Old Florida Book Shop

This bookstore is such a hidden gem. Such a quaint and cozy bookstore. They have a variety of books. So many interesting old and vintage books. A perfect place to visit and spend some time getting lost in finding that perfect book. Enchanting place to visit.

What a lovely tiny bookstore! The smell of old books, the books, the cat and energy of this place is magical! The dichotomy between the outside and location of the bookstore with the inside, interesting. If I could make an observation, a coffee space (even is small one) would be great and it would add more business to the bookstore. Of course I know, books (paper) and coffee (wet) can be tricky because of the occasional spills. Anyhow, the place is a 💎 ❤️

This is a beautiful book shop right out the movies. It even has the sliding ladder. There are so many books to look at. There was very old books behind glass and then your normal books. The books outside are a $1 each. Very small so hard to maneuver. There is a cat! Staff is nice. Prices are a bit high. They didn’t have anything I was interested in, except art book but again, they were pricy. Recommend coming to see how beautiful it is inside.

What a hidden gem! The place is small but full of amazing vintage details and nostalgia. We spent about and hour in the store, wandering around, even the music was perfect. It is great for book lovers, collectionist, and overall curious individuals. Customer service was very nice as well.

During our first visit to Old Florida Book Shop in Dania Beach, my husband and I were enchanted. The store's beautiful, long shelves overflowing with books made me feel calm and serene. The music was lovely and complemented the shop's atmosphere. We were pleased to meet Peter, the gentle cat librarian. I purchased 'Picasso, My Grandfather' by Marina Picasso and 'La Amigdalitis de Tarzan' by Alfredo Bryce Echenique. The owner of the bookstore and his assistant were very nice and friendly to us. Therefore, and I'm delighted to have discovered this unique book lover's haven. We will be back sooner.

What a delight! Who knew one could be transported to a whimsical book haven in an ordinary plaza. I thought they had great selections, a ton of amazing rare books, and the ambiance is a 10/10. It’s a bit cramped and hard to walk through certain areas when there are a few people inside, but it’s really nothing to complain about. The bookshop cat wandering about really took it to the next level!

One of my favorite places so far, it brought back so many memories as when I was a child. Let's keep a place like these in forever history! The fantasy feelings start since the moment you open the door.

Shop cat! If you are allergic, do not go in! Very small shop. LOADED with books! And lithographs! Parking lot is super tiny, and mostly full from the church next door. Staff are knowledgeable and helpful.

Visiting this store has been on my wish list for 10 years. Unfortunately, it was hurricane Milton that brought me to the East coast but I chose Hollywood for it's proximity to the bookstore. There are bookshelves outside the store with charming signs directing you to stick a dollar through the mail slot if you take one. The first title I saw was " This Too Shall Pass," by LaBelle Lance, the wife of one of Jimmy Carter's administration members. I picked it up and felt the smooth slide of synchronicity and reassurance from something divine. The building exterior is dubious which only amplifies the Natnia/Secret Garden experience of walking in the front door. It is enchanting. If you are a book lover it is magical on a magnificent scale. Allow plenty of time to browse and savor and of course, pet the cat. You will be delighted.

What an amazing piece of heaven! And can you believe it is in a non-descript strip mall??? The team there is very knowledgeable and will suggest books for you in the genre you are searching for. The bookshelves are stacked to the ceiling g and you get the feeling you have walked into another world. I have longed to go here since I read about it over two years ago and finally had the chance. It's a place, for book lovers to go again and again and always find something g you did not see the first time.

I had this spot on my list forever now. I kept hearing about the Old Florida Book Shop from many people and I'm happy to have finally been able to visit. I was in the area having lunch with friends and looking for a bookshop and Old Florida Book Shop just happened to be around the corner. When you pull up, the first thing you will notice are the bookcases outside of the store. My first thought was, "Do they actually take those books and bookcases in and out every day? And what happens when it rains?" Once you walk into the store, the only way to describe all the feels is just MAGICAL!!! The place is full of books from floor to ceiling and it has this whole Harry Potter vibe to it. It's a tiny bookstore, but it has a lot of personality. If you walk around, you'll see a lot of knickknacks here and there. There are ladders that go all the way to the top, these are the ladders you mostly see in movies. It was pretty cool. It's just the perfect space and vibe. I was browsing around the art, architecture, cookbooks, and fiction section. I couldn't help but wonder how they organize everything and how they can find certain books. Especially the books all the way at the top, even with the ladders. I found a book that was on my reading list, " The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck". William was helping me and he was so nice and informative. I asked him how the pricing structure worked, and he informed me that the prices are written on the inside of the books. This book was pretty much new and they were selling it for $10. Sold! What a good deal. I had to get it. If you get a chance, swing by and support this local bookstore. I love finding these hidden gems in the heart of South Florida. Great freaking find!

This place is Priceless! This is one of those hidden treasures Broward county hides and little by little reveals to its chosen ones. It works on so many levels. It's the perfect book store. It's the perfect attraction. It's the perfect museum. And it's the perfect place to discover some long lost wisdom at an incredibly affordable price. Since the advent of Amazon and the digital revolution, Independent book stores around the nation have been suffering. That experience of walking around the shelves, exploring and physically touching the volumes you want to read has slowly been lost and delegated to just memories of a bygone era along with record stores, Blockbuster, and many others. So imagine my surprise when I was brought to this magnificent place. The Old Florida Book Shop should be treasured. From the outside it doesn't look impressive at all, but as I witnessed with a group of young ladies who walked in and opened the door before us. The moment you look inside you can't help but lose your breath. It literally takes your breath away. It's the perfect bookstore. It looks as if it was stripped straight out of the hallways of Oxford, or Cambridge University. The wooden shelves stretching endlessly into the heavens, the rolling latter to climb up and get the tomes in the highest levels, the sculpture of the Albatross, a schooner as famous for sinking as Shackleton's Endurance, recently discovered in the depths of Antarctica. It all fits the bill of an old world bookstore, of a place with hundreds of years of history, not just in the pages but in its actual existence. It's exactly what a bookstore is supposed to feel, and look like, for the look, the ambience and the environment all highlight the magnificent pages on display. William is magnificent the operator is also incredibly knowledgeable about his craft. He truly belongs among the books. You can see in the meticulous care he gives each volume, the way he touches every cover, and relocates each piece, that he was meant to do this. I must confess. I lost control. I couldn't help myself, and so that's how 12 books left with me that day! Trust me, if you walk into those doors, and see what the Old Florida Book Shop offers, and you have the experience I experienced, you won't be able to help yourself.

This bookstore is an experience one of the kind. It's definitely a hidden gem. Mr. Williams the owner is great very interesting gentleman. Highly recommend coming here. Great place to come with the family as well.

Very cool hidden gem!! Great selection with reasonable prices. Very vintage feeling decor with tall book shelves with ladders to reach. Outside there are books for a dollar. The cat is friendly and huge!!

This store is phenomenal! My sister actually wants to live there. There are amazing books to please anyone. It is like stepping into history. Of course Peter the cat is a great attraction. He was asleep in a bowl but so beautiful. I will need to return as you I did not even begin to scratch the surface of this gorgeous, gorgeous store

Very cute book shop with Harry Potter vibes. Books that reach the ceiling you need to climb a ladder to get up there. In front of the book shop you can find used books for $1. Good deals! Inside you will in awe , the manager(cute cat) will be walking around greeting guests and cuddling up in cozy spots. Such a. Perfect place to find some good books and chill.

Very cute bookstore with a huge variety of antique books to purchase or sit there and read! The staff is sooo friendly and helpful. It's a little hidden gem. If you are in town you should stop by!

Visited today for the first time was awed at this beautiful book store! Floor to ceiling packed with beautiful classics, first editions, magazines, maps, and trinkets. It's like being transported into Belle's library. From the outside you would never think the book store looks anything like it does on the inside, which is the whole point, never judge a book by its cover. My husband and I bought some classics, and an added bonus is their cat who roams around the shop and lets you pet him. The employees were kind and were an able to find the titles of everything we asked for despite how tightly packed the store was of thousands of volumes you didn't know where to begin. Delightful experience, would highly recommend visiting and supporting.

What a treasure, this book store is a hidden gem, you must visit, it is off Griffin road

What an incredible find! For anyone who is a self-declared bibliophile, this will be your DisneyLand! In an unassuming strip mall, this gorgeous book-cave of wonders unveils its hidden treasures the minute you walk through the door! I could have spent the entire day here, tbh! From just the massive amount and variety of books (old, new, and everything in between), to the aesthetic that makes you feel like you've not only wandered into a different era, but a different place altogether; reminiscent of rustic bookshops you might find abroad or in NYC w/its floor to ceiling shelves housing antique tomes and modern page-turners...there is honestly something here for everyone and anyone from collector to bookworm! The owner was super nice; he will leave you to your perusing, but is readily available for questions or just to share info on any book, relic, or whatever you find to ask about. I left with 3 books and bargain bin find 1836 handpainted/sketched lithograph from a Parisienne magazine for under $30!? The quality, ambiance, and fun finds are just unparalleled here; honestly one of the BEST hidden bookstore gems in the US!

Have been meaning to come here forever now and finally made the trip. It's very small on the inside and the outside is a plain door but surrounded by book shelves on both sides. Very cool! There's a cat. Instant 20/10 stars, very good friendly boy and I pet him and played with him a bit. He chased my hand, then lay on the floor in front of my feet for 3 minutes because he wanted to be pet. This is the reason you should go. He was a bit shy and running around but with patience and quiet, he came over pretty quick. Please watch your kids around him and make sure they're nice to the cat: no tail grabbing! The shelves were stunning and they are so tall. It was very impressive and a stunning sight to see and walk through in person. They have a large selection and the books are categorized into themes rather than by author. I think they were alphabetized by title name rather than author. Unfortunately I cannot comment on the value of the books, since I was so distracted by the awesome cat that I forgot to look at the prices of the books; I didn't buy a book either. Still, worth a trip!

This place was a dream! You walk in and you instantly feel at peace (thank the old book smell). Outside there is a selection of $1 books and you can slip your dollar bill through a slot in the door. Inside is a collection of books ( mostly antique but there are some new books too, but sparse). The staff is kind and willing to help. My favorite part is they actually let you get on the ladder yourself ( most bookstores only staff are allowed). Make sure to say hi to the kitty that runs around!

It's crazy how the smell of books is nostalgic now. Walked in and felt like I was transported back in time. Such a unique and important spot in this day & age. I could spend hours in here browsing their literal floor to ceiling selection while ambient music plays. They have some artifacts & Found books from the 1800s. Amazingggg little book shop in South Fl & the best part is, its FREE unless you choose to purchase a book.

Did I get transported to another world in another time? The floor to ceiling shelves of books are stunning to just walk past! There are so many different genres of books to go through and very organized.

The service was very nice. The selection is varied in genres and the prices are pretty decent. I went to the bookshop to sell some of my books and rather than having them sit at my house, i took whatever was offered. They were reasonable. The shop is much smaller than expected but i would go again when i have more time.

Very unassuming from the outside but the inside is a book lovers dream. Service is great as the book expert is very knowledgeable. Books seem fairly priced for the value and the experience alone is worth checking this book store.

Magical! It felt like walking back into time - the tall shelves and narrow corridor gave it strong Victorian vibes. Other than that, I didn't actually find any books that suited me. It was also challenging to browse since it was very difficult to walk around with other people in the aisle. The shelves are so tall you can't actually see the books at the top. There were stacks of books littering the floor that were unorganized. The books inside were fairly pricey too. The selection outside was affordable but rather uninteresting. Definitely worth checking out but you'll need a lot of time to browse and avoid busy times.

Beautiful. Awesome ornate shelving throughout with some very nice detail work on the middle sections housing the many leather bound collections. Overall, I would say this is a pretty eclectic collection - loaded up on Greek, photography, and art books with a concise, curated literature selection - but more limited in philosophy, religion, occult. Primarily Hardcovers though, with many in the $10 range - but there are 1st editions and more rare books mixed in on the main floor too. It is maybe not the easiest store to shop though due to the 15' tall shelves and rows of books stashed behind the front books. I need to see every book, cause I'm there to spend money on most anything that interests me! I found a few things, but I really searched hard to walk out with 2 books. There is a great collection of leather bound volumes, and I think I saw a rare books room in the back. This store though definitely packs a lot in to such a small space, and the proprietor seems like a delightful book lover totally immersed in his own interesting stacks.

This bookstore is beautiful! Honestly so worth the drive! From the moment you walk in, you are transported. The feeling in there is like no other. You have so many antiques, old books, and maps. I spent my time browsing around and looking at all the books and editions they have. The cutest part was the bookshop has a cat, that welcomes you as soon as you walk in. Honestly I loved this bookstore. Such a cool experience. If you are a book nerd like me, you should visit this bookshop.

Amazing. If they don't have the book you want, they can order it. Beautiful inside. Unexpected surprises.

A little secret hideaway. Probably the most amazing bookstore I have ever been to. Friendly staff, books from floor to ceiling. Literally.

Love this hidden gem! Such an amazing place! There's a cute cat around as well. The owner was very sweet. And the entire place is full of books, literally floor to ceiling! Left with some great finds. Will be visiting again to find more amazing books. This is a book lovers paradise!

very cool classic feeling bookstore ! they even have a cat (every great bookstore has a cat) nice variety of topics, they had some very old and interesting items in their collection. PRO TIP: you have to spend a minimum of $10 to use apple pay so be sure to bring some cash because they have a huge selection of $1 dollar books outside ! the librarians are very nice and helpful as well. one of them helped me get a book I wanted and it made my day. it was such a lovely time. I definitely recommend for any book lovers!

Decided to swing by this place after seeing a cool writeup about them on Facebook and wanted to grab some new reads for my middle school students. I'm a sucker for used bookstores and I was kicking myself for not checking this place out sooner. The pictures really don't do it justice, it's basically like a book-lined cathedral - 20-foot tall shelves, random artwork, paintings, and artifacts, all surrounding you as soon as you open the door. Also neat is that they have $1 books outside of the shop on the honor system. You may grab a book if the shop is closed and slide a $1 bill through the mail slot. I dig it. I barely got to see half of what was offered, even after walking around for a half hour. I was able to find five books for my kiddos and a $5 Signet Classics copy of "It Can't Happen Here" by Sinclair Lewis, which is comparable to what I would normally pay at my favorite online used bookseller. There are unique old books everywhere, leatherbound antiques kept safe in cabinets and secondhand paperbacks stacked along the shelves, just waiting for the next buried treasure to be spotted. I cannot wait to return and investigate the rest of this place!

Beautiful and magical place. You can come and sell your books as well, but preferably antique, vintage books and magazines like fashion, classic literature, medicine etc. Modern books would be taken as a donation though :) I sold 5 books for $20, other ones he wasn't very interested so I just donated them :) Still very happy to donate to such a beautiful place. Worth to come. I'm in love with this place.

Straight out of a novel...like others have said..transported to another place and time.

Amazing collection of books and a South Florida hidden gem! A definite must see for book lovers!

An amazing bookshop a few minutes from Ft Lauderdale airport. We stumbled across this place on the way to the airport. It's in a strip mall and the entrance is deceptive. Looks small from the outside but is a tall and narrow space on the inside. The folks who own this place know their books and were able to recommend some excellent books on Western Philosophy and History. It's has the feel of something from a Harry Potter novel. Definitely go and enjoy yourself. There are very few bookstores like this left in the world.

Such an amazing gem in south Florida !!! Found the most amazing old books about French history and even found an original news paper from 1940s... love it. I hope this book store is protected at all costs, my jaw dropped upon entering ! What a treat

If I had my druthers (seriously, what are "druthers"), the world would look a lot more like the Old Florida Book Shop. And a lot less like the thousand cookie-cutter strip mall shops that surround it for miles in every direction. This is the quintessential used bookstore, and curiosity shop. But it's not pretentious or self-conscious in its presentation. It's real. Books go to the high ceilings. And only when you climb the ladders and start really looking to discover, do you realize that each shelf is three books deep. Finding any particular book isn't really the goal. The goal is: If you love books, and the thrill of discovery, you pick a topic and spend a whole day discovering what the great minds of history have had to say on it. But yeah, if you like swords, or random horns, or a thousand other curiosities, there are plenty of those, too. And if you think there's not an adorable cat, I haven't done a very good job describing the scene here. To me, as special as this place is, and would be wherever it was located, there's an extra layer of ironic joy that it's in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A town in a state that seem to take a certain pride in their vacation based anti-intellectualism. That's a vibe I enjoy as much as the next beachcomber in Maui Jims. But when you need a break, and you just have to get that beautiful copy of Dostoyevsky's The Idiot, I'm so glad this store exists.

A true gem in South Florida for book lovers. A great assortment of books & maps in an old bookstore setting. Take your time exploring. My suggestion is to go on a weekday as it can get pretty crowded in there during weekends. Both staff members I interacted with were very helpful.

A very nice surprise to have a charming local bookshop with some quality new and used books in Broward. Nice selection of books and authors, friendly staff and great prices.

Once upon a time a very bookish girl named Ariel walked into the Old Florida Book Shop and she lived happily ever ever. The end. If I ever win the lottery I am going to recreate this book store in my house. I have been in a lot of bookstores in my life but never one like this. I wish I could have curled up in a chair and stayed all day. It is like a book museum but you can touch and buy anything you want. Outside it looks just like every other store front you would find in the ubiquitous strip malls found throughout Florida. Lining the outside of the store is shelves holding books of the type you might find for free at the little libraries. If the Old Florida Book Shop is not open they ask that you put the $1 each book costs through the slot in the door. Once you open the door you will find magic. As soon as you step inside you are enveloped with the intoxicating scent of old books. The space is tall and narrow with floor to ceiling books. Book prices are written on the inside cover in pencil. They specialize in old and rare books. They also sell prints, maps, and vintage magazines. Upper areas are reached with a rolling ladder. It is the kind of space that would have had Belle from Beauty and the Beast swooning. Nestled among the books are interesting oddities, an antique camera, a portrait of George Washington, a skull. The book shelves themselves are works of art. Owned by William Chrisant, Old Florida Book Shop has a collection of over 30,000 books. Chrisant is President of the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association and is a member of several prestigious organizations including Florida Bibliophile Society, the Antiquarian Booksellers' of America, and the International League of Booksellers. You are able to avail yourself of his over 40 years of expertise and that is something you can't get off of Amazon. This store is a treasure and South Florida is so lucky to have it.

This adorable book store is a fun one to wander through. LoveThatYacht.com and l are avid book readers and lovers and found great books immediately.

What a beautiful find ! I can't say enough about this magical place No idea such a wonderful place existed in Florida! We will definitely be back

Lovely staff here. They didn't have what I needed but they pointed me in the right direction. I really appreciate their customer service and politeness.

This is a beautiful bookshop, the staff were very hospitable. $1 books on display outside, and some amazing antiques inside. I forewarn you that the inside is pretty tight, if you're claustrophobic, but nonetheless a must-see!

This bookshop is a treasure. When you step into the shop hidden in the corner in an unassuming strip mall, you are transported. Part of its charm is its narrow spaces, so you have to negotiate with people in order to explore all the jam packed books and crannies. I have found that the customers are very courteous and kind. Also, amongst the stacks is Peter, the cat, who is unphased by all the awestruck visitors. The shopkeeper is very helpful if you need anything or are looking for something special. We purchased a book of beautiful poems from 1836! We are just so lucky to have such a special place here in Fort Lauderdale.

Beautiful little used bookstore! Could've stayed for hours browsing. Left with 5 books in less than an hour and want them all. Has a great variety of books old and new.

Super cute little book store! Looks like something out of a Harry Potter movie :). They have a cute bookstore cat that hangs around.

A bibliophile's dream. This is a beautiful little bookstore. It is a tight fit but if you love books you have to experience this book shop. It is busy but the book collection is amazing! If you have a chance take a trip. You won't regret it.

Great place for rare and unique book finds! Friendly service. Quaint little shop. Will definitely visit again.

An amazing much needed spot for bookworms in Florida!!! What a delight! The collection is incredible, the environment whimsical. The service and overall welcome by owner memorable. Even the cat is amazing! If you are in Fort Lauderdale gotta visit this rare gem!

The shop is great! Books vary in price drastically. You can get books from $5-several hundred dollars depending on what you are looking for. Got a couple of great kids books, a graphic novel, and a book on Arthurian traditions. (Side note, go to the Irish restaurant down the street after for some excellent food!)

Hidden gem!! It was my first time in this bookshop and I was astonished at the way it was set up! It's a little tight but it made me feel like I entered another dimension as if I was Belle from Beauty and the Beast! It was so cool and they had an awesome section of books and art. Even they had an adorable cat roaming around the bookstore

The coziest of bookshops! Ever feel like you wanted to be in a movie grade bookshop where you could just peruse to a soundtrack of classical music until you found that perfect gem? Here it is. Very knowledgeable staff that take the time to help you find exactly what you are looking for. Can't wait to go back and find more.

This is literally like finding the Hogwarts library in the middle of Fort Lauderdale. You walk in and the store is like browsing along the shelves of Cambridge library. So awesome! And a cat!