Banyan Books is a local, independent bookshop in St. Petersburg, Florida. We are owned and operated by the Kindell family—Florida natives and St. Pete residents. Matt is an educator, Emma is a copywriter. And together, we’re bringing our love of reading, education and the imagination to the West side of St. Pete.

We currently operate as a pop-up bookshop and partner with local businesses and attend community events, offering a unique shopping experience of new and gently used books, local goods and literary items to our wonderful community in the Sunshine City.

How we started

Our dream of opening a bookshop began with a simple desire to share our love of books with our West St. Pete community—and it’s grown into something much more.

We believe in the power of stories. Books shape our lives, spark our imaginations, and help us grow—and we want to share that magic with everyone who visits our bookshop.

With our backgrounds in education and writing, we know how reading can change a person’s life. It’s not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about nurturing curiosity, fostering compassion, and finding joy in learning. From timeless classics to the latest bestsellers, we want Banyan Books to be a place where every reader, young and old, can find a book that speaks to them.

Books are a vital part of our home, and we’re committed to passing that love on to our children—and to the children across St. Pete. We want every child who engages with Banyan Books to feel inspired to discover something new, whether it’s a magical adventure, facts about their favorite animal, or a story that sparks their imagination and helps them grow.

Where we’re headed

At Banyan Books, we’re also passionate about education. Our space isn’t just for buying books—it’s for learning and growing, too. Our dream is to offer writing workshops, engaging talks with local speakers, and opportunities to learn in various ways. From helping kids read to fostering a love for books in adults, our goal is to make a lasting impact on the community we love.

Our curated book collection includes everything from new releases to time-honored classics from cultures around the world. Whether you’re looking for a gripping novel, a thought-provoking non-fiction book, or a meaningful resource on faith, we’ve got something for you. We want our shop to be a place where you can discover books that inspire you emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.

We can’t wait to meet you and share stories that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.