About us

Our story

We believe the best stories are meant to be shared, whether they’re found on the page or poured into a glass. Our space brings together a thoughtfully curated selection of books and wines, inviting you to slow down, discover something new, and savor the experience.

Rooted in community and connection, The Books Cellar is a gathering place for curious minds and kindred spirits. From intimate book clubs to lively tastings, everything we do is designed to spark conversation, celebrate creativity, and create moments that linger long after the last page is turned.

Meet The Team

Sandra Madigan Co-owner

Sandra Madigan was born in Bolivia, South America, and has carried a love of discovery with her ever since. A passion for well-chosen wine, books that challenge the way you see the world, and conversation that lingers long after the last pour has shaped everything she does. Her Catholic faith grounds her approach to life: with intention, hospitality, and a genuine belief that community is built one shared experience at a time. An avid traveler, Sandra finds inspiration in the vineyards of Bordeaux, the bookshops of London, and the small, unexpected moments that make a trip unforgettable. The Books Cellar is her love letter to Jacksonville, a space where curious minds and good wine always have a seat at the table.

Patrick Madigan - Co-Owner

Co-owner Patrick Madigan is a Jacksonville native and proud Florida man. Patrick is a US Army veteran and graduate of the University of Florida with both a degree in Architecture and a master’s degree in Building Construction. Following a stint as a middle school teacher at San Jose Catholic school, he started his own food company, Madigan Craft and Custom, to begin production of a line of crafted hot sauces under the brand name Mad Jax Hot Sauce. The Boks Cellar is the culmination of a long time dream to open a brick-and- mortar shop. And while it is not his ideal of an Irish Pub, a coIee shop/book store/wine bar is a pretty good compromise. He hopes that The Books Cellar becomes a place where the neighborhood can come in and relax as if they were at a friend’s house.

LUKE SHAFFER - MANAGER

Luke was born at Joint Andrews Base in Maryland and bounced around the country as a child before settling back in MD for high school. He studied at Virginia Tech and UMUC and joined the restaurant industry at 20. Luke worked in every role available at various restaurants in Maryland, Virginia, and here in Jacksonville before joining the mortgage industry immediately following the '08 housing crisis. He spent 15 years in mortgage and mortgage tech at Lender Processing services, Black Knight, and briefly Intercontinental Exchange. Luke is excited to share his dry humor, ecclectic taste in fiction, and rapidly expanding wine knowledge with anyone willing to listen.

Mandy Heaton - Head Librarian

Mandy was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but has lived in Jacksonville since age 5, mostly in Mandarin until after high school. She has been a Jaguars fan since the day the city learned we got the team. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and then obtained her Master's Degree in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University. Mandy worked at Florida Blue (formerly Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida) for 20 years before leaving to become a librarian with the Jacksonville Public Library system at the Dallas Graham, Bill Brinton Murray Hill, and Webb-Wesconnett branches. She is a champagne connoisseur, but also loves most white wines and a really good pinot noir.

Carolina - Social Media / Barista

Hi! I’m Carolina Bettega Feitoza! I’m a senior at Bishop Kenny High School, a dancer, and the Social Media Coordinator and Barista at The Books Cellar. I’m originally from Brazil, and I love getting to bring a little bit of my culture and background into everything I do. When I’m not at school or work, I love reading, going to the beach with my friends, and spending time with my family and friends. I’m also Miss Sweetheart BK! I love getting to be creative through social media and being part of the Books Cellar community.

Giovanna -Coffee menu curator / Barista

Giovanna is a Barista and Menu Curator here at The Books Cellar, and she's thrilled to be part of the team! Originally from Brazil, she has grown up moving around the U.S., but is an alumni of Bishop Kenny High School here in Jacksonville, Fl. Outside of work, she's a third-year undergraduate at Florida State University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Neuroscience with plans to attend medical school after graduation. She currently works in a neuroscience research lab on campus, studying the effects of maternal diet on neurological development, and serves as a trainee emergency responder on campus.

Sofia - Barista / Vinyl curator

Hi! My name is Sofia, and I’m a student at Bishop Kenny High School. I have a lot of customer service experience and really enjoy meeting new people and making others feel welcome. Outside of work and school, I’m a cheerleader and enjoy volunteering in my community. I recently got into reading and love spending time at the beach, watching rom-coms, and hanging out with my friends, family, and pets. I’m friendly, hardworking, and always excited to learn new things and take on new experiences!

Sean - Tech Support / Barista

Sean was born and raised in Jacksonville, graduating high school at Bishop Kenny, and is currently majoring in Ecology at USF's St. Petersburg campus. Sean spent 2 years in high school working at a restaurant, before becoming an intern for Black Knight Inc (and later the Intercontinental Exchange) as a junior software developer, and is currently interning at the Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation as a husbandry and horticulture intern. Sean is happy to share his knowledge of arthropods and native plants with anyone interested, but is also happy to chat about almost anything.