We’re a sports town, an arts town, and we’re definitely a book-lovin’ town. Okay, book-lovin’ Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater metro area.
Whether you’re looking for the latest bestseller or a hidden gem, here’s a roundup of five spots to find your next read or literary community in Tampa Bay:
Oxford Exchange | Tampa
The owners of this downtown Tampa institution built more than a books + brunch spot, it’s a gathering place for the community. The London-inspired location hosts so so many author events from bestselling authors like Sarah Penner and Annabel Monaghan, sells tons of new titles, and sells coffee, tea, and bubbles to fuel your reading.
Black English Bookstore | Tampa
Head to Tampa Heights to peruse this bookshop opened by the late Commissioner Gwen Henderson. The store offers a section highlighting local authors, hosts signings and launches, and gifts books back to the community.
Tombolo Books | St. Petersburg
The Burg’s indie bookstore is beloved for its slew of staff picks, author events, and its perch next to Black Crow, of course. The lineup of book clubs bucks the trends with options like the Crime Travel Book Club + St. Pete Sapphic Book Club.
The Story Garden | St. Pete
Remember The Shop Around the Corner from “You’ve Got Mail”? This bookstore looks pretty much like that, but tucked within an old bungalow in historic Kenwood. Stop by for story and play classes, book clubs for kids, and to stop for books, games, and toys.
The Book Rescuers | Largo
Get ready to hunt and bring a list of titles to look for — this massive warehouse. Plus, it’s good for the planet. Book Rescuers rescues 10 Tons — or 20,000 pounds of books — weekly before they hit landfills, then sells the reads on the cheap (for $1, $2, or $3).
Wilson’s Book World | St. Petersburg
Founded in 1971, this St. Pete gem stocks more than 250,000 hardcovers, paperbacks, comics, and manuscripts. Feel free to ask questions. In fact, the staff encourages them.
Mojo Books & Records | Tampa
Mojo boasts an extensive collection of new and rare gently-loved novels, an eclectic array of vinyl records, a free book box, and even a tea shop. Pro tip: You can sell and trade old titles with the store to make room for some new reads.
Book + Bottle | St. Petersburg
Sift through titles and labels. Yes, Book + Bottle sells books and wine. Park yourself at the marble bar to read some fiction or wfh over a snack plate or stop by for a book club or just to gab with the staff.
Steamy Lit | Tampa
This is the spot for smut. Really, the romance-focused bookstore focuses on women romance authors of color + non-binary/genderqueer authors. Plus, they offer subscription boxes, virtual panels, DIY crafting events, and pretty much everything your heart could desire.
Back in the Day Books | Dunedin
Looking for an old school spot straight out of Hogwarts? This locally-owned shop sits right on Dunedin’s main drag and offers timeless book displays with rolling library ladders + packed with new releases and tons of Floridian reads.
Portkey Books | Safety Harbor
Pop-up book seller turned Main Street bookstore, Portkey sells everything from literary fiction to kids books. The store also offers free delivery within Safety Harbor.
Book Corner Tampa Bay | Brandon
Used bookstores offer their own breed of cozy. And this Brandon bookshop is no different. One of Tampa’s longest-running stores is stuffed with gently-used thrillers, fiction, classics, cookbooks, and even out-of-print books and collectibles.
Comics & Stuff | Tampa
This comic book lover’s dream of a store offers a vast selection of graphic novels, from “She-Hulk” to “Johnny Quest.” The “peddlers of picture books” also buy comics, merch, manga, and more.
Did we miss any of your faves? Let us know.
