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Gulf & Main Magazine

11 Bookstores and Libraries in Southwest Florida to Help You Accomplish Your Book-Reading Goal This Year

Jan 29, 2022 12:09PM ● By Jessica Wagner

Photo Courtesy of Gene's Book's Website

If you set a goal for the New Year of reading more books, you're in luck! These 11 bookstores and libraries in Southwest Florida will help you accomplish your reading goal, no matter your budget!



MacIntosh Books + Paper

MacIntosh Books + Paper, located on Periwinkle Way in Sanibel, has been serving the Island since 1960. They carry all genres of books for all ages, as well as puzzles, games, stationery, greeting cards, and gifts. Not sure what to read next? Their friendly and helpful staff is loaded with recommendations for you, based on your preferences and past reads. Not only does MacIntosh Books + Paper carry best-sellers, but they also carry books from local authors, such as Randy Wayne White, Jennifer Schiff, Betty Anholt, and more.

MacIntosh Books + Paper has an events page on their website, where you can stay up-to-date on all of the opportunities to connect with authors. Plus, they offer signed copies of books from local authors and the chance to pre-order new books, as well.

For more information on all they have to offer, visit their website today!


Sanibel Public Library

Sanibel Public Library, located on Dunlop Road, is a great place to check out books you’ve been wanting to read without the need to purchase. The library offers all genres of books and gives you the capability to see if the book you’re wanting to read is currently available. If its not available, you have the option to place a hold on the book so that when one does become available, you can grab it. Sanibel Public Library has been recognized as one of the nation’s top libraries, being named a 5-star library by Library Journal. It ranks near the top for service and use across Florida’s public libraries.

Sanibel Public Library offers a variety of events, ranging from author’s visits to technology classes to performances, such as musical guests. They also offer free online tutoring for kids through the use of your library card. Whether you’re looking for a book, a class, or homework help for your kids, Sanibel Public Library has it all!

To obtain your own library card or check out their upcoming events, visit their website today!


Gene’s Books

Gene’s Books, located on Periwinkle Way in Sanibel, is a one-of-a-kind bookstore, featuring multiple buildings that house different genres of books. The Mystery Cottage houses an extensive collection of mystery novels, including whodunits, thrillers, and more. The Mystery Cottage is their original storefront, dating back to 2013. Their mystery books feature authors and topics from around the world and they not only have the most popular novels, but they also offer mysteries with a local touch - authors from right here in Florida. Once you wander through their Mystery Cottage, you’ll enter into their American Fiction & Literature Cottage. This cottage features all types of literature by American authors, including romance, biographies, historical fiction, and more. With an extensive list of literature to choose from, Gene’s Books had to relocate their World Fiction & Literature section into their third building. This cottage houses all of their fiction and nonfiction books featuring authors from around the world, including biographies from Portugal, classic British fiction, and more.

Although the previous three cottages are at their original location, Gene’s Books has a new location just a short walk away. Gene’s Too houses an extensive collection of history books, young adult fiction, children’s fiction, graphic novels, poetry, and more. Gene’s Too also has a cottage behind it that is dedicated to science fiction and fantasy books. Although this might make your head spin, Gene’s Books and Gene’s Too boasts about their incredibly friendly and helpful staff waiting to answer any questions you may have. Whatever book you’re looking for, Gene’s is sure to have it!

For more information, check out their website today!


Bonita Springs Public Library

Bonita Springs Public Library, located on Reynolds Street, is part of the Lee County Library System. The library is open Monday through Saturday, with contactless holds pickup each day, too. This branch has their own calendar of events for those looking for storytime for kids, online classes, or lecture events. Public computers are available to those in need of technology, whether you’re a cardholder or just a visitor. There are also meeting rooms available that hold anywhere from 10 to 109 people. Plus, you can print from anywhere and pick it up at the library at your convenience.

To see all of the Public Library branch locations and hours, check out their website today!


South County Regional Library

South County Regional Library is another branch of the Lee County Library System, located on Three Oaks Parkway in Estero. This branch is open Monday through Saturday and also offers contactless holds pick up, as well. South County Regional Library’s calendar of events page gives you the dates and times of your favorite events or new ones that you’d like to check out. As with the other libraries in the Lee County System, if you need to use a computer but don’t have a library card, there’s no issues and you still have access to them. Whether you’re looking for a book for yourself or your kids, need access to technology, or want to check out something fun to do, South County Regional Library has plenty to offer!

To see all of the Public Library branch locations and hours, check out their website today!


Donna’s Book Stop Paperback Exchange

Donna’s Book Stop Paperback Exchange is located on SE 47th Ter in Cape Coral. It offers a great selection of paperback books at a discounted rate. If you’re in the market for paperbacks, but don’t have a lot of extra money to spend, Donna’s Book Stop is the place for you. They have a great variety of books, including vintage novels, horror stories and more. The friendly and helpful staff is there to help you find what you’re looking for, in addition to helping you with the trading/credit program that they offer. Before you go, be sure to bring a check or cash, as these are the only payment options available.

For Donna’s Book Stop Paperback Exchange’s address and hours, check out their Facebook page.


Cape Coral Lee County Public Library

Cape Coral Lee County Public Library is located on SW 39th Ter and is part of the Lee County Public Library System. Whether you’re looking for a book, in need of technology, want to take a class, or need a printer, this library offers it all. Their calendar of events page will keep you up-to-date on all of their events and classes for all ages. This library has two meeting rooms with a capacity of holding up to 191 people, so whether you’re in need of a space large or small, this library can hold you!

To see all of the Public Library branch locations and hours, check out their website today!


The Book Rack

The Book Rack is an independently owned bookstore in The Book Rack chain of bookstores. It is located on Park Meadows Dr in Fort Myers and offers a variety of books at all price ranges. It often holds sales and discounts, depending upon the time of year. The Book Rack offers an exchange program, where you can bring your gently used books in for store credit. They boast a friendly staff willing to help you find whatever you may be looking for, with glowing reviews about the staff’s kindness and knowledge of books. With a large selection available, you’re sure to find what you need at The Book Rack.

Check out their Facebook page for more information and to keep up-to-date on Book Rack’s happenings!


Books-A-Million

Books-A-Million, located on Cleveland Ave in Fort Myers, is one of the largest book retailing chains in the Southeast United States. Books-A-Million began in 1927 as a street corner newsstand in Alabama and has grown to over 260 stores throughout 32 states. Offering a wide variety of goods, including books, magazines, collectible supplies, toys, technology, and gifts, Books-A-Million is sure to have what you’re looking for. Each store also houses special category shops, such as their “Faithpoint” shop, and some stores feature the Joe Muggs Cafe, giving you the ability to shop while having your favorite coffee, espresso, or tea! You can also order books online and get them shipped directly to your door or pick up in a Books-A-Million store. They also offer bargain deals, as well as sales throughout the year, so you can grab your needed items at a discounted price.

To order online or see all store locations, visit their website today!


Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble, located on South Tamiami Trail, is another large retailer of books and other goods throughout the nation. Whether you’re looking for a specific title or genre of book, eBooks, magazines, toys, games, or DVDs, Barnes & Noble offers a huge selection of each category. Stop in to pick up your online order or browse their many books in the store for yourself, while also grabbing a coffee or other beverage of your choice while you shop. If you order online, Barnes & Noble members get Unlimited Free Member Express Shipping in 3 days or less on eligible orders, so it may be worth it to obtain a membership if you’re an online shopper. Coupons and deals are also listed right on their website, so you know you’re getting the best deal available, as well.

For all Barnes & Noble locations and hours, plus to order online, visit their website today!


Annette’s Book Nook

Annette’s Book Nook is located on Estero Blvd in Fort Myers Beach, and offers both new and used books, as well as unique gifts for all ages. They offer a book exchange program, where you can bring your gently used paperbacks in for store credit, too. Annette’s Book Nook will often hold book signing events, where you can meet the author and get a copy of your favorite book signed in person. Whether you’re looking for nonfiction, classic literature, or a good thriller, Annette’s Book Nook has a wide selection to choose from. Plus, their friendly and helpful staff are there right when you need them. Open 7 days a week, Annette’s Book Nook is ready to help you with all of your book-finding needs.

Check out their Facebook page to stay up-to-date on all of Annette’s Book Nook happenings!