Midnight Moon Books is Embracing Physical Book-lover Culture in a Digital Age

By Gabriella Palomo

St. Augustine’s new bookstore, Midnight Moon Books and Boutique, is offering a new and cozy space on King Street for a growing community to support local small businesses. Co-owners Alison Bender and Melissa Hunt were overwhelmed at the support that they received upon opening. “We didn’t realize how big the community was until they came to us,” Hunt said.

Bender and Hunt opened the store with hopes of catering to as many people as possible, designing the space as an inviting environment with cushioned seats and tall bookshelves. They wanted their bookstore to be an inviting place where people felt that they belonged.

“Whether you’re a local, a student, or a tourist just passing through town, we wanted it to feel like a cozy living room — a space where you’re free to hang out as long as you want,” Bender said.

The question is: What is it about physical books in a digital age that attracts people? Bender and Hunt claim that books are actually becoming cool again.

“I think in an age where we rely so much on technology, it’s actually nice to have something physical in your hands that won’t break or die if you don’t charge it,” Bender said.

“Having a physical copy and feeling the pages between our fingers is reliving those moments from the book all over again. Placing them on our shelves is like hanging a picture frame of a memory we don’t want to forget,” Hunt said.

While people have become more conscious of the issues that advanced technology brings to social lives, reading is an escape for those that seek entertainment outside of streaming and scrolling. Bender and Hunt have witnessed friendships that are created by stories inside of their store.

“You can be from completely different worlds, have different backgrounds, be different genders, race or sexuality, but you can connect with someone just because you read the same book,” Bender said.

The inescapable community feel of the store makes for the perfect example of why small businesses should be advocated for. The store brings another level of community-building by hosting book signings for local authors looking to showcase and sell their work.

“We have come to learn so much about the struggles the authors and artisans go through just to be seen, and we really want to create those opportunities for them,” Bender said.

An event is hosted at Midnight Moon almost every other weekend. Through friends, family, customers and their social media team, Midnight Moon is encouraging anyone and everyone to come together.

“It’s a happy place to be, that’s for sure,” Hunt said.