April 1st, 2008 - Indie Bookstore Treasures
I set out to survey the best bookstores in Lakeland, Fl and choose my top — instead I found “Bookends” a independent bookstore which buys and sells used, rare & out of print books. There were some other great stores, but Bookends struck a literary cord with its wall to wall shelving of over (what has to be) 20,000 titles — its busting at the seams!
Let’s face it, independent bookstores are losing the battle to big brand places like Barnes & Nobles, BooksaMillion and Borders. So here’s to the little guy!
Some book lovers wonder what to do after their books have been read and worn down to the binding. With this in mind, I found a great book shop in Lakeland that buys and sells cheap book.
For college students these books pile from pleasure and textbooks - it always seems like the most expensive are a one trick pony. Monica Morris, a pre-Med major at Southeastern University says that textbook pileup is the worst, “I get tired of seeing them, but I paid so much for them that I don’t want to throw them away.”
Morris, after 3 years of piling up she decided to try online sales. “I was worried about identity theft. But my books sold and I got back more than half the money I spent on them.” EBay, Amazon and Yahoo! Auction have 3 of the top easiest and best ways to sell online.
For those still weary about selling or buying items online - “generic” book stores have low prices and great books in good condition. Try Bookends bookstore, located on US 98. It’s currently run by multiple owners one of which shared some valuable information about their business.
Mrs. Connie Russell says it been established for 7 years and bursts over a 15,000 titles ranging from every genre imaginable. Including but not limited to textbooks, literary classes, pop fiction, drama, screenplays, horror, comedy, romance and inspirational crowd every shelf. Crowding is a great sign - it means at Bookends - there is a book for everyone.
Bookends bookstore not only sells but buys used books. Depending on condition, you can make a little cash by sharing your favorite piece with a perfect stranger. Because of these trades, Bookends boasts great literature at affordable prices. It’s a relatively small shop, cluttered, but well worth the money you’ll save for new books at low prices. Don’t be deterred by the cramped walls and shelves - (Warning: cliché coming) remember to never judge a book by its cover! 
Bookends greatest feature is its diversity and surprising organization of every genre section. You’ll find customers grazing the ceiling high shelves and crates of classics. One middle-aged peruser had trouble finding an expansive inspirational section before she’d found Bookends.
Nancy, 42, says that, “I don’t mind other book stores, but this store in particular has rare books and the inspirational kind I like.” Some are deterred by the small store front plaza entrance, but whether it’s aesthetically pleasing to the eye or not - customers rave about price, stock and variety. Friendly Nancy, argues that, “Sam’s Club looks like a warehouse with concrete floors - [but] that doesn’t stop it from being [one of] the best grocery chains.”
Shelves include brand new titles like King, Patterson, Walker, Morrison, and Christian fiction writers like Dee Henderson and Tim Lahaye. One customer says that, “No matter what weird or out-of-this-world book you’re looking for, she [Connie Russell] can find it for you. This store is amazing, and so is she. I love this place!” At Bookends there’s definitely something for everyone. Bookends bookstore is 15 minutes away from
Bookends bookstore is located on US 98, just before Gibsonia-Galloway Rd in a small plaza with red and white lettering. Be sure to check it out!
Another Great Bookstore, that I soon hope to visit would be this place on Main Street, NY:
April 1st, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Nice writing style. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Chris Moran
November 13th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
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March 19th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Interesting article. Were did you got all the information from…
April 6th, 2009 at 10:22 am
As a Newbie, I am always searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you