THIRD PLACES Margo Hammond Discovers The Book Lounge

In this episode of THIRD PLACES, Lunchtime Conversations host Nanette Wiser asked correspondent Margo Hammond to help cover this beat. Hammond discovered a new downtown St. Pete serving up connection, reading, games and conversation over sips and sups - The Book Lounge. 
👉THIRD PLACES are informal public gathering spots like cafes, parks, libraries, and community centers where people can socialize and connect outside of home and work. Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, these spaces are crucial for building community, fostering social connections, and providing a sense of belonging. Examples range from traditional social hubs like pubs and diners to modern virtual spaces and free locations like parks and plazas.  
👉Natalya Calleja and her daughter, Pamela, a University of South Florida St. Pete student, are the owners and creators of The Book Lounge, a 1,500-square-foot book space at 631 Central Avenue that had its grand opening on November 8. The idea for the Book Lounge sprang from the first collaboration between this mother/daughter team: Pages & Roses, a small business that offered curated Blind Dates with Books. At the Book Lounge, customers can also come in for a blind date with a book (owners will choose a book at random from their on-site, fiction-only bookshelves). Or they can choose just to read, relax or play games (game boards provided) in the Book Lounge’s cozy reading corners. There is a bar offering up wine on tap or by the bottle, teas, frosé and boards of charcuterie, cheese and fruit. Also soon on the menu will be book events that support local fiction authors. 

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