Top Used Bookstores in Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay area is rife with bookstores, from chain bookstores to independently owned shops. The market in the Tampa Bay area for used bookstores is tremendous, and every book lover has their own favorite. I've managed to narrow down my favorites to five.

Haslam's Book Store. Haslam's is a St. Petersburg landmark and has been a first-stop destination for book lovers since 1933. They have over 300,000 tomes (both new and used) housed in over 30,000 square feet of historic landmark coolness. Haslam's is a no-frills store with no chairs, no couches, and no coffee. They offer several rooms with different themes and books housed within. They also have a couple of felines who head butt customers as they try to pay for their purchases- but don't worry, the cashiers have treats with which to distract them!

Wilson's Book World. Wilson's Book World is smaller than Haslam's, but has much the same feel. Right down the street from Haslam's in St. Petersburg, Wilson's houses over 200,000 titles. One of the great things about Wilson's is that they've made their entire catalogue searchable online at www.abebooks.com. They are a member of the Florida Antiquarian Booksellers Association (FABA) and take part in many local book fairs. They don't have any critters, but they have an vast and varied collection of old and rare books to enjoy.

Small Adventures Bookshop. Small Adventure's is located in Gulfport, just a hop, skip and jump West of Haslam's and Wilson's. By far the smallest used bookstore of the three, Small Adventures is also the most charming. As you will see from the lighted pink flamingo in front of the house that is Small Adventures, it is the coziest used bookstore to spend your afternoon in. With every spare inch piled with books, there is a fairly large selection. There are a couple of wing-backed chairs in the back room, and a sleepy kitty to help pass the time. They offer many sales on used books and sell a lot of new books by local authors.

Book Bank USA. Book Bank is located about 20 minutes from St. Petersburg in Largo Mall. They have a large collection of used new releases, used old releases, and audio books. Everything is very neat and there is a retail feel to the store. They have over 70,000 books onsite and also sell calendars and bookmarks. They have a pretty good selection and friendly staff.

Paperback Palace. Located in Clearwater, Paperback Palace is North of Book Bank USA. They have over 100,000 titles and also sell magazines, journals and greeting cards. Paperback Palace is set up like a typical retail store, and they are located on a major road- accessible from many directions.