Bookstore1

It's so rare to see an old-fashioned books store nowadays in our digital world.
Going in was a pure delight
Beautiful stationary as well.
I could easily spend a whole day there.

What an awesome little bookstore! Walk in and you are immediately embraced by that oh so amazing smell of curiosity, amazement and knowledge that you can only find in a book. The staff are kind. There is no pressure here. Come, browse, enjoy then support local and buy a book!!!❤

Excellent downtown bookstore holding frequent readings and special events.

The recent poetry readings featured local poets Michael Maul, Don McLagan and Liz Posen.

Check website for upcoming events.

Wonderfully curated indie bookstore located in downtown Sarasota. They have a great selection of literature, especially the banned books 😀

Great vibes here. Bright, and airy and a wonderful selection of books.

Wonderful selection of books here. Many “staff recommendations” around that helped narrow down my purchase. Also a gif collection of other things (getting cards, totes, trinkets)

This was a wonderful place. The way the shop was laid out was sublime. Books SHOULD be facing out to scream "Look at me !" The selection was intriguing and contemporary and it felt like it catered to the locals. I also love seeing what the employees are reading...

Bookstore 1 has a good selection of current and classic books. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. You can either talk with them (my preference) or rely on the many "Staff Picks" they have. Their selection of other stuff, especially cards, is good, too. The new location gives them lots of space for all this.

Awesome spot with a good selection. Make sure to visit the Staff picks section...it's good with great descriptions why they liked it. The staff was super friendly. I brought my 12 year old and he found 2 new books by new authors with ease. We always look for independent bookstores on our trips and this was a winner!

Great independent bookstore in the downtown Sarasota area.

Great bookstore! The staff was so friendly and helpful. They introduced me to a few authors I've never heard of. If you love books, stop here!

Great little place with all the most popular books you'll want to read. I love the feeling of a real book store and all books about Sarasota and Florida itself, it truly shows they're about being a local business. Service is friendly and fast. To add to it all, they even have a points program, so you're rewarded for your loyalty to this great local gem.

Absolutely loved the selection of books. Bought some Sheila Heti and Rachel Cusk for the first time based on cards with bookseller recommendations. ☺

The store was beautiful! Everything was neat, organized and had all the new releases

What a gem in downtown! I love this shop. My sister enjoys the creative groups for young writers that meet here, I feel really safe having her fine in a truly creative environment without the obligation to continue buying “coffee” or something to allow her a seat. The selection is great and the employee selected books have given me some of my most recent favorite reads! Loved the original shop and love this location and layout even more!!

I had a great experience at Bookstore1. They have a great selection of books, as well as some cute cards available. But the real winner about this place is the staff. They were very kind and welcoming, and had great recommendations of places to go in Sarasota for an out-of-towner.

I only get to come here about once or twice a year (my parents live here and I visit), but I always look forward to it!!! SUCH a fabulous store, always with absolutely amazing employees. They’re extremely friendly and helpful but never in a pushy way, and they give great recommendations

My only sadness is that the fantasy/sci-fi section isn’t a bit larger. But at the same time, every time I peruse it I walk away with what will become one of my all-time favorite books. Not exaggerating. Last time I went, I bought the first book in the “Akata Witch” series by Nnedi Okorafor, which the owner of the store recommended to me. I think I only put it down long enough to order the second one. Sleep was not a priority that night.

So maybe it’s good the fantasy section isn’t huge, because I’d probably walk away with a rolling grocery cart full of books and a very sad wallet.

LOVE this store, and extremely excited for my next visit!!

Having worked at a large bookstore once upon a time, I was impressed with the literate selection, thoughtful staff recommendations, and the overall tone of this store. They clearly love good books and know what they are doing. It made for a pleasant stop and browse on a beautiful Sarasota Saturday afternoon.

Attended a first rate poetry reading by three local poets. Comfortable seating, good sound system, a clean, well lighted place. Excellent poetry, well read, and well attended in a wonderful independent bookstore. The owner does a lot to support and promote local poetry. This bookstore earns and deserves your support in return.

Books are beautifully displayed with the entire cover facing out. Nice selection and helpful people at the counter. It's a peaceful place.