Jul 20, 2023

If you’re an avid reader, finding the best bookstores near Jacksonville, FL can ensure a steady supply of books to read and increase your appreciation of the various literary works available in-store. Luckily, you have many good locations to choose from, whether you love poetry, romance, mystery, fantasy, science-fiction, or other genres of literature.

3 Great Bookstores You Can Drive to Near Jacksonville, FL

1. Chamblin’s Uptown

Centrally located in downtown Jacksonville at 215 North Laura St., Chamblin’s Uptown is a two-story independent bookstore with roughly 800,000 books available in-store. This retail location doubles as a cafe serving breakfast and lunch all day. Local coffee from Sweetwater Coffee and delicious baked goods from Old Cup Bakery are some popular menu items served.

Not only is Chamblin’s Uptown a bookseller-slash-cafe but a great book-buying and trading outlet, too. If you’re not looking to buy a book or grab a morning cup of coffee, you can sell your used books for a profit or trade in your old collection for a new one. This store opens daily, unlike its sister Roosevelt location, which closes on Sundays.

2. Femme Fire Books

If you’re a big fan of female authors, then Femme Fire Books, located at 2766 Park St. STE 1, has a carefully curated collection of books you need to read. From gripping works of fiction to works inspired by real-life stories and events, this bookstore is quite possibly one of Jacksonville’s greatest celebrations of female books and literature.

There’s something for everyone; whether you’re looking for a sci-fi novel, a food-themed travel book, or want funny books to read to your kids. A once purely online store, this brick-and-mortar store is now open from Wednesday through Sunday. Drive to this location in your comfortable Mazda CX-9 to see the great collection of female-authored books on their shelves.

3. San Marco Books

Located at 1971 San Marco Blvd, San Marco Books is a family-run bookstore that opens Monday through Saturday. It offers a large selection of Jacksonville and Florida history books, children’s books, teens’ books, and more. To encourage a reading culture in the local community, this location runs book clubs and sells literary gifts for people of all ages. The bookstore also partners with local schools to provide learners with convenient access to summer reading resources.

Knowing convenient locations for finding your favorite books can help increase your love for reading. But you don’t want your car to break down when you’re driving down to a bookstore close to you. Schedule a service at Tom Bush Mazda of Jacksonville to keep the vehicle in good working condition and ensure a problem-free visit to your desired book-selling, buying, or trading destination.