Pinellas County is replete with curated indie bookstores. These local shops feature the best new books around and used gems you never knew you needed. Each one represents the remarkable small business community in St. Pete and beyond.
Additionally, the inaugural Tarpon Springs Book Festival brings an all-day celebration of books and literature to Pinellas County. The first-ever festival takes place on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on East Court Street, in the heart of downtown Tarpon Springs.
ADVERTISEMENT
Note: A new bookstore, The Book Lounge, is set to open this June in St. Pete.
Back in the Day Books
355 Main St, Dunedin
Back in the Day Books features new releases, including many current bestsellers, as well as collectible, rare, out-of-print titles and fine bindings. They buy books in the store by appointment and recommend calling or emailing in advance. For larger collections, they even make house calls.
Book + Bottle
17 6th St N, St. Pete
Books and wine—what more do you need? Book + Bottle combines the elegance of a boutique wine bar and café with the wonder of an independent bookstore. They host author talks, signings, and book clubs for all ages, and carry a strong selection of Florida-made books and gifts. The staff is just as knowledgeable about wine as they are about literature.
Book Rescuers
8325 Ulmerton Road, Largo
This shop features more than 40,000 used books. Book Rescuers boasts a massive collection for both kids and adults, spanning three miles of shelves across every imaginable genre. There’s also a 60-seat reading lounge, 16 craft beers on tap, a coffee and tea bar, and space for author readings and performances.
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.
Portkey Books
404 Main St, Safety Harbor
Portkey Books began as a pop-up and now calls a charming storefront on Main Street home. The intimate space is carefully curated and offers free delivery within Safety Harbor. It’s a must-visit for book lovers exploring this quaint town.
The Story Garden is a delightful children’s bookstore located in the Uptown neighborhood. With nearly 1,500 titles for young readers, it’s the perfect spot for kids to embark on reading adventures in a cozy and welcoming setting.
Tombolo Books
2153 1st Avenue South, St. Pete
This locally owned shop has a big heart. Tombolo Books offers a thoughtfully curated children’s section with a reading nook, highlights Florida authors, and stocks new titles daily. Their robust events program includes genre-specific book clubs, author readings, and lectures held in a shared courtyard with a coffee and juice shop. It’s a favorite local stop for unique gifts and literary finds.
Wilson’s Book World
535 16th St N, St. Pete
Wilson’s Book World has served St. Pete for decades. This family-owned used bookstore features a large selection of science fiction and horror novels. Their growing comic collection and ever-moving Freddy Krueger cutout add a touch of charm. It’s a local institution well worth exploring.
ADVERTISEMENT
