Most Community-Centered Bookstores in South Florida

The Miami area has a lot of bookstores, but there are some that really stand out because of the extras they offer the local community. These independent stores are the go-to places for local and community events, from book/author signings to reading groups and even writer's critique groups. With bookstores, large and small, closing because of hard economic times, it's great to know these gems are still around.

Books & Books

265 Aragon Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 442-4408
www.booksandbooks.com

Books & Books is one of the best independent bookstores in Miami. With stores in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Bal Harbor, Westhampton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami International Airport and the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, Books & Books is a popular destination for book lovers. But the store in Coral Gables, located in a 1920's historic building, is special to many because of its unique courtyard that is used for readings and other events. Well known authors and celebrities have been featured there, as well as local and first-time authors. This location also has poetry readings, live music, a full-service café, and hosts many cultural events all year long.

The Bookstore In The Grove

3390 Mary St.
Miami, FL 33133
(305) 443-2855
www.thebookstoreinthegrove.dreamhosters.com

The Bookstore in the Grove, which recently moved to a much larger location in the heart of Coconut Grove, offers books, coffee, a sweet café and lots of community interaction and events. They host local author nights, a book club, Friday afternoon story time for the kids, young writers contests, and much more. This corner bookstore is a great place to meet friends for a healthy lunch, or just coffee and pastries, and absorb what's new in the literary community.

Key West Island Books

513 1/2 Fleming St.
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-2904
www.keywestislandbooks.com

Home to both new and used books, this small shop is one the last surviving bookstores in Key West. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, and the store hosts local author afternoons and readings/signings. When in Key West, which is known for its literary masters like Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, Robert Frost, Judy Blume and Tom Corcoran, don't miss spending some time in this little treasure of a book shop.

Related: Best Books About Miami

Biscayne Books

6701 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33138
(786) 294-0267
www.biscaynebooks.com

One of the newest additions to Miami's literary scene, Biscayne Books opened in August of 2012 and specializes in new and slightly used best-sellers, classics, children's and young adult books, and out-of-print titles. Store owner Susan Hanna finds some of the store's literary treasures at estate sales and auctions and offers books at greatly reduced prices. This store also displays and sells art in its overhead galleries. Biscayne Books offers local book clubs where readers can discuss their favorite titles over snacks at Biscayne's adjacent restaurant. Registration for book clubs is available online.

Big Apple Bookstore

5461 N. Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308
(954) 772-7761
www.bigapplebookshop.com

A great little used bookstore in Fort Lauderdale, Big Apple Books has a large selection of lightly used children's books and offers a fun community children's story time every Tuesday at 10 a.m. The shop also buys and trades books to keep everyone's stock of good reads filled. The store carries CDs, DVDs and records, along with a large selection of non-fiction and genre books. Friendly and helpful staff members are happy to suggest good reads.

Related: Best Indie Bookshops In Miami

Transplanted from Denver, Colorado to Orlando, Florida, Larraine Stacey spends much of her time traveling all over Florida and cruising the East Coast. A certified International tour guide and former travel agent, Larraine loves researching travel destinations and sharing travel tips with others. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.