By Satyne Doner, Co-Editor-in-Chief
Each day closer to October 7 is another day closer to Bookshop Day, which seeks to elevate independent bookshops around the world and inspire others to visit them.
There is something magical about bookshops, whether it is a meticulously organized array of books or a cramped collection of pages you would not find anywhere else. The smell of printed paper, the feeling of book bindings on your fingers, and the sight of fellow bookworms cannot be beaten.
And while big box stores are great, creating relationships with independent bookshops is so much more rewarding. In most cases, they can specially order books and develop an ongoing relationship with their customers.
Anne Barngrover, interim director of MA in the creative writing program at Saint Leo University, loves a good indie bookshop.
“Independent bookstores are so important as cultural and educational centers and can really bring together a whole community around the love of reading,” she says.
Her favorite bookshop is Tombolo Books in St. Pete, which hosted her for a poetry reading last month. In addition to selling books and collectibles, many bookshops offer events and workshops as well.
Closer to Saint Leo, The Book Shack in downtown Dade City carries a giant selection of used books that can be purchased at over 75 percent off the original price. They get in new inventory every day, so there is always something fresh and exciting to pick up!
The Book Shack has been inspiring readers in the Dade City area for over 30 years and is a family-owned business. According to its website, The Book Shack prides itself on knowing customers by their first names and finding any book they’re looking for.
On Fowler Avenue in Tampa, and near USF, Mojo Books & Records is a popular spot for book and music lovers alike. It boasts Tampa’s largest used and new book and record store, as well as a coffee and tea bar.
Mojo Books & Records has been known to host book signings, album release listening parties, and events that celebrate the release of popular books. It has even hosted in-store concerts!
So, on this year’s Bookshop Day, take a trip to one of these independent bookstores and start reading! There’s no better time than now to cozy up with a coffee and a book, with vinyl records playing softly in the background.
Not sure where to start? You can find additional indie bookshops with the Indie Bookstore Finder. Simply type in your address and you can find all sorts of resources!
