We loved our stop at this charming bookstore. It had a lot to offer, including an Amish Romance section. Service is wonderful and knowledgeable. The ambience will satisfy book lovers, and the prices are reasonable. read more

When traveling, my husband loves going to non-chain bookstores. He's always on the lookout for first edition Stephen King books. Key West Island Bookstore is amazing because it has a mix of new and used books, so this makes finding that SK first edition a little easier. Though we didn't find one during our visit, there was plenty to look at whiling exploring the shop. When other bookstores aren't selling banned books, Key West is and that's how it really should be! Power to the readers! The staff are friendly and helpful if needed and we found that the books are reasonably priced. Overall, great bookstore!! read more

I feel like books stores are disappearing; I remember the malls all had a store (forgot the name of the chain) and they are gone; then we had Books-A-Million stores and they are no longer seen. We still have Barnes and Noble but it's not personal (like I can't get good recommendations; they just point at a table of the stuff they are pushing that month). It's the mom and pop shops I love; and Key West Island Bookstore is my favorite. You go in and you are welcomed and then you peruse the place and they offer help or suggestions without being pushy. They listen to you and give suggestions on what you like and not their personal choices. BUT PLEASE don't come in and find a good book and then go online to Amazon or some other digital seller and buy it to save a buck. Buy local ! read more

What a hidden gem! The store is overflowing with new and used books, but nicely organized. I found a few first edition novels for an insanely low price (pre-publication Philip Roth for $6!) and could have spent all day browsing. The woman behind the counter was extremely kind and helpful, and helped walk me through their rare book selection. If you're a Hemingway fan and were disappointed at the Hemingway House gift shop, check this place out!!!!! read more

Key West Island Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Key West, Florida

It's a great book store by any standard. A varied and deep collection to choose from with knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Key West Island Bookstore is a great local bookstore that sells new and used books. The interior is welcoming and charming, and I never know what books I will find when I come visit. There are great sections on local cozy mysteries, Hemingway, cats & dogs, and more. This is where I first saw the Key West Food Critic mysteries, which are cheesy and so cute (and they include recipes in the back!). I also had a great conversation with the woman behind the counter about which is a good starter Hemingway book, and they have a wide-range collection with different editions of his books. The store is also well decorated, so you can find fun surprises among the shelves. I bought one of the Key West Food Critic Mysteries for a friend and a beautiful edition of the Old Man and the Sea (with copies of his handwritten notes) along with a cute bookstore quotes book. Our friends bought a coffee table book on Oceanography for a great price! read more

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Very nice staff, great selection and affordable. Well worth stopping by. I've been pleasantly surprised by their Jewish book selection. Nice. read more

What a cute, local bookstore! This small store is stacked with shelves and books - and you will definitely find something for everyone! There was also a good mix of heavily used and brand new books. The woman running the front seemed incredibly friendly and happy, and I wish I had more time to browse and hang out! read more

Key West Island Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Key West, Florida

Great home grown bookstore with new and used books. Has all the new top reads and many of the classics with sections devoted to notable local authors. read more

Cute, locally owned book store. Just off Duval, this store has friendly owners willing to help you find your next book. (They also have a cute pug who welcomes all guests.) This is a walkable distance from anything off Duval, but does not have a lot of parking. The store is clean and full of old and more modern books. Everything is priced well and is a good way to keep local book stores open! read more

Love this bookstore! We're in key west for a month so I bring 1 or 2 books then trade them in for credit and buy more. Repeat!! And the credit will stay until next year! She has a wide selection of new and used books so I have no need to go anywhere else! read more

I always say that used bookstores aren't for everybody, but this one probably is actually. Quaint and small, but so organized and well-curated. No dust or piles of books in the aisles. I typically like that, but tourists looking for books specifically about Key West urban legends probably don't. The owner is helpful if you need it, but quiet and will leave you to explore if you want (that's me). But, I overheard her help several people who came in looking for something specific immediately find books options they seemed happy with. It's a small store, so it's not super private - but it's big enough you can get behind the corner and forget about the hustle & bustle going on outside. I looked through practically every shelf, and overall it is a great collection. Even the fiction section was perfectly alphabetized. There is basically no reason not to go if you are a book lover and spending a visit in the Keys. The average price for most used books appeared to be in the $7-$8 range, but there were some lower, as well as some first edition or rare books on the shelves in the $25 range. A good selection of general Florida and Florida Keys history books. read more

Great bookstore! Lovely place to spend an afternoon or evening! Large selection of new and used books; knowledgeable and friendly staff makes it a definite must stop while in Key West! read more

Loved this bookstore! The owner was so friendly and knowledgeable to assist me with finding a local book as a gift for a friend. I could have spent all weekend browsing each corner of this clean and bright store. Such a nice escape from the noise on Duval St and a great stop during your visit to Key West! read more

Key West Island Bookstore - outside. - Bookstores Near Me - Key West, Florida

I have visited Key West several times in the past 20 years. I finally stopped by Key West Island Bookstore a few months ago and I left with several new and used books. I was recently looking for a copy of Charlie Mackesy's "The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse," but it was sold out everywhere. So, I contacted Suzanne at Key West Island Bookstore for assistance. While I was prepared to order a used copy, Suzanne called several days later to tell me that she received a few new copies. I cannot thank Suzanne enough for her help. The book has a hopeful message and I wanted to give it to my mother who, sadly, has developed early-onset dementia. This experience was my wake up call to consciously support small businesses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. read more

Key West Island Bookstore - The handwritten postcard that I received from Suzanne with my book order. Now THAT's customer service! - Bookstores Near Me - Key West, Florida

Fantastic indie bookstore with knowledgeable friendly staff. Small space but lots of books arranged neatly by category, great for browsing. They have many unique books on Key West that you won't find anyplace else. In fact the owner sold me the last copy she had of a popular new book on Key West history, I really appreciated that. I love Key West Island Bookstore and visit whenever I'm around there. read more

This shop does have used books in good condition, but their strength is cheap new books. I found quite a few gems here that I had to put down because I had limited space in my luggage. I did buy an interesting book entitled A History of Mutiny, which I thought was appropriate to the setting. The proprietor was just the right amount of eccentric and gruff. When I was in here, he was training a new employee and it was hilarious to hear him explain things: store operations were an odd mix of totally obsessive-compulsive procedures and random caprices done for no reason whatsoever. read more

As others have said - used books are not this stores forte - although they do have a selection of them. Very interesting and eclectic selection with all the new releases you would expect. Huge stacks of books everywhere so you will have to explore to find what you are looking for but there are lots of obscure topics and knowledgeable staff to help you. read more

Key West Island Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Key West, Florida

Cute little shop with lots of books The Lady at the counter was super nice I would totally go again read more

Key West Island Bookstore - A small section of antique book - Bookstores Near Me - Key West, Florida

A book lovers oasis!!! Owner is delightful and knowledgeable. Gave me great suggestions. Little spot with lots of good reads. Don't spend a beach day without a good book, get that good book here. read more

Though it is the lot of used bookstores everywhere, this place is pure browsing sexiness. I spend about half my life in key west thanks to the military, and my bi-monthly trips to this bookstore generally go like this: Me: "Hey, do you guys have _____?" Clerk: "Hm...No, that just came out. Want me to order it for you?" Me: "No, I'll be gone in 24 hours. I'll just look around." moments later: Me: "Holy heck, this book looks incredible!" Without fail, every time I have walked into this store, I have not found the book I intended to buy, and instead found two or more books that I really wanted to read. They've all made me smarter, too. Highly recommended, but maybe not if there's a new release you need for a term paper or something. read more

I'm a fan. Totally browsed longer that I should have to hear the banter of the clerk talking to a customer. Paraphrasing: Clerk: "What I told her was correct. I know my books." Customer: "Where did you go to school? Harvard? Stanford?" Clerk: "No. I've run a bookstore for thirty years and I don't need a fancy college to be able to say the book came on paperback, especially when I'm holding it in paperback as I talk to her on the phone." The tone was the best part. Lots of overstock. Some cheap paperbacks. Nice theme sections. read more

Went by and asked a few questions of the bookshop owner on a genre I wasn't too familiar with. Her depth of knowledge was refreshing and she shared it joyfully (without talking down to me). She genuinely appreciated that I was enjoying browsing her shop and in no rush to shoo me out (it was close to closing time and I hadn't made a decision). Didn't keep her late but did buy a title and finished already and am ready to go back! This is a great local community gathering place and I wouldn't miss it! Buy local. Side note on trusting (but verifying) fellow yelpers: A review below (it is 1/5 stars, a rating usually reserved for business displaying malicious intent toward unsuspecting customers) says that the bookshop did not open within 15minutes of the posted time. (This alone could be useful knowledge so one could perhaps get a coffee and wait, not such a struggle in a developed nation.) Then there is a jump in logic that an online megalith (who shall not be named) would be preferable, but it doesn't really elucidate in what situation this holds true. Most bookish types would like to know under what circumstances this sincere and dire book emergency arose, as I'm sure all of Key West and several six-toes cats would have stepped in to help out. read more

This place is fantastic. You walk in and there are book everywhere. Not the neat and organized Barnes and Noble type of bookstore, but the overwhelmingly-amazing, stacks-of-books-everywhere, I-could-get-lost-in-this-place-for-hours-and-I-don't-want-to-be-found sort of bookstore. Everything you can imagine, from new, to used, to historical, to local works, this shop has them all. I immediately got the impression that the lady at the counter (owner) is a female Olivander for books. I asked about a particular book, and even though she didn't have it in stock, she happily ordered it for me and told me it'd be ready in a few days. In the meantime, we talked about other books that I enjoy, books I've read lately, etc., and then she said, "have you read...?" and scampered off to a little shelf, pulled a book, and said, "I'd recommend this one. I loved it." Needless to say, I bought it and devoured it. Great little shop. One of my favorites because it's so authentically Key West. read more

OMG, don't walk. RUN! To this place because it is one of the best bookstores in the world! No doubt one of the best selections of books and Sue the owner is absolutely brilliant! If you like authentic bookstores then do not miss it! read more

Quite pitstop in an otherwise bustling town! They have all books new to old. Very friendly.

This is a nice, cute bookstore to get lost in, although it's not that big. They have a variety of books on topics ranging from SF to romance to mysteries and history. I especially appreciated their nicely stocked Key West section. Another positive thing was that they sell a very cute book tote, with their store logo on it. I bought one, and loved it. It's very roomy, and stylish, as well. In spite of the above statements, I did not have a positive experience at this bookstore. I was overcharged on my purchase. The difference was $10.75. I noticed this a few minutes after leaving the store, and went back immediately in order to get the bill corrected. The owner was very helpful, and did apologize. She asked whether I would prefer getting credited for the difference, or having the previous transaction voided, and a new transaction done. I chose the latter option, asking her whether the erroneous transaction would post to my bank account. She said it shouldn't, as she had not finished processing the day's transactions. However, when I returned home the next day, and checked my bank account, the erroneous transaction was there, in "pending" status. I had to call the bank right away in order to initiate a chargeback. The biggest drawback? All sales are final. I had to return a supposedly new book that had a spine crease. Also, I did not like the book, having read the first chapter.. The owner was only willing to give me store credit, so I was forced to choose another book for the same price. I had not noticed the sign that announced that all sales are final. It was on the wall behind the cash register. Also, the owner explained that she was making an exception in my case, as she doesn't usually give store credit, either. She sounded very snippy, too, as she explained this to me. She even added that not liking a book was not a legitimate reason to return it!! She also said that Indie bookstores cannot afford to take books back and give refunds, like the chain bookstores do. That might be true, but I still didn't like her attitude She could have been much more pleasant, considering the fact that she had made a mistake on my purchase. So new customers have to be VERY sure about which books they want to buy, and also look for the sign that states that all sales are final. Don't forget to double-check your final bill, as well. This was my very first time at Key West Island Books, and it will definitely remain the last. Next time I'm in Key West, I'll head for Books & Books! read more

Great selection of new and used books. Suzanne is very knowledgable and helpful. My son enjoys picking out books here.

In terms of bookstores, I agree with a previous reviewer's comment that in terms of browsing bookstores "its pure sexiness". I'm both a Conch and canine devourer of books - especially older books (that's come to mean anything pre-1965 at my age). I love non-Fiction (especially science and math) as well as Mysteries and Spy novels. I was born and raised in Key West and am a 7th generation Conch. Having grown up there in the 60's was an amazing experience. During that time there were at least three bookstores, as well as a fairly well stocked public library. However, Key West Island Bookstore is a dying breed. So many private bookstores are going under and this one is the last of its breed. Get there now, as it may not be there for long. The original owner past away, as I was recently informed, and the new owners are also the landlords - and decided to run the bookstore. I certainly wish them success. This is the kind of place that has dark nooks and crannies that are filled with bygone gems. It has a wide range of subjects covered and is well stocked in both fiction and non-fiction literature, as well as specializing in renowned KW authors like Hemingway, Tenn. Williams and Capote. I have spent hours perusing the shelves in the summer heat (the prior owner must have had a dislike of air conditioning) sucking in book dust. But I was always rewarded with exceptionally interesting and reasonably priced finds. I was there just last weekend and turned up a 1934 edition of "A Half Mile Down" by William Bebe w/ B&W and Color plates (Wm. Bebe is the renowned undersea explorer and co-inventor of the Bathysphere), good cond., $3. What a gem! I would highly recommend him to those who have not read him. He was an eloquent writer in a time before Cousteau. So spend the time and enjoy exploring the Key West Island Bookstore. A bibliophile's dream come true. T. Skoko read more

The range of books, described in some earlier reviews as "eclectic" is, more simply, random. But most disappointingly I found them unable to do a simple task like ordering me a book (I wanted a road atlas or some road maps). Key West needs a good bookshop. This isn't it. read more

Fantastic bookstore with a mixture of used and new titles. Excellent collection of Florida & Keys titles and authors. I picked up a few books on Cuba that I loved. My daughter went wild here, we visited nearly every day of our visit. Her favorite book, that she re-reads still a few years later is the locally published Dogs of Key West book (and also the guide book Hemingway House cats she bought there). read more

One of the few (if not the only) bookstores to survive in Key West. I miss Voltaire! We spent quite a bit of time perusing the books and movies in this jam packed shop. They have new books, used books, collectible books, and they have a special focus on Key West and South Florida. Yes, I buy books online too, but you know what, it's great to be able to walk into a bookstore, talk to someone there about the books, and then make the purchase. It's a charming store and I would highly recommend checking it out and buying something (you know, so it's still there a few years from now). read more

Great bookstore with a variety of cheap used books. They will also buy your books back so you can lose some weight while traveling. Located near the library and the grocery store and right off of Duval Street. read more

Need a book on the key west railroad AND Patti Smith bio? DONE. Great LGBT selection, Key West fauna and flora, and current books.

This is an excellent local bookstore with a pretty good selection. The store itself is a little small, but it's very well organized and cataloged. If you're looking for something specific, they can check it in the database instead of coming through shelves and shelves of used books. We got a couple of recommendations from the person at the register and overall enjoyed our time in this little shop! read more

Ok, now this store rocks, used and new. Easy to find good reads on those shelves. Just tell the owner what author you like and she will find you the next great book in your life. Awesome! read more

Cute used/new bookstore. Love little treasures like this.

Probably not the right place if you know exactly what you are looking for, but a great book shop for browsing.

Easy to find and lots of variety I am a fan. We went to pick up a specific book for my husband which they didn't have but left with four other books. read more

Thrilled to find an independent bookstore in the wilds of the Keys. Great selection, enthusiastic owner. Saved me from airport books, since I fly back to Portland, Or soon, and already read the 3 I brought. Please continue to support our independents! You'll never see a selection like this at an airport or a chain. read more