Since the invention of Gutenberg’s printing press in 1440, it’s estimated that there have been at least 129,864,880 books published. I don’t know about you, but for me, that means there are still so many books I have left to discover. And most of those books are now available in more formats than ever before — audiobooks, eBooks, hardback, softback, etc.
Personally, I love the ease of an audiobook because let’s be real: When do we mamas have time to sit down and actually read a book? Many of the books I finish are listened to in my AirPods while I’m checking tasks off my to-do list. And the convenience of an eBook? Incredible! Because why would I want to carry five books that I’m going to pretend to read on vacation when instead, I can just pack one Kindle? Well, the reason why is that nothing beats sitting in a cozy chair, enjoying the aroma of my favorite candle filling the room, and feeling a warm cup of coffee in my hands as the pages of a book flip through my fingers.
So, while I’m clearly not opposed to audiobooks or eBooks, I am a little bit biased about the joy of having a book physically in my hands. The best place to get those physical books is at one of Jacksonville’s local, independent bookstores — and we’re lucky enough to have a variety of those available!
Cafe Resistance
Where: 5007 Soutel Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32208
Cafe Resistance is a Black-owned bookstore and coffee shop that is focused on cultivating community care. Whether you need a new book to read, are specifically looking to increase the diversity that your personal library represents, or engage in active community conversations in a vibrant and safe environment, you can find all of those things here. They showcase Black art and provide space for community organizations to host programs around education, activism, and empowerment. Once you step into Cafe Resistance, you will be inspired to dream, resist, and flourish.
CandleLit Books
Where: 8380 Baymeadows Rd Suite 15, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Romance readers in Jacksonville can now find their happily-ever-after at CandleLit Books, a woman-owned, romance-only bookstore that opened in November 2025. Offering everything from contemporary and romantasy to YA and LGBTQIA+ titles, CandleLit pairs a thoughtfully curated selection with an immersive shopping experience — most notably its signature Blind Date with a Book, which matches a surprise romance novel with a hand-poured candle inspired by a key scene. With cozy gathering spaces, community events, and bookish gifts, CandleLit is more than a bookstore — it’s a love letter to romance readers across Duval County.
Chamblin Bookmine
Where: 4551 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210
If you’ve ever dreamt of getting lost in a world of books, Chamblin Bookmine is your dream come true! This independent bookstore has been around since the 1970s, and they have an enormous inventory of books. Their inventory is representative of any genre you can imagine, and they have any and everything you and your kiddos could ever want to get your hands on. In addition to being able to peruse more books than your mind could imagine, they also have a trade program where you can sell books and media, such as CDs, DVDs, postcards, vinyl records, autographs, etc.
Chamblin’s Uptown
Where: 215 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Everything I wrote about the Chamblin Bookmine applies here as well. Chamblin’s Uptown appears much smaller from the outside, but once you’re inside, it expands into a place of magical staircases and books of delight at every turn. Bonus points that this location has a cafe downstairs where you can grab coffee or bites to sustain you as you trek through their wonderland of books. This is a great spot to visit during Jacksonville’s monthly First Wednesday Downtown Art Walk!
Happy Medium Book Cafe
Where: 2724 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Another Riverside find, Happy Medium Book Cafe is more than a bookstore — it’s a community hub for bookworms, casual readers, and coffee lovers alike. Owned by a retired librarian and teacher, Happy Medium offers new and gently used books for adults and children. They also have a barista cafe where you can refuel your caffeine levels while you refill your library.
Literary Lounge
Where: 1080 Edgewood Ave S, Jacksonville, FL 32205
The Literary Lounge is one of the most aesthetically pleasing stores I’ve ever been to! Nestled in the heart of Murray Hill, this teacher-owned bookstore offers books, snacks, bottomless tea/coffee, gifts, plants, tutoring, book clubs, private events, bingo nights, movie screenings, and more. They are a place where the connection to community can be just as deepened as your love of books can.
The Paper Hare
Where: A mobile book truck, visit @thepaperharebooks for locations
The Paper Hare Book Truck is a cozy mobile bookstore bringing stories, community, and a love of reading to neighborhoods across the Jacksonville and St. Augustine area. We offer a curated selection of fiction, fantasy, romantasy, young adult, thriller/mystery, horror, and romance books, along with bookish gifts, stationery, and reading accessories. From local markets to coffee shop pop-ups, The Paper Hare is a welcoming space for readers to browse, connect, and discover their next favorite read.
San Marco Books and More
Where: 1971 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
In the San Marco Square, the San Marco Bookstore is the perfect place to pop into when you need a new book, a cute greeting card, and/or a gift for someone in your life. This sweet shop has been in existence since the early 1970s, and since its inception, it has been run by three generations of the same family. They’ve renovated their store over the years, but they’ve never lost the soul that they provide to the community. Through partnerships with other art institutes in the city, they’re able to wrap their arms around the Jax community in a wholesome way that has made them the trusted space that they are today.
The BookMark
Where:
The BookMark in Neptune Beach is a full-service bookstore equipped to help you select the perfect book, order a special book, and even offer gift wrapping/shipping services upon request. Around since the 1990s (same here, store, same here) and located in Beaches Town Center, the BookMark supports the love of literature in a variety of ways that extend beyond the exchange of purchasing a book.
More Independent Bookstores Worth Exploring
Reader, while I wish I could tell you that I’ve visited every independent bookstore within our fair corner of our state, alas, I cannot. With a limited amount of time and an unlimited amount of things to do, we must all choose where we spend our time wisely. However, that doesn’t mean these bookstores aren’t phenomenal and worth exploring!
Baker Book Hive
Where: 7132 E Mount Vernon Street, Glen Saint Mary, FL 32040
Book In Hand
Where: 9a Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Midnight Moon Books & Boutique
Where: 111 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Needful Books & Things
Where: 520 W. Twincourt Trail #3, St. Augustine, FL 32095
The Next Chapter Bookshop
Where: 3571 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32205
No Shelf Control
Where: 701 Market Street, Suite 104A St. Augustine, FL
Present Tense Coffee & Books
Where: 2851 Henley Avenue, Suite 103, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Second Read Books
Where: 51D Cordova Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Story & Song Bookstore
Where: 1430 Park Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
The Book Loft
Where: 214 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Comment below with some of your favorite independent bookstores, and happy reading!
