Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West
Book store · Key West ·
Celebrated bookshop offering diverse titles, author events & cafe
Information
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities
"Children's book author Judy Blume and her husband, George, were among the cofounders of Books & Books,a nonprofit independent bookstore that shares space withthe Studios of Key West.Theart decobuilding that houses the arts organization once served as the Masonic Temple. Key West has a strong literary history: Authors like Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, James Merrill, John Hersey, Robert Stone, Annie Dillard, and Ann Beattieall left their marks onthe city. The store is an inviting placeto linger and browse, with colorful rugs, round bar-level tables, and, of course, stacks ofbooks for sale. There are also occasional author events held."
The Best Shopping in Key West
Photo courtesy of Books & Books
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities
"Children's book author Judy Blume and her husband, George, were among the cofounders of Books & Books,a nonprofit independent bookstore that shares space withthe Studios of Key West.Theart decobuilding that houses the arts organization once served as the Masonic Temple. Key West has a strong literary history: Authors like Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, James Merrill, John Hersey, Robert Stone, Annie Dillard, and Ann Beattieall left their marks onthe city. The store is an inviting placeto linger and browse, with colorful rugs, round bar-level tables, and, of course, stacks ofbooks for sale. There are also occasional author events held."
The Best Things to Do in Key West
Photo courtesy of Books & Books
Beachygirl J.
Google
Wonderful bookstore in the heart of Key West. Staff are kind & helpful. My husband ordered a book they didn't currently have in stock. If you enjoy a good bookstore, put Books & Books on your list to visit. Judy Blume is co-founder and lives locally. Judy will sign your beloved childhood copies of her books if you bring them in. If she's not there, they'll mail your books back after she's signed them. Of course I had to get a tshirt! Will definitely return on our next trip.
Lynee B.
Google
Absolute favorite book store! Bonus if Judy Blume is working and makes a recommendation. It's truly amazing how many authors come to the store and do readings, interviews, book signings. Wish I could read faster, then I could visit more often...
l r
Google
Great store with a variety of books available & adjacent to a fun art gallery. It's not uncommon to witness a famous author, such as Judy Blume, on site. I was able to purchase a signed copy of her new release.
It was especially fun to see her because I had read one of her famous books as a child in grade school over 50 years ago that helped me emotionally during awkward adolescence.
Dawn S.
Google
What an amazing experience! My only “must do” on my itinerary this trip was to visit Books and Books. I was treated to a personal shopper, the amazing Judy Blume, who kindly sold me 4 signed copies of her books! I can’t wait to visit again! And she LOVED my hat-I knew she would ha!
JC C.
Google
A very helpful and thorough little book shop. Lots of local interest titles and authors, a bunch of guides and cookbooks that also reflect the community.
A wonderful lady on staff behind the counter (owner? Enthusiastic employee?) Who pointed me to exactly what I was looking for.
Miguel C.
Google
Great store to stop in and not just look but support! Ms. Blume is a delight if you are fortunate to get to be greeted by her!! Such a huge fan having had 5 daughters.
Allie D
Google
Love how this store is organized. The books on display were of such different interests. And the employees are top notch! My cousin and I were touched when an employee gave her a hug after realizing the books had moved my cousin to tears. That show of humanity and human decency from a store employee to a stranger made my entire trip. This bookstore is phenomenal and you need to experience it.
Lisa T.
Google
Very helpful clerk. Asked for a signed book and he offered several options. The best part? It smelled like books. 😊 IYKYK.
George B.
Yelp
Nice service , great selection of books and a great price. It was awesome to go and actually get some
Books in my hand. I felt welcome when I came in and got what I needed!
Love Where You Live Atlanta-Dawn R.
Yelp
Visiting this bookstore was at the top of my list for my Key West girls weekend and it was everything I could've hoped for, to include the added bonus of meeting the amazingly lovely Judy Blume! What a treat to purchase signed copies of some of my favorite books I grew up with and can now share the joy of reading with my daughter. A national treasure!
The curated book selections were fantastic and they even offered to order one they sold out of. I'll be back!
Daren R.
Yelp
Small eclectic book store with a plethora of new books. The manager was attentive upon my entering the store. The bookstore is located at the corner of Eaton Street and Simonton.
This bookstore had a nice array of genres and a younger readers section. I laughed at the Banned books table.
Heather M.
Yelp
This is one of those perfect little gems of a bookstore that you can easily lose yourself in for hours. It's not large but packs a whole lot of goodness inside it. Not only did I find awesome books to take home, but a fun mini puzzle too! Lots of unique items and plenty to be entertained by even if you don't make a purchase. Great service and great prices. Highly recommend!
Danielle B.
Yelp
What a great bookstore! I loved the curated tables: banned books, Pride month, cats and dogs, etc. For a small store, they had a big variety of books, especially ones on local interest, such as local historical authors and the Keys. I was also happy to see the staff recommendations, which included books I had not seen before. Even though I have heard Judy Blume isn't there on weekends, there are plenty of her book recommendations around the store.
I ended up buying my first manga (I couldn't resist the collection of cat manga) and "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow," which I have heard good things about. My friends bought a gorgeous Smithsonian coffee table book on maps.
As they are part of the amazing Books & Books local South Florida chain, they may be able to order books for you. I prefer to go into the bookstore and see which books speak to me on that particular visit, and this is a great store for that!
S B.
Yelp
Book stores are INCREDIBLE! B&B has a great assortment of books. Love this one! My favorite part of this store is the art pens. I buy lots and give them to all the servers I encounter in Key West. THEY love them too! Always support local!!
Dan V.
Yelp
We heard that Judy Blume owned this store and based on reading so many of her books in our childhoods, we had to stop. It's a quaint shop with a decent selection. Any avid reader can enjoy the variety. They have a nice art room too. And we picked up a signed copy of Dear God, It's Me Margaret (it seemed all the Judy Blume books on the shelf were pre-signed).
Sheryl S.
Yelp
I think I can officially say I've been to all Books & Books stores in Florida! As usual, B&B is a dream and I spent way too much time here (really, in one section) before they had to close. Terrific selection of books, including staff picks and reviews. I also loved the little art supply section they had in the back.
This is a must for any book or art lover visiting Key West.
Bethany L.
Yelp
I adore the different Miami locations of Books & Books, so was extremely excited to stop by this location while on a trip to Key West.
It is a smaller location, with a more limited selection - but still had a little bit of everything.
The staff were nice - and if you're lucky, you may see co-owner Judy Blume like I did!
Gail D.
Yelp
This is a lovely bookstore with an amazing selection. I found things were very fairly priced, and there was an art gallery next door. I was looking for a few out of print books and their service was so good they were willing to order them for me not assuming I was vacationing. The store is tight in the middle of everything so easy.
Jeanne H.
Yelp
Cute bookstore in Key West. I found all my favorite Fudge books by Judy Blume, and purchased them for my grandchildren. I loved the Summer read recommendation by Ms. Blume, too! So glad I stopped in!
Michelle F.
Yelp
I stopped in hoping to catch a glimpse of one of my favorite childhood authors, but I was not so lucky that day as Judy Blume was not there. I was told she would be back in a week or so, but she is not really accessible to her fans. If you buy one of her books to be autographed, it must be left behind and picked up at a later date. She will not sign her books that were previously purchased, not even one from your childhood with dog-eared pages, and well worn covers.
The shop itself is very nice. There is a good variety of children's books and activity books. The shop carries a pretty good selection of those popular "banned books" as well as popular authors from past and present.
There is a small back room that has nice arts and crafts supplies, and there is a small art gallery that is attached through a short hallway.
The shop is closely located to Duval Street and the cruiseport. I will stop in again, hoping to see Ms. Blume and say hello.
Kaleigh H.
Yelp
One of the prettiest bookstores I've been in by far. I had such a great time being in here and the staff were really sweet. If you're a reader, add it to your list to visit.
Megan K.
Yelp
If you have your mask, put it on before entering if the staff are also donning one. Otherwise, there are disposable masks upon entry to the left of the doorway on the table.
Reasonable prices for new books. Lots of signed first editions. I appreciated the thought that went into the featured sections and books in the windows.
PS- Yes, Judy and her husband and daughter and the staff from the documentary were there. But don't be weirder than Key West already is! Play it cool and be a nice human!
Krista J.
Yelp
Book & Books is a lovely small and well-curated bookstore in Key West, co-owned by local resident, Judy Blume. My friends and I had a great time looking through the book selections, especially the recommendations and best sellers. We found some gift books, some new fiction and non-fiction, and also really loved the Key West and Florida section.
Andy V.
Yelp
Books & Books Key West is a place I typically stop by when I'm in the area whether I need a book or not.
The location itself is rather small but while the real estate is tiny, it packs a big punch.
I feel like the books they've got inside are great and often-times books I don't always see in my normal bookstore, which is exactly why I stop by.
They have your general, "Fiction", "non-fiction" sections as well and are more than happy to help you find that book you're looking for. And if they don't have what you need, they can find you a substitute for you to read while you're relaxing on vacation.
They've got a vast selection of books on local history too if you're into learning more about where you're staying as well.
Andrea L.
Yelp
Such a cool bookstore. Small but well curated and expertly designed displays. Friendly and helpful staff. I wanted to buy everything.
Lindsay M.
Yelp
This bookstore has a little bit for everyone in a small space. I read the two books I brought of vacation so quickly, I needed another book for my last two days and flight home. There were tons of books and lots of recommendations throughout the store. I found a book I have been wanting to read, but couple of books they did not have. I also heard someone ask about a very very popular author and the did not have any of her books. I was happy I found a book I had wanted to read and was able to read the rest of my trip.
Patrice N.
Yelp
Wonderful and fun, signed books by Judy Bloom. Great ambience, great selection. Friendly staff.
Daniel E.
Yelp
Absolutely hate this bookstore. Have taken my kids here several times and Judy always gives them nasty looks. Zero customer service. Go anywhere but here. Try the library.
Traci C.
Yelp
Great selection for a small bookstore. I had an amazing experience. Got to meet Judy Blume!
Karoline P.
Yelp
Books & Books is a great little shop off the beaten path of Duval Street. There was a great selection and I loved all the recommendations from the staff. The Key West section in the back was a nice touch!
Debbie B.
Yelp
Love this book store! Very helpful staff and tons of books and other apparel and accessory merchandise to choose from. Very well organized and so inviting with a reading nook by the window so you can take your time reading a bit to find the perfect selections. Especially love their banned books section and apparel to go with it! Highly recommend.
L S.
Yelp
I love to browse at bookstores, seeing what topics or ideas are fresh and interesting. This bookstore would appeal to you if you are a liberal atheist. There are literally no moderate or conservative titles, and certainly no Christian topics either.
There are lots of books on diversity, but apparently that only applies to race and gender, not thought.
Here's a challenge to you, books on books. Strengthen your own ideas and opinions by putting out titles that give the opposite view point. Correct ideas and schools of thought will be strengthened when challenged. Be brave, you can do it!!
And please expand your cooking/ foodie section. Everyone loves those topics
Jack G.
Yelp
I was looking forward to this place. I *love* bookstores. What a disappointment. Far too 'woke', with no mainstream titles, nor even local interest items. Indictrinal materials aimed at children? Sure. Biographies of Angela Davis, the US Comminist Party leader? Sure. Nope... stay away.
Brandon M.
Yelp
I purchased a stack of books at this establishment. The young man working the register was kind and helpful. The iconic author that co-owns the store was so rude and condescending to one of her customers, the only one she bothered speaking to, that I will not be returning. I live on Key West and strive to shop local, so this is extremely disappointing.
Carl P.
Yelp
We were visiting Key West on vacation in February and stumbled into this quaint book shop. My 10-year-old son was looking for a new book to read and the store employee was very helpful in finding him a historical fiction novel to match his particular interests. She helped him select "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas." He just finished the book tonight and he said "it was a thrilling story!" and is now one of his favorite books. He asked me to come on Yelp to give a review because he thought she did such a great job with her recommendation.
He would definitely recommend this book store and the book!
Pamela D.
Yelp
Beautiful bookstore with a really good non profit story. However, terrible female staff member that was very short and rude. After we came in and was told by other male staff that Judy was in the store today and would be happy to sign our books when she returned from lunch. At his recommendation we left and returned later to get the books signed. Upon returning the female staff member was very rude and dismissive and basically told us that Judy was leaving and we could get the books and get them signed in July (today is April 14th!!) very rude!! Her tone and attitude was unacceptable. We left 8 books on the counter and left the store. Terrible experience! Judy may want to rethink this staff member for the better of the stores future business :-(
Rita G.
Yelp
Owned by Judy Blume. A must visit. One of my all-time favorites authors, is the owner/operator of this independent book store! Loved and appreciated by her community.
Michelle S.
Yelp
Found out about this bookstore being owned by my favorite childhood author, Judy Blume, and HAD to visit. So happy I did! The book store has a great selection of books and a room with art supplies. Also, Judy Blume and her husband were both working and visited with us and autographed 2 books for me and posed for a photo.
Sarah B.
Yelp
We came for a book discussion with the a book author- delightful! They have a stage set up on their roof and they serve wine with live music while the sun sets- panoramic views of Key West. This is an amazing spot to learn first hand about literature hot off the press. We would come to this often if we lived here- really fun and relaxing.
Susanne V.
Yelp
Friendly staff, which always makes a book store. Nice little variety and neat recommendations. Also, a big art supply collection in the little back room
Lucy W.
Yelp
I felt very safe everyone in the store had a mask on! Got some great books very wide selection. Everyone was nice and would definitely recommend going on vacation.
Lily C.
Yelp
Very cool small owned bookstore. Very nice attentive staff. I would highly recommend.
Annomimus A.
Yelp
Great selection, great prices and friendly people. I fell in love and spent too much! Lol...can't even read all my books before I go back for more
Ami A.
Yelp
This is a delicious local bookstore! The owner is one of my childhood favorite authors! They had lots of employee notes with book recommendations and a bargain bin which had tons of great books. They also have lots of art supplies and gifts for kids or book lovers of all ages. So glad my friend send me here!
Frank W.
Yelp
This was an unexpected stop on our trip. My wife and I are both avid readers so when we heard about this shop we decided to take a peek in. The decor is that of a modern bookstore and nothing more and felt like a quiet reprieve from the rest of Key West's special brand of crazy.
The staff was helpful and polite, I didn't need to ask them many questions, but they also weren't hounding us while we looked around.
I was surprised by the variety of books at the store ranging from Key West focused books, all kinds of fiction/non-fiction for all ages, and even a dedicated and full art/comics/graphic novel section.
We ended up buying two books and heading back out into the sweltering heat. It's not a necessary stop with the plethora of things to do in Key West, but if you want to support a local bookstore while in the area then I highly suggest stopping in.
Afton H.
Yelp
Cute little local store with a variety of books and items to discover. The staff was helpful and we enjoyed exploring their inventory. A must stop if looking for reading material while in Key West.
Aya G.
Yelp
Loved the store! Great book selection but Judy Blume ruined my experience. I was practically crying when I saw her. My daughter and I wanted to take a photo but she gave us the hand. I recommend coming but not visiting Judy Blume.
Rebecca T.
Yelp
We've visited here, and the other bookstore in Key West, two years' running. And several times each visit. Good selection of titles you're reading about in the NYTimes or other media. Mid-grade reading titles well-represented too. Comfy seating. Urban aesthetic. Corner location allows you to watch traffic if you like. Small stock of art supplies: pens, paints, pastels, paper. The clerks are rather cool, as in, not too friendly, but that's okay.
Greg G.
Yelp
Great selection and fun bookshop! They have a wall with staff recommendations and a blurb on the book and why you should by it. A pretty cool feature
Jonathan B.
Yelp
Key West is quite possibly the most pleasantly chill town in America. Love a store that highly recommends a book, even when its out of stock ("The Nix"). Lots of great picks. Wound up buying something else that caught my eye. I heard its in the ground floor of an artist building but didn't explore -- too busy out and about the burg.
Stephen H.
Yelp
Books and books is tiny, limited selections and mostly hard back books. If you are looking for a beach read, paperback, look elsewhere. Ran in here as I finished the book I brought with me, no luck found here. T shirt places are a plenty, but the book stores are limited.