Tampa Bookstores

I recently spent a weekend in Tampa, Florida, and like I do for any new destination, I looked up some local bookstores while I was in the area. Because my stay was short, I only managed to visit two of Tampa’s bookstores: the Old Tampa Book Company and the Oxford Exchange.

Photo of the Old Tampa Book Company from the website oldtampabookcompany.com.

The Old Tampa Book Company is located in downtown Tampa at 507 North Tampa Street. The store was only a few blocks from my hotel, which made it easily accessible by foot. I must have visited them on an “off” day because the employees were busy re-shelving the front entrance of the store. The store space is small, and the books being re-homed were numerous, so I had a hard time navigating the aisles. Plus, some boxes were blocking access to the books I wanted to view. That being said, the store does boast an extensive selection of used books. I also got one of the staff members to open a locked cabinet so I could look at their rarer books. Although she was busy, the employee was quick to help me, so I certainly give the store an “A” in the hospitality area. One rare book that caught my eye was an illustrated and autographed copy of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Other really nice books were available, but alas, my time and wallet were limited.

Inside the Oxford Exchange. Photo from interiorsbystudiom.com.

The other bookstore I visited was the Oxford Exchange, which is located at 420 West Kennedy Boulevard. It is strategically situated in the heart of the University of Tampa’s campus. Like the Old Tampa Book Company, the Oxford Exchange was within walking distance of my hotel. Unlike Old Tampa Book Company, the Oxford Exchange is spacious and airy, but what it makes up for in ambiance, it lacks in selection of books. The first floor has two rooms with books for purchase, but their titles are very few in number. In fact, they probably have more options on their tea menu than on the book list. If you are looking for a nice place to have a tasty “cuppa,” then the Oxford Exchange is a good choice; otherwise, I do not recommend the store.

Because my stay in Tampa was short, so was my opportunity to explore. So, if I missed one or two of your favorites, please send me some recommendations! That way I can add them to my list of places to visit during my next trip.