Thanks at least in part to a boon in reading sparked by the insanely popular romantasy genre (dragons are so hot right now), South Florida's indie book shops are thriving. With events like midnight release parties for highly anticipated new titles, poetry readings, author talks, and even singles mixers, local bookstores remain beloved community hangouts where patrons can sip coffee and talk about books, share ideas about current events, or whisper conspiratorially about spicy chapters that are definitely NSFW.
Whether you’re in the market for a small-press local art book, a rare edition of one of the classics, or the latest in contemporary fiction and nonfiction, these local shops can help you find your next page-turner.
Bookleggers Library
561 NW 32nd St., Miami305-754-5980
bookleggerslibrary.com
Inside the Bakehouse Art Complex, Bookleggers is Miami’s first and only free used bookstore. Visitors here can take as many books as they like and leave their credit cards at home. All tomes found on their stacks have been donated, and Bookleggers’ mission is to find each and every one of them a loving home within the community. If that sounds too good to be true, rest assured: It isn’t. Founder Nathaniel Sandler passionately believes everyone should have access to free books.
Donations are gladly accepted, but not necessary, as the shop is supported by private funders and grants. Another bonus: You might discover your new favorite local artist as you walk through the Bakehouse studios on your way to the stacks.
Books & Books
265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables305-442-4408
3409 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove
305-477-0866
9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour
305-864-4241
booksandbooks.com
It’s hard to imagine a Miami literary scene without Books & Books and its local legend of a founder, Mitchell Kaplan. The flagship Coral Gables location, which opened in 1982, is a local institution, hosting more than 60 events each month. Its cozy and breezy Café at Books & Books serves a delicious lineup of coffees, teas, pastries, and lunch items — and it’s not uncommon to bump into a bestselling author or two as you grab a table.
Perusing the stacks, readers will find a wide variety of new releases, classics, art books, cookbooks, popular fiction and nonfiction titles, and hard-to-find gems. If Coral Gables is out of the way, you can also visit Books & Books’ locations in Coconut Grove, Bal Harbour, Miami International Airport, and Key West (where you might even find Judy Blume behind the counter).
Dalé Zine spotlights underrepresented voices in South Florida's creative community.
Photo by James Jackman
Dalé Zine
50 NE 40th St., Miamidalezineshop.com
Founders Steve Saiz and Lillian Banderas launched Dalé Zine to celebrate underrepresented voices in the South Florida community and beyond. Rooted in a love of DIY print culture, the Design District bookshop sells unique art books, zines, prints, and merch. With a focus on independent publishing, marginalized perspectives, and emerging artists, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble upon something here that you won’t find at any other brick-and-mortar. If you’re looking to impress your art-loving friends, the bright space is the perfect spot to grab a gift. Or, you can bring them to see one of Dalé's art exhibitions, artist talks, or book releases.
Libreri Mapou Creole & French
5919 NE Second Ave., Miami305-757-9922
mapoubooks.com
Little Haiti’s Libreri Mapou is a longstanding cultural hub where patrons can find more than 3,000 books in Haitian Creole, French, and English, ranging from classic novels and history texts to children’s storybooks and educational materials.
Founded in 1990 by playwright, poet, and activist Jan Mapou, Libreri Mapou is one of the country’s only Haitian-owned bookstores. Visitors here are greeted by bright and colorful murals on the shop’s exterior and a trove of books in its cozy interior. In 2014, Mapou, along with the Miami Book Fair, cofounded the Little Haiti Book Festival, which has grown into a popular yearly celebration of Haitian literature and culture.
Old Florida Book Shop
3426 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale954-319-1441
oldfloridabookshop.com
Old Florida Book Shop owner William Chrisant opened his first bookstore because his own private collection had become so vast. The antique feel of the stacks and décor at the Fort Lauderdale shop extends to the more than 50,000 volumes housed within. You'll find books on everything from art to photography, natural history, medicine, philosophy, the performing arts, Americana, poetry, fashion, and so much more. For the rare book enthusiast, this is an absolute treasure trove.
Quade Books
19501 Biscayne Blvd., Space 763, Aventura786-702-5333
quadebooks.com
If we needed any more proof that indies were back, this is it. Quade Books opened inside Aventura Mall in August 2024, causing many shoppers to do a double-take (a bookstore at the mall!). The bilingual shop is run by Evangelina Montiel Bertone and Jorge Caparelli, who have managed bookstores together in Argentina for more than 19 years.
Bertone tells New Times they opened the U.S. store to promote well-being and cultural connection through curated books and creative spaces. The Aventura location was chosen for its surrounding multicultural community and the opportunity to connect with readers of all ages. The store specializes in new works in English and Spanish, with a focus on literature, art, design, and children's books.
Quade Books specializes in new works in English and Spanish, focusing on literature, art, design, and children's books.
Quade Books photo
Steamy Lit
161 NE Second Ave., Deerfield Beach305-742-9969
steamylit.com
Steamy Lit gets it: Romance is a diverse literary genre, and it’s here to stay. Founder Melissa Saavedra, a U.S. Navy veteran, launched the store as an online shop in 2021, and as demand grew, she opened brick-and-mortars in Deerfield Beach and Tampa. A new Miami location is in the works (with the shops' popular Bad Bunny-inspired and queer-themed book clubs coming along, too). Saavedra’s mission is to create a safe space for women to discuss sexuality and erotic book scenes. Not all heroes wear capes.
