St. Petersburg’s Tombolo Books Marks Five Years of Community-Centered Success

St. Petersburg’s Tombolo Books Celebrates Five Years of Success

Located in the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida, Tombolo Books is a thriving independent bookstore that recently marked its fifth anniversary. Co-owned by Alsace Walentine and Candice Anderson, the store has become a beloved community fixture within its 1,500 square foot space.

A Journey from North Carolina to Florida

Before establishing Tombolo Books, Walentine and Anderson lived in Asheville, North Carolina. Walentine honed her skills at a well-known independent bookstore, Malaprops, before moving to St. Petersburg. With a passion for books and a vision for community engagement, the duo decided to bring their expertise to Florida’s vibrant arts scene.

Opening Amidst Uncertainty

Tombolo Books originally launched as a pop-up shop. Just three months later, it settled into its brick-and-mortar location, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The timing was particularly poignant, as another long-standing independent bookstore in the area, Haslam’s, was closing its doors for good. Despite these challenges, Tombolo Books persevered, showcasing a unique model of survival through innovation.

Building Community Connections

The pandemic presented significant hurdles, from social distancing to restrictions on gatherings. However, Tombolo Books found creative solutions to stay connected. Home deliveries via bicycle became a popular service, allowing the store to maintain engagement with its customers. Walentine credits much of the bookstore’s success to St. Petersburg’s vibrant arts culture and a burgeoning local shopping movement that encourages residents to support independent businesses.

Curated Selections and Engaging Events

At Tombolo Books, the focus is on providing a curated collection of titles that align with customer interests rather than solely following popular trends or algorithms. Staff members are highly knowledgeable and offer personalized recommendations, ensuring that customers find books that resonate with them.

In addition to its impressive selection, the store hosts various events, where customers can meet authors and engage in discussions. These gatherings not only enhance community bonds but also enrich the local cultural landscape.

Looking Toward the Future

While there are currently no immediate plans for expansion, Walentine aims to continue enhancing the bookstore’s community presence. Balancing personal life with business responsibilities remains a crucial goal as they navigate the future. “Our adaptability and willingness to innovate have been central to our growth,” she remarked, reflecting on the store’s journey so far.

A Beacon of Resilience

In an age when many businesses struggled to survive, Tombolo Books stands out as a beacon of resilience. The commitment to fostering a strong connection with the community has proven vital. Despite the ever-changing circumstances of the past five years, Walentine and Anderson have successfully created a space where book lovers can thrive.

As Tombolo Books moves forward, the store continues to embody the spirit of an independent bookstore—a place not just to buy books, but to build connections and strengthen the community fabric within St. Petersburg.