The Book Lounge to bring blind date books and board games to the 600 block this summer

The Book Lounge to bring blind date books and board games to the 600 block this summer

In an era dominated by screens and digital content, the surprising resurgence of brick-and-mortar bookstores is resonating with readers everywhere.

Big names like Barnes & Noble opened over 60 new locations in 2024 alone, but it’s the smaller, independent shops that are telling the most compelling story. Across the country, new bookstores are opening with unique identities—many centered around genre, community, and cause.

Some indie shops focus on specific genres like horror, mystery, or the ever-popular romance, while others take a stand on social issues like diversity or resisting book bans.

Now, St. Pete is getting its own new chapter in the indie bookstore movement: The Book Lounge, opening June 15th at 631 Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete.

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A new chapter: The Book Rescuers opens massive used bookstore in Largo with over 100,000 books

A new chapter: The Book Rescuers opens massive used bookstore in Largo with over 100,000 books

An encyclopedia of Greek mythology, recordings of wars from the frontlines, and children's books dating back to the 70s and beyond line the wooden shelves inside The Book Rescuers’ new 14,000-square-foot warehouse.

Husband and wife duo George and Sarah Brooks, who save over 10 tons (20,000 pounds) of books per week from the landfill, have relocated their massive book collection and store to 8325 Ulmerton Road in Largo.

The Book Rescuers, which is now open, is nearly quadruple the size of their previous 3,600-square-foot warehouse in Pinellas Park and features over 100,000 books.

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