Books & Books — Local services in Miami

Mitchell Kaplan founded Books & Books in 1982 in a 500 sq ft space in Coral Gables when he realized that he loved books more than going to law school. Somehow this independent book seller has managed to stay in business in a time when most books are bought online. One of the ways they have stayed relevant is by hosting over 60 author events every month. You can check their website for the online calendar listing all of the events.

Books & Books also sponsors one of my favorite events every November, the Miami Book Fair, where 300 hundred authors converge on the Wolfson Campus of Miami Dade College for a week of one of a kind literary events. The fair was started in 1984 by Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus President, Eduardo J. Padrón and Mitchell Kaplan in partnership with the Miami library system. Many famous people, artists, athletes, politicians, and celebrities have come to Miami to speak about their books at the fair. It is now the largest literary festival in the country.

I was wandering Coconut Grove when I spotted this branch of the Book & Books store. Books & Books has now expanded to seven locations including this one in Coconut Grove that opened in 2019. Unlike ordering online, here you can grab some wine or coffee and light bites from the small cafe while you peruse the books. There is something magical about visiting a bookstore and getting that personal touch like talking to a friendly staff member and asking for a recommendation. It is so great that there is still a place where you can be around other bibliophiles. Bookstores just make me happy. Please consider supporting this wonderful local business that brings so much to...

There are a number of Books and Books branches throughout Southeastern Florida. All independently owned and staffed by people who are passionate about books. I’ve visited a couple with nary an intention to buy. However, I always end up buying a good book or two. Usually something of local interest.

This is a nice small branch. It’s located in the thick of things in Coconut Grove surrounded by restaurants, bars, and cafes. My only complain would be that the parking situation is horrid. I paid $12 for about 4 hours of parking in the neighborhood —...

Our visit to The Grove was made by the staff. Manager Elizabeth was so kind and accommodating. I had an infant with me and needed to place to rest and for him to eat, and Elizabeth went out of her way for us to feel comfortable and to have a place to rest. Sidney made us an amazing latte and made us feel so comfortable while we were eating. Once we got upstairs, Emma helped us find books for our baby, going through the shelves, making sure we didn't bend down and getting the books we wanted for us. I had an amazing...