A new bookstore is coming to South Tampa, opening Oct. 1. Thee Hen House Bookstore is a used bookstore in a converted house at 3603 W. Azeele St.
Thee Hen House will be a bookstore where people can buy, trade or donate books. While the store opens Oct. 1, its grand opening will be Oct. 17.
The shop is cashless, but it accepts credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal and Zelle. Most books sell for about $10, and some are even free, according to the company.
The shelves are filled directly from donations. Books can be dropped off during opening hours or left in a book bin on the porch.
Customers who bring five books in good condition can receive one free book per visit.
Books must be in good condition. The store does not accept textbooks, guide books, magazines, comics or books with library stamps. Other donation guidelines can be found on the bookstore’s website.
Thee Hen House will always accept fiction books and award-winning reads.
Alongside the books, the house has a light coffee program and space for customers to gather.
The owner told That’s So Tampa that the city has no shortage of independent bookstores, but none selling used books sourced directly from local readers. The interior design leans into the store’s name. Knitted hens are part of the decor, while a mural by artist Jujmo on an exterior wall draws on chickens and mahjong with a South Tampa twist.
The bookstore is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Private events are also available and can be held after hours.
The bookstore has completed its new roofing and ceilings, and the books have been shelved and the company's social media said Thee Hen House is now preparing for its grand opening, with readers able to follow along on the bookstore’s social media pages.
