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Ending With No Silver Linings

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By KATHY STEELE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 24, 2008

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS - Books, books and more books are stacked on shelves rising toward the ceiling, almost tumbling from cardboard boxes and scattered in piles across the shop's floor.

Neighbors with time to spare browse through the jumble of old and out-of-print tomes looking for something special or unexpected.
Two doors down, an eclectic mix of gifts and decor for home and garden await inspection. On occasion, artisans demonstrate their crafts and local artists show their work.

Tampa Antiquarian Books and Silver Linings started as new beginnings for their owners in a row of 1920s buildings, nestled into the neighborhood along the wide, tree-lined expanse of Central Avenue.

By the end of November both shops will be closed. Their owners say they can't afford the rent.

Stephanie Beckel plans to move her bookstore to 14805 N. Florida Ave., between Bearss and Fletcher avenues.

"It's time to turn the page," said Beckel, who moved back to Tampa in 2005 after nearly 10 years in Denver.

She and her father, Jake, bought more than 40,000 rare and collectible books from Bob and Jimi Kaiser and opened the Seminole Heights bookstore, 6116 N. Central Ave., in 2005. The Kaisers managed Tampa Antiquarian & Collectibles on Armenia Avenue in West Tampa for more than 18 years.

Barbara Cloud-Weisman has no plans to relocate her gift shop, 6112 N. Central Ave., which opened in 2006. At some point, she might open a shop with more gallery space.

She is a retired special education teacher who always wanted a shop that showcased artists. Handicrafts and other gifts for sale are certified fair trade products.

"I absolutely adore the store," she said. "The community is wonderful. It's been a great adventure."

Landlord Dirk Peters said he has increased rents incrementally to cover taxes.

A barbershop and hair studio are staying as tenants.

Replacements have not been lined up for the bookstore and gift shop, but Peters said, "I'm talking with some people."

Beckel's new location is a remodeled office of about 600 square feet, down from the 2,200 square feet she now enjoys.

She will squeeze books onto as many shelves as possible, maybe adding an outside storage pod to increase space. Some books will be sold at an antique mall in Lake City.

About 7,500 of the oldest books will go on the Internet, where she does most of her business.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Tampa Antiquarian Books

WHERE: 6116 N. Central Ave.

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

CONTACT: (813) 234-0100

WHAT: Silver Linings
WHERE: 6112 N. Central Ave.

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Beginning Oct. 5, the shop also will open from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays

CONTACT: (813) 231-3300

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 259-7652 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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