Chain outlets may be convenient but let’s be honest, they have no soul. Where e-readers seek to reduce screen glare, old schoolers have another option for optimum beach reading: actual BOOKS.
The used varieties are the best kind. Why? They impart pleasure reading with a sense of history; old cookbooks’ folded page ends mark winning recipes, weathered covers add personality, and first editions? They might even be worth something. And of course, reading used books is both environmentally and economically friendly.
Got classics? The Book Worm does — Photo courtesy of The Book Worm
With independent booksellers already an alarmingly endangered species, you might be surprised to know that Orlando has quite a few used bookstores. Shops imbued with charm via the tomes themselves, but also by interesting, knowledgeable bibliophiles, comfy old thrift store furniture and, occasionally, even resident animals.
The best used bookstores have couch warmers — Photo courtesy of Maya Books and Music
In Orlando’s “Milk District,” the Book Worm – recently voted the city’s best used bookstore – awaits your patronage with colorful shelves filled with hard covers and paperbacks, DVDs and even collectibles – author autographs and first editions are not uncommon. Also, it’s right next to Beefy King, so you can grab a sammie before or after!
Colonialtown is known as a hip, urban ‘hood. Hunter’s Creek? Decidedly more suburban. But that doesn’t mean big-box bookstores are your only outlet there. Enter Dog-Eared Books, a modest shop whose strip-mall confines belie the treasures within. Author signings and children’s story times are among its regular events.
Looking to add some vinyl to your collection? Maya's got a whole music room adjacent to its book stacks — Photo courtesy of A.D. Thompson
Up in Sanford, Maya Books & Music melds well in its historic-downtown setting on First Street. It's precisely the sort of place you – a music, movie and lit fan – would love to get lost, sinking into soft sofas, cracking a few spines and getting friendly with the store’s mascots (as they make themselves comfortable on your selection).
Why spend $18 on one book when you can get three, four, perhaps even five for the same price?
