After more than two years of recovery and rebuilding following the devastation of Hurricane Ian, Annette’s Beach Book Nook is celebrating its grand reopening at a new location in the Santini Marina Plaza, Fort Myers Beach. The event will take place on January 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., marking a significant milestone in the beloved bookstore’s journey back to serving the community.
When Hurricane Ian struck on September 28, 2022, Annette Stillson’s bookstore was flooded, and she lost approximately 5,000 books. Determined to rebuild, Stillson began restocking by donating her own personal book collection and crowd-sourcing inventory from supporters nationwide. Today, the store boasts an even larger inventory than before, thanks to the generosity of people across the country who sent thousands of books. Among the donations is a 1936 first-edition copy of Gone with the Wind, which is now available for $350.
The bookstore’s new location within the plaza is between The Islander gift shop and Leani’s Casual and Swimwear.
The reopening celebration promises to be a special event. About 24 local authors will sell their books both inside and outside the store. In a gesture of gratitude, Stillson is allowing the authors to keep 100% of their profits during the event. Stillson’s simple pricing model makes books affordable: most used hardbacks are priced at $5, and paperbacks are 50% off the listed price.
Stillson expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the store’s recovery:
“I feel blessed. I didn’t expect it. People from all over the country sent books, dropped them off at my house, or mailed them to the store. I ended up with more books than I started with.”
She also credited Yariv Shaked, the plaza’s owner, for his support. Shaked built the bookcases in the new store, providing vital assistance during the rebuilding process.
“It’s important to have a bookstore up and running,” Shaked said. “There aren’t many bookstores in Southwest Florida. People love the bookstore because you can find something you won’t find anywhere else.”
Annette’s Beach Book Nook is located in the Santini Marina Plaza at 7205 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. The store is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The inventory includes books for all interests, with many rare and vintage finds.
Annette’s Beach Book Nook is more than just a bookstore — it’s a testament to the resilience of the Fort Myers Beach community. Join the celebration on January 18 to support a local treasure, meet talented authors, and browse a diverse collection of books that continue to inspire and bring joy to readers.
