Book Bank - Largo, FL

Book Bank, Largo, FL

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If I lived in Largo, FL or anywhere within 30 minutes, I'd make this place one of my weekly errands.  Heck, I'd come in here that often even if I didn't buy a book just to visit with Amy S., one of the friendliest bookstore owners you'll find anywhere.  Readers, how many times do I have to tell you that bookstore people are simply the best?  This is a bright, comfy bookstore with a wonderful owner yet some in Largo are unaware or don't understand the importance of shopping local.  I'm here to tell Largo that it's time to step up and appreciate a bookstore that many other communities would love to have.

Book Bank and Amy have been in business for 20 years.  The one-level store offers new releases and used books in a very well-organized and well-lit space.  Customers who bring books in are able to receive store credit in return.  Book Bank offers a few sidelines including greeting cards, touristy postcards, and some very cute glasses holders to name just a few.  Thankfully, the store has a good core of local customers in addition to tourists who visit the store, especially during the winter months.  And as if you need further incentive to visit a bookstore, it's located right next door to a donut shop.  Come for the donuts, stay for the books.  Good grief Largo, what more could you ask for?!

While I've observed many bookstores around the country enjoying a resurgence and showing positive business growth the same cannot be said for Book Bank.  The good news is that they've survived many years and are still here.  But sadly, many in Largo have taken this terrific store for granted.  Citizens of Largo, spring breakers (come on, you people need beach reads!), snowbirds, and tourists.  Get yourselves into this bookstore and bring your friends.  Bookstores are part of our culture and our heritage.  Amy and her staff take pride in offering an experience in a space that simply cannot be found online.  Don't talk to me about cheaper books online, the prices in this store are great.  Discover what I did, a friendly owner with a great bookstore.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Elizabeth Is Missing, Emma Healey.  Story of Maud in the present who is in her 80s and descending into severe dementia, obsessed with finding her friend Elizabeth.  And story of Maud in her teens after WWII and her family's agony about Maud's sister who has gone missing and her disappearance is never solved.  Or is it?  This book is very readable but all in all I found it very sad due to Maud's dementia.    

CURRENTLY READING:  Stephen Florida, Gabe Habash.    

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Not purchased but gifted, The Woman In Cabin 10, Ruth Ware.  Thanks Amy.  

A storefront with lots of window space.  

You can start your browsing before you even walk into the store.  

View looking straight into the store from the front entrance. 

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

Unique eye-glass holders for your readers.  

Just a few of the books of local interest and by local authors.  

You'll need a birthday card for that book gift you bought.  

In addition to used books, you'll find new recent releases.  

Looking into the children's aisle.  

Display of New York Times top ten.  

Anybody's budget can find something here.  

One of the long book aisles in the store.  

Roll the dice, take a chance, you might find that book you didn't know you needed.  I love these promotions.  

This sign is applicable to every single independent bookstore I visit.  

Check out this room in the back of the store, loaded with books to meet your budget. 

A great place to sit and sample a book.

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

With Amy, the fine owner at Book Bank.  Thanks for a great visit.