Congratulations to Vero Beach Book Center in Vero Beach, Fla., which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The bookstore, founded by Tom and Linda Leonard in 1975, is now entering its third generation of family ownership, continuing a legacy of literary advocacy, nationally recognized author events, and meaningful community engagement.
"For 50 years, we've welcomed readers and authors into our store as if into our home," said Chad Leonard, owner and manager. "We're honored to carry that tradition forward with the next generation."
Vero Beach Book Center has hosted an impressive lineup of guests over the decades, including Presidents George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter, cultural icons like Julie Andrews and Andy Williams, and bestselling authors James Patterson, Nicholas Sparks, Jodi Picoult, Lisa Jewell, David Baldacci, and many more. Children's authors and illustrators--including Jan Brett, Marc Brown, and Henry Winkler--have left their mark on the store, quite literally, by adorning its walls with original illustrations.
"We're a space where authors feel at home, conversations flow, and events become something memorable. These are shared experiences that stay with our community long after the chairs are folded," Chad Leonard observed.
"As the retail landscape continues to shift, Vero Beach Book Center stands out as a success story for independent bookstores," the bookshop noted. "While many independent bookstores have struggled to survive in the age of online shopping, this family-run business continues to thrive, thanks to its deep community roots, loyal customers, robust event calendar, and warm, in-person experiences that can't be replicated online."