Books!

Question

Where can I get a book to read on the island? I don’t see a dedicated bookstore.

Answer

Anna Maria Island is a relatively small island, and while it doesn’t have a large dedicated bookstore, there are a few places where you can pick up a book to enjoy during your stay.

Options include:

Island Coffee Haus & Cafe – Besides coffee and breakfast, this cafe occasionally stocks a selection of books and local guides. It’s a cozy spot where you can browse while enjoying a drink.
Bay Books in nearby Holmes Beach – This is the closest dedicated bookstore to the island. They offer a range of fiction, non-fiction, and beach reads. It’s a small, charming store worth a visit.
Local gift shops – Many boutique shops along Gulf Drive, Pine Avenue, and Bridge Street carry a few popular novels and local interest books. Not a full selection, but enough for a light beach read.

If you don’t mind digital options, bringing an e-reader or downloading books from Amazon Kindle or other apps can also be convenient. Additionally, some vacation rentals may provide a small collection of books left by previous guests.

For a quick beach read, even convenience stores or small grocery shops like Publix sometimes have a “beach reads” rack with popular paperbacks.