Perhaps you've fallen in love with your Kindle, but for many of us 55+ folks, nothing will ever replace books with paper pages you can feel as you flip them. If you love visiting new and used bookstores to browse the aisles, discover new authors, rediscover old favorites, and score great deals on titles on your to-read list, then this roundup's for you.
Here are some fantastic independent brick-and-mortar bookstores all around Central Florida. They may be a dying breed, but as you can see, there are still plenty of options all around. We've grouped them by county for easy reference. Stop by and support them on your next excursion to their areas.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Book Corner Tampa Bay, Brandon
Established in 1988, this used book shop has some rare and collectible books, but most of the general interest inventory is priced under $10.
Inkwood Books, Tampa
This is the only independent bookstore in the area for new books. There's a wide general interest selection, plus it's a great place to find Florida titles and authors.
Mojo Books and Records, Tampa
The city's largest independent book and record store is a recommended stop for perusing a diverse collection of books and vinyl (and having a cup of coffee, too).
Old Tampa Book Company, Tampa
If you're looking for a place to browse an impressive array of rare and out-of-print titles, put this used bookstore on your list.
LAKE COUNTY
Rabbit's Hole Book Store & Coffee Shop, Clermont
This is a funky spot for new and used books (not just children's books, as you might guess from the name), and it's a full coffee shop.
Raintree Books, Eustis
Find great prices on more than 250,000 new and used titles at this family-owned shop that's been serving Central Florida readers for over half a century now.
MARION COUNTY
A Novel Idea Bookstore, Ocala
Find new and used general interest books at this shop. It's well organized to make browsing easy and efficient.
The Bookstore, Belleview
Established in 2007, this business carries new and gently used books from all major genres. It's only about a 15-minute drive from from The Villages.
ORANGE COUNTY
Bookmark It, Orlando
Specializing in cool cookbooks, children's books (find great gifts for the grandkids!), and works by Central Florida authors, this store's inside a larger amazing destination—East End Market.
Brandywine Books, Winter Park
This small shop is recommended if you like checking out rare books. It's hidden away behind the Barnie's on Park Avenue, so lots of people miss it.
Writer's Block Bookstore, Winter Park
If you're with (or shopping for) the grandkids, this is a great destination for children's, teen, and young adult reading material. But there are plenty of general interest titles, too.
PINELLAS COUNTY
Book Bank USA, Largo
Peruse about 40,000 new and used books from a wide range of genres at this shop dating back to 1992.
Haslam's Books, St. Petersburg
This is Florida's biggest new and used bookstore. It was started in 1933 and is a wonderful piece of Florida's cultural history.
Wilson's Book World, St. Petersburg
A family-owned and operated enterprise founded in 1971, this shop is a local favorite specializing in used and antiquarian books with more than 250,000 titles on its shelves.
POLK COUNTY
Book Bazaar, Lakeland
This bookstore stocks over 200,000 used titles, primarily paperbacks. It was founded in 1979 and is still going strong.
Book Traders Plus, Winter Haven
Find a wide variety of books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, and more at this fun location that's been in business since 1977.
SEMINOLE COUNTY
B&L Books, Altamonte Springs
Since 1987, this family-owned book shop has specialized in paperback fiction, but there's also a nice selection of other general interest work.
Best Used Books, Longwood
Peruse huge selections of books for all interests, DVDs, CDs, records, magazines, puzzles, and more at this bookstore that's been in business for over 20 years.
BrightLight Books, Casselberry & Oviedo
For used Christian books, plus plenty of other genres and DVDs, head to either of the two locations.
Maya Books and Music, Sanford
Stop in here for all sorts of new and used books, CDs, records, and an eclectic collection of vintage clothing and other fun stuff.
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Abraxas Books, Daytona Beach
Peruse over 100,000 titles from any genre you can think of, including antiquarian books, at this fun store by the beach.
The Family Book Shop, Deland
This has been a beloved local destination since 1976. They have a large stock of books for all interests and tastes.
The Muse Book Shop, Deland
Another longtime favorite in the heart of downtown, this store has been in business since 1980 and carries all sorts of general interest, rare, and antique books.
DUVAL COUNTY
Chamblin's Book Mine, Jacksonville
OK, this isn't Central Florida, but it's too amazing a bookstore not to mention. This two-story shop in the heart of downtown is a dream come true for anyone who loves spending hours combing through endless stacks of used books on any subject.
