A new chapter for local readers begins this Saturday, November 8, when The Book Lounge officially opens its doors at 2210 Central Avenue from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The first 100 customers will receive tote bags filled with “bookish goodies,” marking the debut of a family-owned bookstore that’s already making waves in St. Pete’s creative community.
Founded by Natalya Calleja and her daughter Pamela, a University of South Florida St. Petersburg student, The Book Lounge was born out of a shared love of reading that spans generations. In a recent interview with The Crow’s Nest, Calleja said she wanted her team to reflect the diversity and creative spirit of St. Pete, so that “our people, our community, and our customers see themselves in our staff.”
Inside, visitors will find a curated selection of fiction titles only, along with affordable wine, coffee, sweets, and a lounge-style setup designed for students and locals to relax, read, or play board games. Community game nights will be held every Thursday, and Calleja plans to host author signings, trivia nights, silent reading sessions, and craft-based workshops like book-nook building and bookmark making.
It is also a space built on legacy. Pamela first began selling “blind date with a book” bundles at local markets, wrapped novels paired with small treats that helped fund the family’s dream of opening a permanent shop. Calleja told The Crow’s Nest that the store is meant to be a haven for connection and empathy, echoing the comfort of the game nights and stories shared in her own home.
Later this month, The Book Lounge will team up with Pour & Decor for its first signature event, Wine a Little, Read a Lot: Book Fair for Grown-Ups, on November 20 from 6 to 9 p.m at Pour & Decor. Guests can expect wine, local vendors, and a nostalgic twist on the school-day book fair with a distinctly St. Pete flair.
For more local wine events and openings, visit This Week in Wine.