Mother-daughter duo opens charming new hangout spot to St. Pete with books, board games, wine, and community vibes: The Book Lounge. The new spot for book lovers at 631 Central Avenue will officially open on November 8.
A brand-new literary hideaway is coming to downtown St. Pete, and it’s anything but ordinary. Opening this November at 631 Central Avenue, The Book Lounge invites readers, gamers, and snack lovers alike to slow down, settle in, and savor every moment.
This unique lounge-meets-book-nook is the creation of mother-daughter duo Natalya Calleja and her 18-year-old daughter, Pamela, a high school senior and soon-to-be University of South Florida St. Pete student. Together, they’re turning their love for stories and community into a space that blends books, bites, and board games in one warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Concept rendering via The Book Lounge
The Book Lounge is your new favorite book nook
“The Book Lounge is an extension of a dream that started a year ago,” said Calleja. “We launched Pages & Roses first—a small business where we curated Blind Dates with Books. Now, we’ve grown that idea into something you can walk into, something you can feel.”
Inside the 1,500-square-foot space, guests will find soft lighting, curated bookshelves, cozy reading corners, and wine on tap. The vibe is casual and comforting—like a living room that serves frosé.
Guests can browse a handpicked selection of romantic and fantastical fiction, build their own charcuterie boards, sip on seasonal drinks, and dive into a wide array of board games. Whether you’re flying solo with a good book or showing up with friends for game night, it’s a space meant to linger in.
“There’s no rush here,” Calleja said. “We want people to slow down, savor the moment, and stay awhile.”
A carefully curated reading experience
The lounge’s book selection leans into cozy fantasy, spicy romance, romantasy adventures, and uplifting love stories. Expect trending titles, hidden gems, swoon-worthy debuts, and beloved backlist reads—all paired perfectly with a cup of tea or glass of wine.
There’s also a Book Matchmaking Help Desk, where staff will help you find your perfect read, or surprise you with a Blind Date with a Book.
This new community hangout spot will be a paradise for board game enthusiasts
Eat, sip, and play on the 600 Block
Visitors can build their own snack boards from a mix of cheeses, fruits, sweets, and other goodies. The drink menu features wine by the glass or bottle, rotating teas, and seasonal specialties like frosé.
For game lovers, The Book Lounge offers a curated collection of quick-play classics (Uno, Scrabble), group party favorites, and strategy staples like Catan, Carcassonne, and Wingspan.
A relaxing community hub
The Book Lounge isn’t just a cozy café, it’s a space designed for connection. Expect regular events like book bedazzling nights, cozy reading parties, board game tournaments, and book club meetups.
“There’s something magical about being in a space that invites you to linger and connect,” Calleja said. “That’s what we’re creating—a little bit of magic, a whole lot of heart.”
The Book Lounge
Grand Opening: November 8
631 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg