Our Story
The idea that eventually became the local bookstore, Jack’s Books, began early one morning in February 2024. Our bookshop was born out of a love for great books, excitement over Florence's burgeoning historic downtown, and our disappointment with the utter lack of local bookstores in Florence.
That is how the idea began, but it is not where the story begins. For that we must turn further back and enter a story whose themes have echoed throughout human history. It is a story of human brokenness, tragic loss, and the beauty of redemption and restoration. You can find more on that part of the story on this podcast episode.
When we decided to open a bookstore in downtown Florence, we knew it had to be something special. We wanted the people who would (hopefully) come to our store to step into a different world and experience the beauty of a space that was designed to fit the magic of reading. To our delight, customers have since compared it to stepping through the wardrobe in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.
What we didn’t realize in the beginning was how amazingly enthusiastic and supportive our community would be. It turns out there are still many, many people who value community, the tangible, embodied world, and the irreplicable experience of browsing a collection of books in a little bookstore.
There is one thing that may be misleading about this page and its title— namely, the idea that our story is somehow complete. In truth, it has only just begun. If you’ve been before or are a regular, thank you for being part of our story. If you haven’t made it yet, here is your invitation to become a part of it.
