MacIntosh Books & Paper - Sanibel, FL

MacIntosh Books & Paper, Sanibel, FL

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Sun, sand, surf, and BOOKSTORES!  Why, oh why did I not come here during this winter's polar vortex/snowmaggedon that plagued my fellow midwesterners?  Nevertheless, I'm happy to say I finally made it here and glad to report that MacIntosh Books & Paper has been taking names and kickin' butt since 1960, a remarkable run.  The founding owner, William MacIntosh, is no longer involved but current owner Rebecca B., along with booksellers Olivia and Kyle are the rock stars leading the charge that, as Rebecca told me, has the store clearly succeeding and enjoying the wave of resurgence that many indies across the country are enjoying.

When I asked Rebecca the secret to the store's success and longevity, she said it was because of the store's relationships with their customers.  Rebecca not only curates everything in the store from books to sidelines, but she also cultivates store relationships.  It's no surprise that other successful indie owners and booksellers do exactly the same thing.  When you know the customers, you know how to curate and this is something Rebecca does very well.  The customer base includes tourists but surprisingly to me has stronger support with local regulars.  As Rebecca stated, this is a very literary island with books clubs in every neighborhood as well as a store book club.

This one-level bookstore offers all new books and a good assortment of sidelines including greeting cards, jigsaw puzzles, a variety of stationery, and unique socks.  The store has an active events schedule with events held on-site or off-site for larger crowds.  You'll find a strong inventory of books by favorite Florida authors like Randy Wayne White, Tim Dorsey, and Carl Hiaasen as well as recent releases and NY Times bestsellers.  The customer service here is fantastic with gift wrapping (shouldn't all indies offer this?), shipping, delivering, and access to online orders.  The store has a great location alongside other small business owners and a spacious free parking lot.

Brady likes napping and selling books.  If you come in to see Brady, you have to buy a book.  

In addition to Rebecca, Kyle, and Olivia, MacIntosh has one more staffer, Brady.  Of all the lives a cat could hope for, living in a bookstore has to be at the top.

Sooner or later, many of you will plan a visit to Florida.  When you do, consider this beautiful island bookstore another one of your diversions.  Find out what their loyal customers already know.  A wonderful bookstore with terrific people.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Underground Railroad, Colson Whitehead.  Took me awhile to get into this and then it just only mildly grabbed me.  Story of a girl trying to escape slavery by discovering all these real underground railroad stations.  This book won a national book award and most everyone endorses it.  For me, it was ok.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Stranger In The Woods:  The Extraordinary Story Of The Last True Hermit, Michael Finkel.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Not purchased, but gifted.  Gun Love, Jennifer Clement.  Thanks Rebecca!

Could there be a better setting than this, outside the store, to enjoy a book?

An attractive display window.  

You've arrived!

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  If you look carefully in the middle of the picture, meticulous readers may recognize the celebrity camouflaged behind the books.  Yes, that's my mom.    

Just inside the front door.  

The store features some outstanding stationery items and these can be found to the left of the front entrance.  

Always look for events on the large events calendar right behind the check-out counter.  

Nicely arranged front table display.  

Just inside the front door and to the right you'll see a display that features many books by Florida authors.

Travel guides are always big in Florida bookstores.  

Almost all indies advocate for social causes.  

Original owner and store.  

Locally crafted jewelry.  

A portion of the fiction wall.  

If you see socks in a bookstore that you like, get them.  You'll rarely see them elsewhere.  

Very attractive stationery and greeting card section.  

The Scrabble letters tell you your genre.  

A few of the items of local and regional interest.  

A portion of the children's area.  

You can find creative decor and art in many indies.  

Another partial view of the children's section.  

This was my tip-off.  Before I saw Brady, I spotted this.  As you can see, Brady is well-fed.  

Overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

The store needs your help solving this jigsaw puzzle.  Come in and give it a try.  

Many indies offer fantastic art work produced by local talent, just like this.  

A very local postcard.  

With Rebecca on the left and Kyle on the right, two of the fine folks you'll meet at MacIntosh Books & Paper.  Thanks for a great visit.