There’s something magical about wandering the aisles of a neighborhood bookstore, where stories spill off the shelves and staff always seem to know just the right recommendation. In Fort Myers, a mix of indie gems, specialty shops, and national chains makes book hunting a real adventure.
Let’s get to it.
The Learning Store
The Learning Store in Fort Myers delivers everything a teacher, parent, or lifelong learner could want. Rows of textbooks and workbooks cover math, science, history, and more for all grade levels. A dedicated art-supply aisle features paints, sketchbooks, brushes, and craft kits that rival specialty craft shops.
Shelves are also packed with educational games, flashcards, and teaching aids designed to make concepts engaging. The staff helps you track down even the most obscure resource, and if it’s not in stock, they’ll order it directly. Rather than leave to search online, you can get real-time suggestions on workbooks, lesson plans, or manipulatives. Organized and well-lit, the store feels like stepping into a well-planned classroom supply room. For anyone who thrills at lesson planning or wants to make home learning smoother, The Learning Store feels like striking gold.
Christian Science Reading Room
Inside the Christian Science Reading Room on the church campus in Fort Myers you’ll find a calm, focused atmosphere and free parking. The room is stocked with Christian Science texts, Bibles, inspirational CDs, and a variety of study guides. Volunteers offer friendly guidance and can point you toward resources for any level of interest or experience.
Beyond classic spiritual works, there’s a section for children’s materials, teen resources, and youth-program literature. You’ll also see books and pamphlets in Spanish and several other languages. Most items can be borrowed or purchased at modest prices. If you’re not shopping, settle into a cushioned chair and read at your own pace. Open to people of all faiths or none, this spot offers quiet study space and a warm welcome without pressure.
Chris the Book Guy
Chris the Book Guy sits tucked into the Grand Pavilion SW at Fleamasters Flea Market in Fort Myers. The setup is straightforward—market-style shelving, open-air stalls, and maybe a little dust—but that’s part of the appeal. No café or plush chairs, just rows of used books that span bestsellers, classics, sci-fi, mystery, and a dose of Florida humor.
Look for the “treasure hunt” piles, where rotating stacks of finds reward patient browsers. Chris remembers most of what he’s stocked and can track down specific titles if you ask. He also welcomes trades, so bring a bag of your own paperbacks to swap. Hardcovers often run under five dollars, making this a true bargain destination. Dog-friendly and open weekends only, this shop buzzes with locals discussing recent reads and planning their next book-club pick. If you prefer a simple, expert-driven hunt for well-priced used books, this is your spot.
Blinking Owl Books
At Blinking Owl Books in Fort Myers you’ll discover a bright yellow bungalow overflowing with new and used books alongside witchy wares, specialty teas, yarn, and tabletop games. The shop manages to blend cozy reading corners with displays of local art and textiles without ever feeling cluttered. A gallery wall celebrates area creatives, lending an unmistakable community energy.
This queer-, veteran-, and woman-owned indie bookstore hosts a lively calendar of events. Monthly poetry open mics, writers’ circles, intro-to-poetry courses, and even boozy book fairs fill the schedule. After Hurricane Helene, a successful GoFundMe and partnerships with local businesses helped the team move to their third spot on Colonial Boulevard. In true independent-bookstore fashion, the staff knows titles and authors inside out. They offer personalized recommendations, organize author visits, and keep used-book prices wallet-friendly. Drop in, browse shelves curated with passion, and leave with more than just a book…you’ll take home a dose of local creativity and warmth.
Christ Centered Life Store
Christ Centered Life Store has served Fort Myers since 1964 with a warm, mom-and-pop atmosphere. Shelves hold new and used Bibles alongside devotionals, Bible-study guides, and faith-based puzzles for all ages. A cheerful kids’ corner and colorful displays make browsing fun for children.
Beyond books, you’ll find home décor items, laser-engraved gifts such as bookmarks, picture frames, and cutting boards, plus a selection of jewelry that adds a touch of elegance to Sunday best. Local authors have a dedicated shelf, and the helpful staff can point you to just the right devotional or study guide. The store sponsors book drives and Bible-donation events, and a meeting room is available at no charge for local groups. Prices on new releases are standard, with frequent 40% off signs highlighting seasonal deals. The overall feel is cozy and full of thoughtful touches that keep customers coming back.
Barnes & Noble
Walking into the Fort Myers Marketplace Barnes & Noble, you’ll find a spacious, open layout with those genre “rooms” that make it easy to focus on cookbooks, thrillers, or horror novels. This location has served the community for more than a decade, and the company itself has roots dating back to 1886.
Shelving is modern, with covers facing out on new releases, staff picks, and tables dedicated to local authors and popular titles. Knowledgeable staff members often know the difference between adjacent sections like sci-fi and fantasy, and they’re ready with personal recommendations. If a title isn’t on the shelf, they’ll order it for you.
In addition to books, the store offers a variety of gifts, journals, magazines, and toys, making browsing feel like a mini-adventure. A Starbucks café and free Wi-Fi encourage shoppers to linger, whether working or relaxing. Prices may not always be the lowest, but member discounts and regular sales help balance the overall cost.
This Barnes & Noble location delivers a relaxed, well-curated space for readers of all interests.
Books-A-Million
In the temporary Edison Mall store, Books-A-Million continues to offer a clear, open floor plan that makes browsing straightforward. Next to the food court, this location avoids dead ends and features dedicated sections for mystery, fantasy, science fiction, romance, children’s books, and religious titles. Books-A-Million has served readers for more than a century, reflecting its long-standing presence in the book retail world.
Kiosks near the entrance display Funko Pop! figures, Hello Kitty merchandise, and jumbo Squishmallows. You might stop in for a paperback and leave with a plush toy twice your size. Knowledgeable staff members handle special orders and direct-to-door shipping when items are out of stock. The selection ranges from everyday paperbacks to rare comics priced as high as $149.95. Community events take place even while the store remains in a temporary spot, showing ongoing support for local readers.
With its mix of books and pop culture items, clear layout, and helpful staff, this Books-A-Million location delivers a convenient shopping experience and plenty of surprises.
