Inkwood Books - Tampa, FL

Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

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With this entry, I can finally wrap-up a 2-part series.  Two sisters (biologically speaking), two bookstores, two different states, two 5-star bookstores.  The stores share the same name, Inkwood Books, and some of you may recall the entry about my visit to the Inkwood Books in Haddonfield, NJ.  I've now completed my Inkwood journey by visiting the original, owned by Stefani B., in Tampa.  With these two true sister bookstores you can flip a coin.  You'll meet two wonderful people and have a great bookstore experience in either.

Inkwood Books in Tampa has just recently moved in the last few months to its current location.  I had a great time talking to Stefani but I think she underestimates her business and bookstore talent.  This store is now located in an area that is showing some growth that will be very compatible with the bookstore.  It's a good location for foot traffic, a developing river walk area, new housing on the horizon, and Stefani's brother has a nice cafe right across the street.  All of this located in one of Tampa's oldest neighborhoods, a fun area to see.

The one-level store has an interior that is evolving and I'm very excited to see what Stefani does with the space within the next year or so.  Inkwood offers all new books and a small but good variety of sidelines which are doing well and are an important part of the business.  Much of the interior has been furnished, painted, and designed by small-business owners, something Stefani feels quite strongly about and I couldn't agree more.  The store has a fantastic space for events, always a great way to bring people into the store. 

Stefani is the 2nd owner of Inkwood Books and has been here for about 5 years.  In total, the bookstore business has been going for 26 years, a good sign.  I'm also happy to say that things for Stefani are going pretty good but they can always be better.

And that's where you come in Tampa.  It's time to step-up and patronize a great local business.   If you haven't discovered Inkwood Books yet, get with it.  Shop local, buy local, keep your money in the community to insure you can continue to enjoy places like Inkwood Books in Haddonfield, NJ or Inkwood Books in Tampa, FL.  Check these out and return again with a friend.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Origin, Dan Brown.  Let the debate between religion and science begin.  Some of Dan Brown's books can spark some interesting conversations and this is another one.  Edmond Kirsch is a futurist and is on the brink of revealing an earth-shattering discovery that will rock the religions of the world.  Where do we come from and where are we going?  A chain of events early in the book set in motion another page-turner from this author.  I don't know if this one is as good as his others but I found it entertaining and enjoyable.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Elizabeth Is Missing, Emma Healey.    

RECENTLY PURCHASED:   Panorama, Steve Kistulentz.  Stolen Beauty, Laurie Lico Albanese. 

If you happen to be on this side of the building, just follow the arrow to the entrance.  

And if you happen to be at this building, you're at the old location that is no longer open.  Look for the bookstore that you see at the top of this page.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  Enterprising readers will undoubtedly recognize the celebrity bending over a bookshelf.  Yes, that's my mom.  Some readers may also recognize The Indie Bob Spot graphic designer and logistics coordinator, Cheryl M.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance and into the children's section.  

A very user-friendly display of best-sellers near the front entrance.  

A couple of great places to sit and try out a book.  

A unique display of staff picks.  

Take a seat here and pretend you're back in 1962.  Very cool.  

Another attractive table display.  

I think the store has a great set-up and space for author events, located toward the back of the store.  

Another view of the events space.  Authors, when you do your event here at Inkwood, this will be your view (except for the empty chairs that will be filled with people!). 

Sooner or later that white wall will be hidden by bookshelves or an attractive mural.  

The store offers a variety of sidelines for all ages...

...including the young and the young in heart.  

A few of the greeting cards available.  

Great art work of the Inkwood logo.  

Overview of the store looking from the rear and event space toward the front entrance.  

A portion of the books of local interest.

Another view into the children's section.  

Take time to admire the great mural in the children's section.  

Anything that offers store incentives to customers is a must if you're a regular.  

With Stefani, the fine owner at Inkwood Books.  Thanks for a great visit.