Pinellas County is replete with curated indie bookstores. Our local shops feature the best new books around and used gems you never knew you needed. They each represent the remarkable small business community in St. Pete and beyond.
PS: A book fair for grown-ups will be held at Good Intentions (1900 1st Ave S) on Monday, March 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Curated by Tombolo Books, the event will bring back nostalgic Scholastic Book Fair vibes for anyone who misses the excitement of these annual shopping events.
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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.
Back in the Day Books
355 Main St, Dunedin
Back in the Day Book Store features new books, including many current bestsellers, collectible, rare, out-of-print titles, fine bindings, and more. They buy books in the store by appointment and prefer that you call or email them first to ensure they can accommodate the books you’re considering bringing in. They even make house calls for larger collections.
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 cafe with the wonder of an independent bookstore. They host author talks and book signings, numerous book clubs, and carry books for kids and adults. There’s also a strong selection of Florida-made books and gifts. Their staff are as knowledgeable about wine as they are about books. A true gem in St. Pete.
Book Rescuers
8325 Ulmerton Road, Largo
This shop features more than 40,000 beautiful used books. Book Rescuers boasts a gigantic collection for both kids and adults, spanning three miles of shelves with every imaginable book genre. There’s a 60-seat reading lounge, 16 craft beers on tap, and a coffee and tea bar. A stage and an educational room for children are available for authors and musicians to perform.
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
The owner of Portkey Books believes that books can transport and connect us. After operating as a pop-up bookstore, they debuted a tiny storefront on Main Street in Safety Harbor, FL. They offer free delivery within Safety Harbor, or you can pick up your order from their new storefront. This intimate space is lovingly curated and a must-visit in the wonderful town of Safety Harbor.
The Story Garden (832 14th St N) is a delightful children’s bookstore in the charming Uptown neighborhood. This cozy gem is filled with nearly 1,500 books for young readers, making it the perfect spot for kids in St. Pete to embark on reading adventures. 
Tombolo Books
2153 1st Avenue South, St. Pete
This locally owned shop has a big heart. They feature a lovingly curated children’s book section complete with a reading nook for kids, offer sections dedicated to Florida authors, and order new books every single day. Tombolo Books has one of the most robust events programs you’re bound to find at any bookstore in the country. They host sci-fi, horror, short story, fantasy, and crime fiction book clubs and share a beautiful courtyard with a coffee shop and a fresh juice shop where authors hold readings and lectures. It’s one of my personal go-to spots when shopping for gifts.
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 has a huge selection of science fiction and horror novels. They even have a funny Freddy Krueger cutout that moves around the store. Their collection of comics grows every week as well. It’s a local institution well worth a visit.
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