Support Us Button Widget
Culture  Arts

Tampa Bay book clubs

Check out local fiction, new and noteworthy, and niche book clubs across our area.

May 10, 2023 • 
Bailey Lefever
Shelves of books at Oxford Exchange

Oxford Exchange’s bookstore stocks new releases, local Tampa authors, stationary, and more.

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

We know we have quite a few literati in the Tampa Bay area. I mean, have you seen all the bookstores around here?

Looking to join a book club or explore a new genre? Here’s a few local groups to check out:

  • Downtown Tampa’s Oxford Exchange boasts a well-stocked bookstore and is a huge literary hub within the city. The store hosts two virtual (and free) clubs: Fiction, Fantasy, and Epics and New & Noteworthy. The bookstore also hosts an in-person Oxford Exchange book club — a ticket gets you entry, wine, and light apps. Check out this month’s selections.
  • St. Pete’s bookstore that’s also a wine bar, Book + Bottle also hosts a variety of reading groups, including fiction and New + Noteworthy groups, a Lady Leaders + Readers group, and a Genre book club. Plus, the shop also hosts a weekly Writer’s Retreat every Thursday from 12-2 p.m. Explore the picks.
Snapinsta.app_290224685_3195580587426470_7193772719185678952_n_1080.jpg

Tombolo’s romance book club poses with author Alexandria Bellefleur and her book.

Photo by @tombolobooks

  • Armature Works also offers a monthly book club (fittingly in collaboration with OE). The group meets monthly to discuss novels selected by the bookstore at the Heights Public Market. And, your ticket includes local fare and wine from Bar AW.
  • Tombolo Books, St. Pete’s indie bookstore, offers a wealth of niche book clubs, from a crime travel group to a Gabber group (which focuses on Florida authors) that meets at Habana Cafe in Gulfport. In addition, the Central Avenue hub is always hosting author release parties and conversations with local authors. Check out the full list of clubs here.
  • Keep St. Pete Lit, a local nonprofit celebrating the area’s literary community, naturally hosts a monthly book club at the Factory. The nonprofit promises the meetups are “exciting, engaging, and slightly different takes on the usual book club discussions.” Check out upcoming books.
  • Want to grow your own club? Tampa’s Mojo Books & Records books its space for small book clubs. Reach out via email.

And if you host your own club, we have a treat for you too. Check out our roundup of local authors and books penned in Tampa Bay for next month’s selection.

Guides
More from TBAYtoday
Two fencers face off in the full silver equipment. The one on the right is lunging toward the one on the left with a dark grey background and spooky smokey effects around.
Sports
Try out these 6 niche Olympic Sports in Tampa Bay
This could be the start of your road to the 2028 Games.
July 26, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A line of sushi rolls sits on a black dish. There is white sauce across the surface, and rice rolls have filling and toppings in dark surroundings.
Food
Meet Kiwa: South Tampa’s newest sushi hotspot
The area’s foodie game is about to go up another notch.
July 26, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A hand holds up a yellow and blue "Beach Blonde Ale" can from 3 Daughters Brewing up in front of a blue sky with palm trees.
Culture
Local libations: A round of Tampa Bay-centric craft beers
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Tampa Bay nod there — these craft beers found around the Big Guava take local pride seriously.
July 25, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
The Selmon Expressway viaduct sits above the Hillsborough River. Tampa's skyline is behind it, and there are blue skies overhead.
City
Breaking down Tampa’s budget: Capital Improvement Projects
We’re sharing how the proposed $1.8 billion budget could be spent across the city.
July 25, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
A green boba drink sits on a boardwalk at John's Pass. The focus is on the green straw and clear rounded container, while the blurry background shows a wooden walkway, water, cloudy skies, and a nearby boat.
Food
Tampa Bay neighborhoods as drinks
Every drink has its own flavors and characteristics, just like neighborhoods. We paired them up.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Chefs prepare for Epic Chef behind a counter laden with fresh produce. The chefs are wearing white uniforms, and wiring surrounds the area in the shiny Epicurean Theatre — a kitchen fit for shows and productions. Counters are a mix of white, silver, and grey, and ingredients line the wall in clear containers.
Nonprofits
A cooking contest with a purpose: Feeding Tampa Bay’s Epic Chef
The three-week event celebrates local culinary excellence, and offers a chance to reflect on those less fortunate.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Screen Shot 2023-05-25 at 3.26.01 PM.png
Live
Where to find lunch for $10 or less
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 15 lunches, from Cuban sammies to broiled burgers.
July 23, 2024
 · 
Staff
A foamy iced tea sits in front of a window with curtains, the light streaming in.
Food
3 Tampa Bay tea spots
From matcha workshops to history high teas, we’ve got our tea lovers covered.
July 23, 2024
 · 
Bailey Lefever
Members of Tampa's Green Team stand in a line facing the camera. They are holding gardening tools, dressed in green tshirts, and wearing hats as the sun shines down. Someone near the middle is holding a tree with a mulch bag on the ground, implying it will be planted.
Travel and Outdoors
Tampa’s Green Team is looking for new members
Help create a brighter future with the city-run program.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
The pink-colored Don CeSar hotel sits in front of the beach. The Gulf of Mexico is bright blue in the background, and two pools are by the hotel surrounded by cabanas and deckchairs. The sun is shining, casting shadows toward the west, showing it is a beautiful sunny morning.
Food
Sip and dip at these Tampa Bay area pool bars
These TBAY spots are refreshing in more than one way.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Patrick Sidwell