TAMPA, Fla. — Words on a page are small but mighty. And in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg, they are being celebrated at Tombolo Books.

What You Need To Know

  • National Independent Bookstore Day is Saturday, April 27

  • Tombolo Books in St. Pete’s Grand Central District celebrates with giveaways, readings, food and drinks

  • Tombolo Books opened in December 2019

Alsace Walentine is looking ahead to National Independent Bookstore Day. It’s a chance to celebrate with more than a thousand indie bookstores across the country.

Events will be spilling out in the bookseller’s courtyard, from music to readings.

“There’s lots of fun for little kids through adults. There’s exclusive items we give away. We are all just really proud to be in this industry,” said Walentine.

Walentine and her wife Candace Anderson opened Tombolo Books in December 2019, just months before the pandemic.

“I’m just really glad we were able to stick it out, and the community supported us,” said Walentine.

It’s allowed Walentine to continue the work she calls both gratifying and important.

“For the community, for the authors, for writing, for ideas, for intellectual freedom,” said Walentine. “So I’m very proud of it.”