Key West Island Bookstore

Category:	Book Store
Address:	513 Fleming St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Phone:	+1 305-294-2904
Site:	kwislandbooks.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 12–6PM

Location

Photos 33

Reviews 19

bike green

A peaceful place to discuss books at leisure with friends and the owner! Collection is an exciting mix of bestsellers, classics, antique books and more. Some books are not as cheap as you might find online. If price is your sole concern, youd be well served by attending a local library where you can borrow books for free. I still do this as a supplement to my bookstore browsing/shopping. It seems some negative reviews are quite subjective, merely discussing dollars and cents. Local bookstores foster independent thought and scholarly discussion; a chance to understand those who are not like us. Nowadays its too often that local bookstores fold in the presence of the "online" megastores. But those megastores, do they come to our town, support local authors? Create safe spaces for ideas? Food for thought for readers out there...

Sandy Roth

Ive been shopping at this bookstore for many years, and the ownership recently changed. I went in a couple of weeks ago to buy Book 1 of a series, and Books 2 and 3 were on the shelf, all new. I went in today to buy Book 2. It was the only copy left, and was very clearly battered and used. I asked the owner about the price, and she said it was a new book. I told her the book clearly looked used. She said no, we just got that book in this week, and in the humidity the covers curl like that - it is a new book. So, she lied right to my face. Plus, she offers very little for your used books - far less than the previous owner. Time for me to find another bookstore.

Christina Oxenberg

This book store has been a part of Key West history for decades. Authentic bookstore atmosphere. Excellent rich and varied selection. Everything from hot off the press New York Times best sellers to local authors and the always exciting bin of used books. The owner knows her stuff, shes a reader and a lovely lady. If you dont know what you want to read she will help you figure it out, and if you do know what you want to read she knows exactly where its sitting on a shelf. There are also a wealth of excellent gift items to bring home after your trip to beautiful Key West.

Kayleigh Walters

Nothing is organized, and many of the books that there are seem to be of the variety that no one else wants (i.e. romance novels and non-fiction books from the 80s and 90s). They did have a few interesting books, but they werent any cheaper than they would be new, when I could actually support the author. There were also several used books which were less than ten years old and yet cost far more there than the original sell price on the back. I am a book lover, and have lost hours in many a used bookstore, but this was a disappointment.

Jack Cole

Atmosphere, selection, range. Feel comfortable and the manager is most knowledgeable and perceptive when making suggestions. Seems to read your mind. Never feel so well served, especially when I walked in to spend ten and leave grateful to have spent $50-100. I may be a book a holiday (admittedly), but this place helps me feed my spirit and soul. In all other bookstores, Im on my own with that. This place and its staff are special. Talk to them.

A Private User

I could spend the day in this creaky old bookstore with tons of books on Key West, books by Key West authors, and every other new and used book I can imagine. This is a special treat for readers of any age and genre. I will be back!

titus2120

Soooo much fun! Old books of every genre and every decade ! I got lost in there my last few trips! Now Im planning for an afternoon! A great bookstore!! Indeed a treasure.

James Ullmer

An excellent bookstore with a very knowledgeable and friendly proprieter. I highly recommend, especially for books on Key West and its history!

James Wisler

Under construction when I was there around Christmas, but an amazing collection of Key West, Keys, books. + a lot more. Recommend.

Bobby Grinstead

Awesome owner who loves books more than the people that come in to buy them. If you have never experienced this, its invaluable

David MG

Super progressive bookstore! I bought some fascinating feminist studies nonfiction, and some Ayn Rand for sh*ts & giggles.

Patricia Collins

I went shopping for1 book and left with 6. I received some of the BEST customer service ever. Cant wait to go back

Moosycat

The lady who owns the place was very friendly cares deeply about the local community and is very helpful.