Tucked away in the heart of Key West, Florida, there is a little bookstore with a very big story behind it.
Books & Books at The Studios of Key West was co-founded by none other than Judy Blume, one of the most beloved authors in American literary history.
Nestled inside a bustling arts center, this charming shop is far more than a place to buy books — it is a living, breathing hub of creativity, community, and culture.
Whether you are a lifelong reader or just passing through the island, this bookstore is worth every step of the journey.
A Beloved Author Turned Bookseller
Judy Blume did not stop changing the world when she put down her pen — she picked up a bookstore instead. One of the most influential voices in modern children’s and young adult literature, Blume co-founded Books & Books at The Studios of Key West alongside her husband, George Cooper.
Together, they turned a shared love of reading into something the entire community could enjoy.
Her books, including classics like “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” and “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” shaped generations of young readers.
Opening a bookstore felt like a natural extension of that mission. She wanted to keep connecting people with stories that matter.
What makes this bookstore truly special is the chance — however small — that you might actually run into Judy herself browsing the shelves. Visitors have reported seeing her in person, which transforms a simple shopping trip into an unforgettable memory.
Few bookstores in the country can claim that kind of living literary magic. Stopping by feels less like visiting a shop and more like stepping into a chapter of American literary history written by someone who genuinely loves books as much as you do.
Built on a Wave of Community Passion
Not every bookstore starts with a business plan — some start with a feeling. Books & Books at The Studios of Key West grew out of a genuine, grassroots desire from locals who wanted a vibrant independent bookstore to call their own.
Key West had long needed a space where readers could gather, and the community made sure that need was heard loud and clear.
From the very beginning, the store was envisioned as more than a retail destination. It was designed to be a cultural anchor — a place where writers, artists, and curious minds could come together, share ideas, and strengthen the creative fabric of the island.
That community-first spirit is still felt every time someone walks through the door.
Independent bookstores thrive when the people around them believe in what they stand for. Key West residents rallied behind this vision, supporting the store through word of mouth, event attendance, and simply showing up.
The result is a bookstore that feels like it belongs to everyone, not just its founders. When a community builds something together, you can feel it in the atmosphere — and Books & Books radiates exactly that kind of warmth and shared ownership every single day.
Nestled Inside a Dynamic Arts Center
Walking into Books & Books is not just about picking up a new read — it is about stepping into an entire world of creativity. The bookstore lives inside The Studios of Key West, a lively arts center packed with galleries, artist studios, and performance spaces.
That setting makes every visit feel like a mini cultural adventure.
Imagine browsing a shelf of literary fiction while, just down the hall, a painter is finishing a canvas or musicians are rehearsing for an evening show. That kind of energy is rare, and it makes the bookstore feel alive in a way that standalone shops sometimes cannot replicate.
Art and literature feed each other here in the most natural way.
The Studios of Key West is itself a celebrated institution, committed to supporting working artists and bringing cultural programming to the island. Having a bookstore as part of that ecosystem makes perfect sense.
Books are, after all, one of the oldest and most powerful art forms humans have ever created. Browsing the shelves here means you are participating in something larger — a community-wide celebration of imagination, craft, and the enduring human need to create and connect through storytelling and artistic expression.
Rooted in a Legendary Literary Destination
Key West has a literary reputation that stretches back nearly a century. Ernest Hemingway famously called the island home, writing some of his most celebrated works there.
Tennessee Williams, Robert Frost, and countless other literary giants have wandered these same sun-soaked streets. Books & Books steps right into that storied tradition.
There is something about Key West that seems to pull writers in. Maybe it is the laid-back pace, the brilliant light bouncing off the water, or the sense that the rest of the world is just far enough away.
Whatever the reason, the island has always been a place where stories feel possible, and the bookstore honors that legacy beautifully.
Visiting Books & Books here is not just a shopping errand — it is a chance to connect with decades of literary history embedded in the very soil of the island. The bookstore celebrates storytelling and artistic expression as core parts of Key West’s identity, not just pleasant additions to it.
When you pick up a book here, you are joining a long line of readers and thinkers who have found inspiration on this small but mighty island at the very tip of the Florida Keys, where creativity has always found a home.
Small Space, Thoughtfully Curated Shelves
Do not let the size fool you. Books & Books at The Studios of Key West may be compact, but every inch of shelf space has been chosen with real care and intention.
This is not a store where books are piled up randomly — each title earns its place through thoughtful curation by people who genuinely love reading.
Shoppers can expect to find a satisfying mix of literary fiction, nonfiction, art books, and titles focused on local Key West culture and history. There are books here you might not discover at a big chain retailer, which is part of what makes browsing so enjoyable.
Independent bookstores have a gift for surfacing hidden gems.
Smaller stores actually have a surprising advantage over enormous ones: the selection feels personal. When a shop is carefully curated rather than endlessly stocked, every recommendation feels more trustworthy.
You get the sense that someone who truly loves books decided what belonged on those shelves. That personal touch is hard to manufacture and impossible to replicate at scale.
Visitors often leave with titles they never planned to buy, simply because the presentation made them impossible to resist. A well-curated bookstore has a kind of quiet magic that speaks directly to the reader in you.
A Gathering Place for Readers and Writers
Some bookstores are quiet places. Books & Books at The Studios of Key West is something livelier — a place where the conversation never really stops.
Author readings, book signings, and literary discussions happen regularly, turning the shop into an active meeting ground for people who care deeply about words and ideas.
These events are not just promotional appearances. They are genuine opportunities to hear writers talk about their craft, ask questions, and connect with others who share your enthusiasm for reading.
There is a particular thrill in hearing an author explain the story behind the story — the moment of inspiration, the struggles, the choices made along the way.
Key West already draws creative people from all over the world, and Books & Books taps into that energy beautifully. When you attend an event here, you might find yourself sitting next to a novelist, a poet, or a first-time reader who just discovered their favorite book.
That mix of people is what makes literary events so special — they level the playing field and remind everyone that stories belong to all of us equally. Check the store’s schedule before your visit so you do not accidentally miss something truly memorable happening just steps from the front door.
Creativity Beyond the Page
Books are the heart of this store, but they are far from the only thing worth exploring. Reflecting its home inside a bustling arts center, Books & Books goes beyond the printed page by offering art supplies, creative tools, and one-of-a-kind gifts that celebrate imagination in all its forms.
It is the kind of shop where you go in for a novel and leave with a sketchbook too.
This expanded selection makes the store a fantastic destination for anyone with a creative streak — not just dedicated readers. Artists, crafters, gift-givers, and curious wanderers all find something worth taking home.
The merchandise feels intentionally chosen to spark ideas rather than just fill a shopping bag.
There is a beautiful logic to pairing books with art supplies. Both are tools for expression, and both invite you to see the world a little differently.
A bookstore that understands this connection creates a richer experience for everyone who walks through its doors. Whether you are searching for the perfect birthday gift, a new creative hobby, or simply something interesting to look at, Books & Books delivers on all fronts.
The store reminds visitors that creativity does not live in just one medium — it spills across every shelf, corner, and carefully chosen display in the place.
A Mission That Supports the Arts
Every book you buy here does double duty. Books & Books operates in close partnership with The Studios of Key West, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artists and bringing cultural programming to the island.
That means your purchase is not just adding a great read to your shelf — it is helping fund exhibitions, performances, and creative events that benefit the entire community.
Supporting a nonprofit-affiliated bookstore feels meaningfully different from shopping at a large retail chain. The money stays local, fuels real artistic work, and strengthens a cultural ecosystem that makes Key West such a special place to live and visit.
That kind of impact is hard to put a price on.
Plenty of people talk about wanting to support the arts without knowing exactly how to do it practically. Buying a book here is one of the simplest and most satisfying answers to that question.
You get something wonderful to read, and a local artist or performer benefits from your choice. It is a win built right into the transaction, no extra effort required.
Visiting Books & Books is genuinely one of those rare moments where spending money feels like a good deed — because in a very real and direct way, it absolutely is one worth repeating.
An Experience That Draws You In
Many people plan a quick stop at Books & Books and end up staying for an hour. That is not an accident — it is the natural result of a space that has been thoughtfully designed to welcome you and make you feel like you belong there.
The atmosphere is warm, unhurried, and full of the kind of creative energy that is genuinely hard to walk away from quickly.
Part of what keeps visitors lingering is the unpredictability of it all. On any given day, there might be an author event wrapping up, a new display catching your eye, or a staff recommendation tucked inside a book that makes you stop and read the first page.
One thing leads to another, and suddenly the afternoon has slipped by in the best possible way.
That sense of pleasant surprise is something the best independent bookstores do better than almost any other type of retail space. You cannot replicate it online, and you cannot rush it.
Books & Books rewards the visitor who slows down, looks around, and lets the experience unfold naturally. If you are the kind of person who believes that the best travel memories come from unexpected moments of connection and discovery, this bookstore will absolutely deliver something worth remembering long after you leave the island.
Essential Visitor Information
Planning a visit is easy once you know the basics. Books & Books at The Studios of Key West is located at 533 Eaton Street, Key West, Florida, right inside the multi-level arts and cultural center that houses The Studios of Key West.
The address puts you in a walkable, vibrant part of the island that is well worth exploring before or after your bookstore stop.
The store typically opens daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though hours can shift slightly depending on the season or special events. It is always a smart move to call ahead or check their website before your visit, especially during busy holiday periods.
You can reach the store directly at (305) 320-0208 for the most up-to-date information.
Books & Books officially opened its doors in 2016, making it a relatively young addition to Key West’s long literary tradition — but one that has already made a lasting impression. Visitors can expect a curated book selection, creative supplies, unique gifts, and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects both the island’s artistic soul and Judy Blume’s lifelong dedication to readers everywhere.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning fan, each trip offers something fresh, meaningful, and genuinely worth your time on this remarkable island.