Our Story

The History Of The Vero Beach Book Center

 

1975

Widely-read entrepreneurs Tom and Linda Leonard decided the beautiful seaside city of Vero Beach, Florida deserved a better bookstore. The young couple wanted to create a place with personality, staffed by avid readers who inspired customers with their love of the printed page. A place that offered the latest bestsellers, a large selection of backlist books and excellent customer service. The Vero Beach Book Center opened its doors in 1975, just steps away from its current location.

1991

Thanks to an extremely loyal customer base and brisk traffic from first-time visitors and out-of-towners, the Vero Beach Book Center outgrew its home and moved to a 12,000 square-foot building on one of the city's busiest corners. The space, triple the size of the original facility, boasted a fiction section that rivals some libraries, ample seating for author events, and room to leisurely browse the wide range of genres.

1997

A Carefully considered selection of books, attentive customer service, and a come-as-you-are atmosphere spurred the Vero Beach Book Center into another phase of expansion. The Leonards bought the building next to the Book Center, increasing retail space to 21,000 square-feet. The first floor houses award-winning Children's Store and the entire second story is devoted to an eclectic collection of remainder and discounted books.

2013:

The Vero Beach Book Center embarks on another journey of matching readers with books. 2013 brought the two Book Center locations together under one roof in what was known as The Children's Store. Keeping the large inventory available to customers was no small task as the Leonards sought to bring together the two buildings. The main floor features bestsellers as well as a great selection of backlist books, non-fiction, cook books, Bibles, religious books, magazines, used books, & more! The second story is full of books, toys, and games for children. Shopping at the Vero Beach Book Center is always a unique & friendly experience!

2015

As the Vero Beach Book Center celebrates 40 years in business, the Leonards again turn to technology to better serve their readers. Their informative website, https://www.verobeachbookcenter.com, features upcoming author events, links to the Book Center's social media pages & blog, as well as information about the store. The store also distributes an online newsletter promoting upcoming author signings and children's events.

2025

As Tom and Linda celebrate the Golden Year of the Book Center, they reflect on the impact and influence that the last 50 years have had on their family and the Vero Beach community. In 1975, they could only dream that their book center would transform into an establishment known throughout the American publishing industry, as well as a beloved cornerstone of the Vero Beach community.

In recent years, the next generation has stepped in to continue the Book Center’s legacy. Tom and Linda’s sons, Chad and Todd, have taken the helm with Chad overseeing operations of the Book Center and Todd assisting with behind-the-scenes website design. Often, customers are greeted by Chad and his wife, Elizabeth, who are always happy to recommend great reads or a thoughtful gift.

It is a special time for this independent bookstore, and Chad believes the store will continue to inspire and remain a fundamental piece of the community. Looking to the future, Chad hopes to continue welcoming world-class authors and introducing new readers to the children's floor.