Palm Beach, Florida, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, luxurious estates, and upscale shopping. But beyond the allure of designer boutiques and five-star restaurants lies a hidden world of literary treasures waiting to be discovered¹. Tucked away on less-traveled streets and in quiet corners of this affluent island are rare book stores that offer a glimpse into the past and a chance to unearth one-of-a-kind literary gems². This captivating contrast between opulence and the understated charm of these book havens adds another layer to the allure of Palm Beach.

While Palm Beach may not have an abundance of “hidden” rare book stores in the traditional sense, it boasts several noteworthy establishments that cater to discerning bibliophiles and house unique collections³. This article delves into ten such bookstores, based on extensive research of online resources, local forums, and expert recommendations³.

Raptis Rare Books

Established by Matthew and Adrienne Raptis, Raptis Rare Books has garnered a reputation for its impressive collection of first editions, signed copies, and significant works across various disciplines³. Located on Worth Avenue, this bookstore moved from a charming Italianate villa in Vermont to be closer to its clientele and enjoy the warm Florida weather⁵. Stepping into Raptis Rare Books is like “walking into a dream,” with comfortable library chairs, complimentary espresso and cappuccinos, and an ambiance that encourages exploration and discovery⁵.

Raptis Rare Books specializes in a wide array of subjects, including:

• Literature ⁶
• Children’s books ⁶
• Economics ⁶
• Photo books ⁶
• Americana ⁷
• Art and Architecture ⁷
• Autograph Letters Signed ⁷
• Biography and Autobiography ⁷

The store boasts an impressive collection of rare books, including a first edition of “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and a first edition of “To Kill a Mockingbird” inscribed by Harper Lee⁸. In 2022, Raptis Rare Books acquired The Harcourt Bindery, the oldest and largest book bindery in the United States, further demonstrating their commitment to book preservation and history⁹.

While some reviewers note that prices may be higher compared to other booksellers, Raptis Rare Books maintains a 5-star rating on Abebooks and is praised for its exceptional condition books and customer service⁴.

Classic Bookshop

For those seeking a more traditional bookstore experience, Classic Bookshop is an excellent choice¹⁰. Located on South County Road, this independent bookstore has been a cornerstone of the Palm Beach community for over 40 years¹⁰. Classic Bookshop is a New York Times reporting store and a charter member of the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA)¹⁰.

While it primarily focuses on new books, Classic Bookshop offers a wide selection of titles across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, biography, history, and more¹¹. The store has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to its customers, even prevailing against competition from Barnes and Noble by focusing on specialized customer service¹².

The Palm Beach Book Store

Founded in 1989 by Candice Cohen, The Palm Beach Book Store is another gem for book enthusiasts¹³. This store specializes in a diverse collection of works, with a focus on:

• Architecture ¹³
• Interior design ¹³
• Fashion ¹³
• Jewelry ¹³
• Children’s books ¹³

The Palm Beach Book Store also boasts an outstanding selection of biographies, history, and fiction¹³. It is known for its loyal clientele of locals, architects, and interior designers, making it a unique and vibrant literary hub¹³. The Palm Beach Book Store also hosts events, further solidifying its role as an active participant in the local literary scene¹³. Notably, it is one of only five bookstores in the country hand-selected by Rizzoli to have a special Rizzoli section, showcasing its unique offerings and curated selection¹⁴.

Liberty Book Store ABAA FABA IOBA

Located in Jupiter, with offices in Jupiter, Florida, just north of Palm Beach, Liberty Book Store is an online and by-appointment antiquarian bookstore that specializes in rare and interesting books¹⁵. Their primary interests include:

• The American Antebellum period ¹⁷
• Association copies ¹⁷
• Automotive ¹⁷
• Books with a story ¹⁷
• Floridiana ¹⁷
• Maritime history ¹⁷
• RR Donnelley bindings ¹⁷
• Books of exceptional beauty or scarcity ¹⁷

Liberty Book Store is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA), the Florida Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (FABA), and the Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA)¹⁷. It’s important to note that Liberty Book Store does not maintain set hours and visits are by appointment only¹⁷.

The Accidental Bookseller, IOBA, FABA

Based in Boca Raton, The Accidental Bookseller is another online bookstore specializing in interesting and uncommon books in excellent condition¹⁸. They focus on:

• Signed books ¹⁹
• Modern first editions ¹⁹
• Poetry ¹⁹
• Economics ¹⁹
• American history ¹⁹
• Scholarly books ¹⁹

The Accidental Bookseller is a member of both the IOBA and FABA¹⁹. They have a 5-star rating on Biblio.com and are praised for their accurate descriptions and conservative grading standards¹⁹. Customers can make an appointment to view their inventory in person¹⁹.

Exploring Beyond Palm Beach’s Shores

While our focus is on Palm Beach, venturing beyond the island reveals other noteworthy rare and specialist bookstores. This exploration takes us north and further inland, offering a glimpse into the diverse literary landscape of Florida.

• Bouvier Maps & Prints (St. Augustine): Located on Aviles Street in St. Augustine, this store offers a unique collection of antique maps, rare books, and old prints, making it a treasure trove for history buffs²⁰.
• Chamblin Bookmine (Jacksonville): With over two million books, Chamblin Bookmine is the largest bookstore in the Southeast²¹. They buy, sell, and trade books across all genres and formats²¹.

Connecting with the Local Literary Community

For those interested in further exploring the rare book scene in Palm Beach, consider reaching out to the following resources:

• Palm Beach County Library: The library system offers a wealth of resources for book lovers, including book clubs, author events, and access to online databases like NoveList Plus, which can help you find your next favorite read²².
• Historical Society of Palm Beach County: The historical society may have information on rare book stores or collections in the area²³.
• Florida Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (FABA): FABA is a membership organization that promotes the buying and selling of rare and collectible books in Florida²⁴. Their website provides a directory of member booksellers throughout the state²⁵.

You can contact the Palm Beach County Library at (561) 233-2600 and the Historical Society of Palm Beach County at 561.832.4164²³.

Conclusion

Palm Beach offers a unique blend of luxury and literary charm. While the spotlight often shines on its upscale shopping and dining, the hidden rare book stores provide a welcome escape for those seeking a different kind of treasure. From first editions and signed copies to historical maps and unique collections, these stores offer a glimpse into the world of rare and collectible books.

The diversity of these bookstores caters to a variety of interests, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Palm Beach itself. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of Raptis Rare Books, the traditional charm of Classic Bookshop, or the specialized collections of The Palm Beach Book Store, there’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

These bookstores not only offer literary treasures but also contribute to the cultural landscape of Palm Beach. They provide a space for book lovers to connect, explore, and appreciate the written word. By venturing off the beaten path and exploring these hidden gems, book lovers can discover a new appreciation for the literary treasures that Palm Beach has to offer.

For those eager to delve deeper into the world of rare books, the Palm Beach County Library, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, and the Florida Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association offer valuable resources and connections.

Store Name	Location	Specialties	Contact
Raptis Rare Books	Worth Avenue	First editions, signed copies, landmark books in all fields, Americana, Art and Architecture, Autograph Letters Signed, Biography and Autobiography	(561) 508-3479
Classic Bookshop	South County Road	New books, wide selection across genres	(561) 655-2485
The Palm Beach Book Store	Royal Poinciana Way	Architecture, interior design, fashion, jewelry, children’s books, biographies, history, fiction	(561) 659-6700
Liberty Book Store ABAA FABA IOBA	Jupiter	American Antebellum period, association copies, automotive, Floridiana, maritime history, RR Donnelley bindings, books of exceptional beauty or scarcity	(561) 906-5399
The Accidental Bookseller, IOBA, FABA	Boca Raton	Signed books, modern first editions, poetry, economics, American history, scholarly books	theaccidentalbookseller@gmail.com
Bouvier Maps & Prints	St. Augustine	Antique maps, rare books, old prints	(904) 825-0920
Chamblin Bookmine	Jacksonville	New and used books across all genres and formats	(904) 807-0344

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