Circle Books closes after 13 years

Circle Books has closed after 13 years on St. Armands Circle.

The independent book seller was the Circle's only book store and was popular with both local and best-selling national authors for book signings.

The Longboat Observer was unable to immediately reach owner Eric Lamboley for comment. He opened the store with business partner Deb Stowell in 1999, although he was the sole owner at the time of its closing.

Author H. Terrell “Terry” Griffin, a Longboat Key resident who has published seven mystery novels, called the closing a “terrible blow” for local authors.

“Circle Books had just become an institution in the 13 years it was there,” he said.

For more information, pick up a Sept. 27 copy of the Longboat Observer.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].