{"id":4099,"date":"2016-11-01T16:02:13","date_gmt":"2016-11-01T21:02:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=4099"},"modified":"2016-11-04T16:55:57","modified_gmt":"2016-11-04T21:55:57","slug":"despite-decline-of-print-media-unique-coral-gables-bookstore-still-thrives","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=4099","title":{"rendered":"Despite decline of print media, unique Coral Gables bookstore still thrives"},"content":{"rendered":"

Posted November 1, 2016.
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By JULIE HARANS<\/p>\n

In the ultra-competitive market of Miami, one small business is thriving against all odds: a bookstore. While print products are quickly vanishing from shelves across the country, visitors are still flocking to Coral Gables\u2019 Books & Books for a good read in an inviting atmosphere.<\/p>\n

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At Books & Books, a historic Coral Gables attraction, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves line the walls (Photo by Julie Harans).<\/p><\/div>\n

Founded in 1982 by Miami native Mitchell Kaplan, Books & Books is thriving as one of the most renowned independent bookstores in the country.<\/p>\n

Kaplan said he wanted to bring a “literary” bookstore to Miami.<\/p>\n

“From the beginning, we had readings from authors, open mic nights and a wide selection of categories not found in great depth in other stores,” he said.<\/p>\n

Books & Books’\u00a0success can largely be credited to its versatility; for writers, readers and the entire community, the establishment is so much more than a bookstore. This is especially true for the Coral Gables establishment, one of seven of the bookstore\u2019s locations.<\/p>\n

Phillip Triesman, a tourist from New Orleans, visited Books & Books for the first time during a vacation\u00a0to the Miami area. He said the romantic atmosphere and laid-back environment drew him into what he called an \u201coasis\u201d amidst the busy city.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s quiet and reserved, without trying nearly as hard as their competitors,\u201d he said. \u201cAlso, the selection of books is pretty neat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Books & Books has a uniqueness that is evident before customers even walk through the door. It\u2019s housed in a stunning Mediterranean-style building constructed in 1927 and registered as an official historical location in the area.<\/p>\n

Rust-colored archways span the fa\u00e7ade, while the interior features a fireplace, beamed ceilings and tile floors from the building\u2019s original construction. Of course, books and publications are the main draw of the store, and those are displayed in beautiful wooden bookshelves that span the entire walls.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s even a courtyard hosting live musical guests that includes a full-service caf\u00e9. In the evening, this space comes alive with guests sipping cocktails by the bar or enjoying book selections alongside light dinner fare. String lights and smooth jazz create a peaceful oasis that is hard to come by in Miami.<\/p>\n

In addition to the hundreds of books, newspapers and magazines that Books & Books always has available for reading or purchase, the place is always buzzing with a wide range of events. Its \u201cReading Series\u201d is the recipient of multiple awards and has brought guests from across the globe \u2013 from first-time authors to big-named writers \u2013 since its first event in 1982.<\/p>\n

University of Miami senior Kaitlin Castillo even met author Judy Blume through such an event, and it\u2019s those kinds of experiences that have made her a self-proclaimed \u201chuge fan\u201d Books & Books.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I love is its unique, not-a-big-chain vibe,\u201d said Castillo, who has been frequenting the bookstore since middle school. \u201cI\u2019ve gone to midnight release parties and other cool things that you can\u2019t get anywhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n

But Books & Books doesn\u2019t restrict itself to guest authors and reading groups; the store hosts all kinds of events that jump off the page, from workshops to kid-friendly activities and even cooking demonstrations with local chefs.<\/p>\n

The historic building, inspiring atmosphere and variety of events keep locals and tourists coming back for more and have established the spot as a one-of-a-kind destination and a community landmark.<\/p>\n

Though readers\u2019 tastes and event offerings have changed over the years, the Books & Books philosophy of \u201cIt\u2019s about neighbors, books, history, quality, tradition and creativity\u201d has stayed the same.<\/p>\n

In this digital age, it is becoming increasingly challenging to seek out the space and the time to truly kick back, but at Books & Books, guests can slow, down, unplug and leave feeling deeply refreshed.<\/p>\n

“People still want a sense of community, they want to gather in real places,” Kaplan said. “In the great tradition of independent bookstores, we like to think of our stores as community centers where people can come and explore the ideas by experiencing the power of books and writers.”<\/p>\n

If You Go<\/strong><\/p>\n