. A stage and an educational room for children host author readings, music performances, and events.
Gilded Page
123 East Court Street, Tarpon Springs
Born from a love of reading and writing, “The Gilded Page aims to be the go-to local indie bookstore for those searching for the newest releases and most beloved classics,” write the owners on the store’s website. Additionally, they hope to serve as a meeting place for bibliophiles, writers, and other creatives to connect and collaborate.
Lighthouse Books
14046 5th Street, Dade City
Lighthouse Books is a family-run shop that has served readers for more than 45 years. The store specializes in scholarly works, particularly Florida history, Americana, and military history, while also carrying antiquarian books, used titles, and a small gallery of prints and maps.
Mojo Books
2554 E Fowler Ave, Tampa
Mojo Books is Tampa’s independent used and new bookstore, record shop, and coffee and tea bar. The sprawling space features current bestsellers, hidden gems, and unexpected paperbacks, alongside an extensive vinyl collection. It’s also known for having one of the most knowledgeable staffs in the state.
Oxford Exchange Bookstore
420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
The Oxford Exchange Bookstore is widely considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in Florida. The thoughtfully designed space features award-winning fiction and nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, and literary classics. Renowned authors regularly visit for readings and signings. Few places let you browse a National Book Award winner and enjoy a standout brunch in the same visit.
Portkey Books
404 Main St, Safety Harbor
Portkey Books began as a pop-up before opening a charming storefront on Main Street in Safety Harbor. The shop’s owner believes books have the power to transport and connect readers. Portkey offers free delivery within Safety Harbor or in-store pickup, and the carefully curated space is a must-visit in this quaint town.
Steamy Lit
2832 S MacDill Ave
Romance readers rejoice. Steamy Lit, a romance-only bookstore, is now open on South MacDill Avenue, sharing space with Procure by All Women’s Collective. The shop focuses on uplifting romance writers from underrepresented backgrounds and has quickly become one of Tampa’s most exciting new literary destinations.
The Story Garden is a delightful children’s bookstore located in St. Pete’s Uptown neighborhood. The cozy shop carries nearly 1,500 books for young readers, making it an ideal place for kids to discover new stories and fall in love with reading.
Tombolo Books
2153 1st Avenue South, St. Pete
Tombolo Books is a locally owned favorite with a big heart. The shop features a beautifully curated children’s section complete with a reading nook, shelves dedicated to Florida authors, and new books arriving daily. Tombolo also boasts one of the most robust bookstore events programs around, hosting book clubs across genres like sci-fi, horror, fantasy, crime fiction, and more. The shop shares a courtyard with a coffee shop and juice bar, where authors frequently hold readings and talks.
Wilson’s Book World
535 16th St N, St. Pete
Wilson’s Book World has been a St. Pete staple for decades. This family-owned used bookstore is especially beloved for its extensive science fiction and horror collection, along with a growing comics selection. A wandering Freddy Krueger cutout adds a bit of personality to the space. It’s a local institution well worth a visit.
