Although Amazon and Barnes and Noble have dented the independent bookstore industry, many local, family-owned booksellers continue boldly forward, It’s important to support the folks who have been present for decades in the South Florida community.
Most readers resort to Barnes and Noble, unaware of the plethora of locally-owned bookstores in dire need of support and attention. Below are five of Miami’s best Hispanic and family-owned bookstores. These will satisfy the needs of every bookworm. They stock everything, from comic books and manga, to study aids, the classics and Cuban poetry.
Libreria Impacto
7149 SW 8th St.
Miami, FL 33144
(305) 267-0522
Looking for Hispanic or Cuban classics? Libreria Impacto is the perfect place. Located in the Toledo Center on SW Eighth Street, Libreria Impacto is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and has plenty of parking spaces for visitors. The owner, Maria Rodríguez, comes from a long line of Cuban booksellers who strongly believe in universal access to culture, regardless of immigration status. Their collection of Jose Marti books is impeccable and deserves a visit. Prices are accessible and don’t go past $15.
Book Horizons
1110 South Dixie Hwy.
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 665-6161
Located on U.S. 1, Book Horizons has been in business since 1953. It is the favorite store of many graduate students and future lawyers. For an affordable price, students have access to new and used academic textbooks. Their used books are often less expensive than online or retail options, saving students up to 50%! And there is fast and efficient curbside pick-up. They pack every order with the utmost attention to detail. “Mindfulness for Law Students” is a law study aid that Book Horizons sells. In addition to study aids, Book Horizons has an extensive selection of UM apparel. (That’s their only downfall, they are missing some Florida International University Panther pride).
A&M Comics and Books
6650 Bird Rd
Miami, FL 33155
(305) 661-3406
A&M Comics and Books is said to be one of Florida’s oldest comic-book stores. Located on Bird Road, this comic-book epicenter has everything your inner child could imagine: Funko Pops, anime figurines, vintage toys, collectibles, and more. The store sells comic books for as little as $4, one of them being “The Superior Spider-man” published by Marvel Comics. Due to the fact that prices on back issues fluctuate, costs are subject to review. Free 30-minute parking is available for visitors in front of the property.
Korka Comics
SW 10538 SW Eighth St.
Miami, FL 33174
(786) 953-7092
4708 S. Le Jeune Rd.
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(786) 953-7092
641 Pines Blvd.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
(954) 962-3322
Korka Comics is the hub of Funko Pop galore! The first store, in Pembroke Pines, opened back in 2013. Not only is their merchandise affordable, but they buy, sell, and trade all collectibles. Korka carries all the latest titles from DC Comics and Marvel Comics, to independent titles from Image Comics, IDW Publishing, Valiant Comics, and more. Their Funko Pops are sold for as little as $10. The store located inside FIU’s University Plaza is open daily from 9 a.m. to midnight. If you are an FIU student, you get a discount. Do not miss out on this opportunity!
Revistas y Periódicos Librería
8659 Coral Way
Miami, FL 33155
(305) 264-4516
Since 1988, Revistas & Periódicos Librería has provided South Florida with the largest collection of Spanish newspapers and magazines. They continue to take pride in assisting the local Latino and Hispanic population in finding newspapers and magazines from their country of origin. The owner, Fede Suárez, is a warm Argentinian retiree who fulfilled his lifelong dream of managing a bookshop. The inventory is constantly expanding, now providing customers with endless Spanish novels, from all genres. The place opens daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
