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Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Old Florida Book Shop - a bibliophile's treasure in Fort Lauderdale

 








William Chrisant & Sons’
Old Florida Book Shop

3426 Griffin Road (not far from Tropical Acres restaurant).
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Open Monday-Saturday: 11 am-6 pm; Sunday, 1-6 pm
954-319-1441

Old FloridaBookShop.com

 By Jane Feehan

Many who visit this blog may also be interested in a local one-of-a-kind bookstore. 

Old Florida Book Shop, independent of the big book selling chains, reminds me of a few such stores in New Orleans with books tightly lined up from entrance to rear and up to the ceiling on dark wood shelving and in elegant mahogany, glass-doored cases. There’s literally more than meets the eye at this Fort Lauderdale store. Books are stacked behind the visibly shelved tomes as well. It’s a treasure hunt for bibliophiles.

And what would such a store be without a cat? Peter the cat would like you to think this is his place, but the Old Florida Book Shop belongs to William Chrisant who came here 13 years ago from Philadelphia. He brought thousands of books about countless subjects: American literature, ancient history, antiques, architecture, art, biographies, mathematics, medicine, local histories, and much more. He continues to build the collection for customers.

There is a small section on Florida, another on the American West, the Bahamas and various cities throughout the country, to mention a few categories.  Books flow in and out so genres may expand. Old Florida Book Shop, represented as “Buyers and sellers of books, antique maps, vintage magazines and ephemera since 1978,” also sells some books online (https://www.oldfloridabookshop.com/). Books on shelves outside the store are available to browse and purchase any time, even after hours. It operates on an honor system arrangement that works well. 

Store front where books are always available. Seen from street.

Old Florida Book Shop sits in a small strip center, which belies its quaint atmosphere. Expect to enter a different world after opening the door to this establishment with its rich, dark wood, Oriental carpets and wide universe of wonderful books, maps and periodicals. And let Peter know he’s the boss, in a manner of speaking.


Peter
 
Books abundant

Topics, some arcane or fascinating

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. Jane Feehan
Tags: Fort Lauderdale Book Shop