Bright Light Books - Fern Park, FL

Bright Light Books, Fern Park, FL

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Boy readers, do I have some super news for you.  First, you're going to easily find a few things for your bookshelves at this Fern Park indie.  BUT, if for some unbelievable reason you can't, there is another Bright Light Books in Oneida.  AND if you STILL can't find what you want (impossible, you're not trying!), Bright Light Books has a warehouse of books.  See what I mean?  If you're in the central Florida region, your book needs are pretty much covered by this terrific indie and three locations.

Co-owner Scott H., along with wife Amy, began this business by selling books out of his garage (uh oh, look away Indie Bob, look away).  From those humble beginnings an incredible business has grown into two retail stores and a warehouse.  It has also evolved to include DVDs, blu-ray, CDs, music on vinyl, and vintage and collectible editions.  Most of these collectibles are sold online from the store's website, but you can also purchase any of the store's inventory from their website.  The store has a devoted core of regular customers, some who come in daily like Alejandro who I met on the day of my visit.  These customers receive cash or store credit for the books they bring in.  There are also customers who simply donate their books, a wonderful way to eliminate overhead for any used book store.  If you happen to be in the area on a Saturday, stop by the warehouse for its weekly sale of books.  Many of these are sold by the box load for one low price.  The store also offers a few new books, mostly recent releases.  I thought the prices on these were outstanding.  The business has been around for about 10 years and this store has been open for about 7.

I didn't get to meet Scott or Amy on the day of my visit but the store was in great hands with Helen and Devin.  Helen was wonderful to talk to and told me a lot about how things are going (quite well) and the growth of the store.  She did all this while helping a store full of customers on a busy day.

If you live in this area and tell me you can't find a thing to read, I will shake my head.  After I wipe the look of disbelief off my face, I'll point you to Bright Light Books in Fern Park where the terrific people who work there will easily resolve your bookless day.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Mississippi Blood, Greg Iles.  The final book in the Natchez Burning trilogy.  This book tries to resolve a case against the town's beloved doctor since the 60s, accused of murdering his  nurse after she returns to Natchez from Chicago to die at the end of her life.  Racial boundaries continue to blur and old prejudices continue to fester.  For some in the south, the Civil War never ended.  I highly recommend this book as well as the entire trilogy but don't think you can read this one without reading the first two.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Boy Who Saw True, Anonymous with a forward by Cyril Scott.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Stranger In The Woods, Michael Finkel.  The Beatles/1962-1966, two-CD set.

In Florida, you can pretty much shop outside year round.  

And it shows with their inventory.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  Pictured is an excellent inventory of music on CD.  

Attractive display just to the left after entering the store.  

A better picture of just a few of the CDs available.  

To the left of the main entrance, you'll see this long book aisle.  

Lots of music on vinyl and something here for Stevie Wonder fans.  

This area in the front of the store is packed with movies and music.  

A few of the vintage and collectibles available.  Check online for more.  

Partial view of the staff picks display.  

Advice that many take to heart.  

One of the several book nooks.  Most of them will have a chair to make it easier to spend time trying out a book.  

A few of the items of local and regional interest but there are many more than these.  

Another book nook and another nice place to sample a book.  

If comics are your thing, look for this display.  

Another room with more books.  

Overview of the store from back toward the front entrance.  

Find this sign if you're on a budget.  

Or find this one.  

Part of the children's section.  

Partial view of the children's section.  

ALWAYS, always, always, ask about this at any indie.  

Get your Bright Light swag right at the check-out counter.  

A creative book-themed clock.  I've seen very few of these along my journey.  

Yes please!  Bring the kids to Bright Lights for a wonderful customer incentive.  

A collection of leather-bound Jane Austen.  

Ask about a coffee while you browse.  

With Helen, one of the fine booksellers at Bright Light Books.  Thanks for a great visit.