No visit to Seminole County is complete without exploring its one-of-a-kind bookstores. From sprawling used-book warehouses to indie shops stacked with BookTok favorites and family-friendly stops with coffee and story time, Orlando North offers a bookish adventure for every reader.
Spellbound – Sanford
Located in Historic Downtown Sanford, this Latina-owned, cozy independent bookstore offers a carefully curated mix of new and used books for all ages. Indulge your BookTok dreams with a stellar selection of romance, mystery, and fantasy titles, or browse charming gifts, paper goods, and more. Spellbound also hosts monthly book clubs, announced on the 15th of each month. Whether you’re after the latest hardcover release or a discounted treasure, Spellbound is ready to whisk you away.
B Dalton – Oviedo
Looking to connect over a shared love of Romantasy novels? Stop by B Dalton in the Oviedo Mall and join their monthly book club, where attendees vote on the next read at the end of each meeting. The store is also a favorite for families, with kid-friendly events like Lego-building workshops, YA book clubs, and a weekly Saturday Storytime at 1 p.m. Shoppers can enjoy year-round savings, from 50% off deals to special bundle pricing on multiple purchases. Owned by Barnes & Noble, B Dalton also accepts their gift cards—making it an easy, affordable stop for readers of all ages.
BrightLight Books – Casselberry
Imagine 200,000 items spread across 7,000 square feet of books, videos, and music—all neatly organized, well-lit, and staffed by a friendly team. From Apologetics to Zoology, action films to Westerns, and every music genre on CD or vinyl, BrightLight Books in Casselberry has something for everyone. Family-run since 1995, the shop also carries puzzles and board games, making it easy to find your next favorite pastime. Fun fact: BrightLight boasts one of the largest theological collections in the country!
Maya’s Books & Music – Sanford
A Sanford staple, Maya’s Books & Music has been fueling eclectic tastes for decades. This woman-owned shop on 1st Street houses more than 100,000 gently used books, plus vinyl, CDs, DVDs, posters, and vintage finds—all in a laid-back, welcoming space. No two visits are ever the same—you’re bound to uncover a surprise.
Walls of Books – Oviedo
Owned by a retired Air Force couple, Walls of Books has been part of the community since 2019. Co-owner Jennifer O’Neal-Rojas, who read on deployments and long flights, dreamed of opening a shop with her husband, Abdon—and made it happen. Today, Walls of Books offers both new and used titles, regular discounts, and a generous trade-in program that keeps shelves fresh and inviting.
Dare Books – Longwood
Dare Books, which describes itself as Orlando’s only Black-owned bookstore, has long been a go-to for multicultural titles. The shelves carry everything from religion and business to cookbooks, children’s literature, and cultural works featuring Caribbean, Latino, and African authors. It’s a shop that celebrates diverse voices and invites readers to broaden their shelves.
Best Used Books – Longwood
With 6,000 square feet of books, DVDs, Blu-rays, music, and games, Best Used Books has something for every collector. Beyond thousands of gently used titles, you’ll find comics, graphic novels, manga, magazines, and even rare editions. Family-run since the 1990s, it’s a beloved stop for locals and a favorite discovery for out-of-town book hunters.
Friends of the Seminole Co. Library Bookstore – Casselberry
You’ll find this little shop inside the Central Branch Library, where every purchase goes right back into the community. The shelves are always changing, with books, magazines, audiobooks, and DVDs up for grabs. Proceeds support the Seminole County Public Library system—helping fund things like 3D printers, birding backpacks, special events, and even book donations to groups in need.
Barnes and Noble – Altamonte Springs
Inside the Altamonte Springs Mall, Barnes & Noble offers one of the biggest selections of new books in Orlando North. The shelves stretch from bestsellers to vinyl records to children’s toys, and the Starbucks café inside makes it easy to linger with a seasonal drink. Parents often stop by on Sundays for Storytime, where kids can enjoy live readings. And if you’re a Nook user, connecting to the store’s Wi-Fi gives you access to a rotating collection of free eBooks.
Seminole County’s bookstores are full of character, from Sanford’s indie gems to Oviedo’s family-friendly stops. Whether you’re after a BookTok hit or a one-of-a-kind find, Orlando North is a place where every reader feels at home. Looking for more trip ideas, local tips, and hidden gems? Follow us on social media @DoOrlandoNorth and start planning your coolest vacation yet.
