Indie Bookstore

MacIntosh Books+Paper.

SANIBEL, FL

WWW.MACINTOSHBOOKS.COM

FEATURED INDIE BOOKSTORE

BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT YOURSELF AND MACINTOSH BOOKS

MB: MacIntosh Books was established in 1960 on a sleepy island in Southwest Florida, one of the first dozen businesses, in fact, and has grown and changed with the island and its inhabitants. A former Michigander, turned Floridian, I (Rebecca Binkowski) purchased MacIntosh in 2017 after being a bookseller for MANY years at multiple island bookstores.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN A BOOKSTORE?

MB: I found my passion early on and love the magic moments that take place in the shop every day. Connecting books and people is a terrific way to spend the day. It's very satisfying! People feel very nostalgic about MacIntosh and I love to hear the stories of past visits.

WAS A BOOKSTORE A MAJOR NEED IN YOUR AREA?

MB: When I moved to Sanibel in 1995, it had 3 well-established bookstores and a successful private library. We’re a very literary community and host many authors and events. Two of those bookstores have since closed and another has popped up. We’re very lucky to be in an area that supports books and community, and we also put great effort into satisfying the bookish needs of those traveling to the area.

WHAT KIND OF READING TRENDS DO YOU SEE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS?

MB: My customer base is a mix of local families and retirees, along with gobs of tourists. We sell historical novels, mysteries and children’s classics more than anything else, but we stock a highlycurated selection of nearly every genre.

WHAT OTHER SERVICES AND/OR PRODUCTS DO YOU PROVIDE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS?

MB: Stationery and gifts are a large part of our business, too. Puzzles and games, beautiful writing supplies. I’m always looking for the unique and extraordinary!

As a community gathering space, it's important to keep looking for new and fun ways to gather. In the past we’ve offered painting parties, charcuterie classes, and writing workshops. We’ve even hosted a Neighborhood Project. I see lots more offerings in our future.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT OWNING AND WORKING IN AN INDIE BOOKSTORE?

MB: Books are a great vehicle for human connection and interaction. The world needs more of that!

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE OF INDIE BOOKSTORES WILL LOOK LIKE?

MB: Ours is a fragile business and that isn’t going to change without proper publisher support and protective legislation. That being said, I don’t believe that brick and mortar bookstores will ever go away. We’re a passionate and resilient bunch and our communities need what we have to offer. We’ll keep finding a way to make ends meet.