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 .
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.