Books on Third: Naples’ Newest Literary Gem
Naples’ literary scene is about to welcome a new chapter. This week, Books on Third opens its doors in the Balcony Boutiques along historic Third Street South. Founded by two friends with a shared love of books and design, the store promises more than a place to shop — it’s envisioned as a gathering space where conversations spark, ideas flow, and the community comes together. Ahead of their opening, we sat down with the co-founders to talk about their journey to Naples, the inspiration behind the shop, and the books currently on their nightstands.
Kindred Spirits in a New Chapter
Lindsay, who spent her formative years in St. Augustine before making Naples her home for more than two decades, and Shan, who relocated from Calgary in 2018 for her husband’s work, first connected through the rhythms of their children’s lives. What began as casual exchanges on the sidelines quietly evolved into a partnership grounded in shared values and complementary vision—a foundation that would soon give rise to a venture neither had anticipated but both embraced with clarity and purpose.
“I always wanted to open a bookstore—kind of in a dreamy way, not in a real way,” Lindsay told me.
“But my kids knew that, and one day my son said, ‘Have you ever thought about doing it with Shan?’” One long walk, several hours of conversation, and cups of coffee later, that seed had begun to grow. As Shan puts it, “You can only go into business in this intense entrepreneurial way with a solid foundation of a strong friendship and connection.” Their trust, tested through vacations, carpentry projects, and late nights of planning, is the backbone of their venture.
Beyond Books: A Cultural Haven
From the outset, Books on Third was meant to be more than a retail shelf—you’ll find programming, community connection, and space to pause built into the blueprint. Lindsay, who spent years homeschooling and organizing events, is deeply committed to nurturing the social side of the shop. Story times, author talks, and workshops are already in the works. Shan imagines writing intensives and a “library” corner, complete with a cozy, living-room–style seating where you might spend an hour lost in a volume.
They see change as part of the delight: “You come opening week … maybe the next week you’ll find something totally different,” Shan says.
The inventory will include more than just bestseller racks. A robust children’s section sits alongside curated art, architecture, and travel coffee-table books. Local designers, artists, and makers are deeply woven into the story: from branding and design to the shelves themselves, “we want to feature local authors, local artists, local designers,” Shan told me. In keeping with their vision, Books on Third will offer gifts such as bookmarks, reading glasses, and other finely curated touches—elements that, in their words, make a bookstore feel like something you want to return to again and again.
Crafting Space with Intention
Bringing their vision to life, Shan and Lindsay quickly learned that entrepreneurship often means “having 18 plates spinning at once.” From coordinating design details to selecting fixtures, finishes, and furnishings, they crafted a space that feels intentional, artful, and welcoming.
From the verdant bookshelves that frame the walls to a miniature wooden door that beckons little readers into the children’s section, every corner of the store reflects Shan and Lindsay’s careful design and vision. Each element contributes to a magical, immersive atmosphere, guided by their aesthetic of “Midcentury modern meets Palm Beach.” Clean lines and polished finishes play against a tropical palette of blush, palm greens, and black-and-white flooring. Decorative art, living plants, and floral touches soften the edges. Even the restroom is a “tropical pink oasis,” Lindsay says.
Views over Third Street South bring light and air into the shop. From some angles, the layout leads your eye into corners that feel like hidden reading nooks. All of it invites slow discovery.
What We’re Reading, What We’re Recommending
When you ask Shan and Lindsay for current reads, their choices reflect both main-street ease and deeper literary appetites.
Shan leans toward approachable reads: These Summer Storms (beachy family drama with romance), Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice (clean teen romance).
Lindsay leans into memoir and human story: All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert, Awake by Jen Hatmaker. She also recommends Buckeye, a sprawling fictional tale of two intertwined families.
These selections offer a small window into the atmosphere they hope the store conveys—welcoming, nuanced, and resonant.
Why It Matters
In a city that prizes beauty, calm, and small-batch luxury, Books on Third feels like a natural addition. Independent bookstores are increasingly rare, and this one arrives not as a throwback, but as an intentional contemporary space poised to become a cultural hub for Naples.
As the city evolves, neighbors and readers will walk up the stairs above Tony’s off Third to find a space where they can linger, chat, write, and discover. For Shan and Lindsay, this is their second chapter—but the chapter they say is the most exciting yet.
Discover Books on Third, Naples’ newest independent bookstore on historic Third Street South. Founded by two friends who share a passion for books and design, this inviting space blends literary charm with community spirit. Read our exclusive interview with the founders about their vision, inspiration, and favorite reads.
