Celebrate National Book Lovers Day At These 5 Top Book Stores in Bradenton and Sarasota

Whether you're a regular bookworm or a casual reader, get ready to celebrate National Book Lovers Day on August 9. Thankfully, there are plenty of great bookstores in the Bradenton and Sarasota areas where you can browse for new titles or rediscover old favorites.

Bradenton

1. Books-A-Million
4225 14th St W, Bradenton

Books-A-Million was founded in Alabama in 1917 and has since grown into one of the largest book retailers in the U.S. They carry fiction and nonfiction, bargain books, magazines, kids' books and even some creative toys. Inside the shop, you'll find Joe Muggs, a small cafe serving coffee beverages and snacks for you to enjoy while reading.

2. Campus Books
7027 26th St W, Bradenton

Campus Books is primarily a textbook retailer, but they also carry a lot of informative, nonfiction titles that you may enjoy for daily reading. If you're really looking to learn about a new subject or expand your mind, this is the place to go. They also buy used textbooks; perhaps National Book Lovers Day is a good time to clean out your closet and finally sell those textbooks that have been sitting around.

3. Tytan Comics
306 12th St, West Bradenton

If comic books are your favorite genre, then you must visit Tytan Comics, where you'll find everything from the classics to new releases — from Batman to Ms. Marvel to Warlock — they carry all of your favorites. The owners are rabid comic book fans themselves and can help you find what you're looking for.

Sarasota

4. Barnes & Noble Booksellers
4010 S Tamiami Tr, Sarasota

Barnes & Noble is an expansive bookstore where you can find the latest new releases along with classics from authors like Mark Twain and Shakespeare. They even offer cookbooks, children's books, and text books along with DVDs and Blu Rays. Grab a cup of coffee at the in-store cafe, and explore a new title. If you don’t find exactly what you need, there's a good chance they can order it for you as Barnes & Noble is the largest online retailer of books, too.

5. Bookstore1 Sarasota
12 S Palm Ave, Sarasota

This independently owned bookstore is owned by a retired English teacher.  The staff are all bookworms and can make recommendations if you're not sure what genre to explore next. The store regularly hosts book signing events and also hosts several book clubs that meet throughout the summer. Check out their calendar of events to see if there are any you're interested in attending.

Have you visited any of these bookstores? In honor of National Book Lovers Day, please share about your favorite bookstores and reading experiences in the comments section below.