Reading books can take you to places you’ve never been. It’s about the journey and the destination.
South Florida is vibrant and full of life with a rich mix of cultures. Its many bookstores offer a glance at the area’s incredible diversity. Whether you’re a local looking for a nice place to study in a cozy atmosphere or just a tourist looking to take a literary piece of Florida back home, here are five bookstores that will change the way you see the literary arts.
You can find everything from coffee table books to antique volumes to work on Haitian culture in Miami. The options are endless.
Books & Books
Various Locations
With its five locations across South Florida, Books & Books is a locally-owned neighborhood bookshop that was opened in 1982 by Mitchell Kaplan in the city of Coral Gables. Its offerings range from children’s books such as The World of Eric Carle: Around the Farm Soundbook ($20.99), to political science novels like On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century ($12) by Timothy Synder. Mitchell Kaplan is also a co-founder of Miami Book Fair International and serves as the chairperson of its Board of Directors. He recently served a two-year term as President of the American Booksellers Association (ABA). From its large sections of children’s books, trendy novels and coffee table volumes to its discussions and cafe, the place will is impressive. Its locations also include Books & Books at Bal Harbour Shops, Books & Books in Coconut Grove, Books & Books at The Studios of Key West, and Books & Books at Miami International Airport.
Libreri Mapou Creole & French
5919 NE Second Ave.
Miami, FL 33137
305-757-9922
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Wednesday, 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday, Closed
Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Libreri Mapou is the only Creole and French bookstore in the heart of Little Haiti. It is owned by Jan Mapou, who is a Haitian author and arts activist. The bookstore has been open for 35 years and offers a glance at his work as well as the Haitian culture. There are books in English, French, and Creole such as Lord Berkley’s Wife by Sotero Agbotom ($13.95) or Au Gré de la Mémoire: François Duvalier Le Mal Aimé by Dr. Rony Gilot ($50). The store also has a wide range of magazines, newspapers, dictionaries and even has Kremas Mapou, their own celebration drink.
My Mama’s Books Records & Cafe
218 E Dania Beach Blvd.
Dania Beach, FL 33004
754-400-9275
Monday, Closed
Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
My Mama’s Books Records & Cafe is a small bookstore located in Dania Beach that opened during the pandemic. Owner Julia Harrison has named this spot after her mother and hopes every visitor feels welcome and gains exposure to literary works and music. Its cafe offers freshly made pastries and drinks price as well as a good study spot for those looking for an aesthetically pleasing location with good music. This bookstore also offers live music, open mic on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Karaoke on Thursdays from 6 to 10 p.m.
Old Florida Book Shop
3426 Griffin Road
Dania Beach, FL 33312
954-319-1441
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m.- 8 p.m.
The Old Florida Book Shop takes visitors back in time with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and antique-style furniture. Owned by William Chrisant, who opened the location in 2009 the store has been welcoming visitors into this cozy space that communicates a great love of books. Chrisant is also a member of the Florida Bibliophile Society. He prides himself on having many classic and rare books, maps, and magazines. The store also has a mascot, named Peter the cat, who is the shop’s pride and joy.
Bob’s News and Books
1515 So. Andrews Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-524-4731
Monday – Sunday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If visitors or locals are looking for a hole-in-the-wall bookstore, Bob’s News and Books is the place to be. This family-owned staple has been open for over 50 years and is known for its unusual array of books and vintage magazines of all genres. It also has a wide assortment of banned books. Their slogan is “If you can’t find it at Bob’s, then you probably won’t find it anywhere else.”
