Mother-daughter duo opens charming new hangout spot to St. Pete with books, board games, wine, and community vibes: The Book Lounge
A brand-new literary hideaway is coming to downtown St. Pete — and it’s anything but ordinary. Opening this June at 631 Central Avenue, The Book Lounge invites readers, gamers, and snack lovers alike to slow down, settle in, and savor every moment.
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This unique lounge-meets-book-nook is the brainchild of Natalya Calleja and her 18-year-old daughter Pamela, a high school senior and soon-to-be University of South Florida St. Pete student. Together, they’re bringing their mutual love for stories and connection to life with a space that blends books, bites, and board games in one warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The Book Lounge is your new favorite book nook
“The Book Lounge is an extension of a dream that started a year ago,” said Calleja. “We launched Pages & Roses first — a small business where we curated Blind Dates with Books. Now, we’ve grown that idea into something you can walk into, something you can feel.”
Step through the doors, and you’ll find a cozy 1,500-square-foot space designed to feel like home — if home came with soft lighting, curated bookshelves, comfy reading nooks, and wine on tap.
Guests can browse a handpicked selection of romantic and fantastical fiction, build their own charcuterie boards, sip on seasonal frosé, and dive into a wide array of board games. Whether you’re flying solo with a good book or showing up with friends for game night, the vibe is casual, comforting, and built to linger.
“There’s no rush here,” Calleja said. “We want people to slow down, savor the moment, and stay awhile.”
A carefully curated reading experience
The book selection focuses on cozy fantasy, spicy romance, romantasy adventures, and uplifting love stories. Expect trending titles, hidden gems, swoon-worthy debuts, and beloved backlist reads that pair perfectly with a cup of tea or a glass of wine.
There’s also a Book Matchmaking Help Desk on-site, where staff will help you find your perfect read — or even surprise you with a Blind Date with a Book.
Eat, sip, and play on the 600 Block
Visitors can build their own snack boards, choosing from cheeses, fruits, sweets, and other goodies. The drink menu features wine by the glass or bottle, rotating teas, and seasonal drinks like frosé.
For game lovers, the Lounge offers a curated collection of quick classics (hello, Uno and Scrabble), group party favorites, and strategy staples like Catan, Carcassonne, and Wingspan.
A relaxing community hub
The Book Lounge isn’t just a cozy café — it’s a space built for connection. Expect regular events like book bedazzling nights, cozy reading parties, board game tournaments, and book club gatherings.
“There’s something magical about being in a space that invites you to linger and connect,” Calleja said. “That’s what we’re creating — a little bit of magic, a whole lot of heart.”
The Book Lounge
Grand Opening: June 14
631 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
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