Discover literary treasures for yourself or that special someone in these neighborhood gems.
Located directly across from renowned Eastern Market, this Capitol Hill mainstay has been the neighborhood’s go-to for used books since 1991. Its founder, Bill Kerr, set a high standard for incoming treasures that the store still maintains. Since Bill’s passing in 1994, Capitol Hill Books has since expanded to a second floor to accommodate its wealth of used books from all genres. Wandering your way through the store’s many rooms can be its own adventure. Peruse nail-biters in the Mystery Room, glance at obscure biographies in the Cultural Closet or head to the Weird Section for that tale that keeps lights on late into the night.
The cafe-bookstore hybrid, famously the first of its kind in the District when it opened in 1976, is located in Dupont Circle and has been repeatedly referred to as an “institution” over the years. Enjoy craft cocktails and beer while reading one of your favorite authors. Set in a glass-covered sunroom with a garage door, the cafe oozes coziness and offers a delicious bistro-inspired seasonal menu. Kramers also hosts readings, tastings and other events.
With three locations in the District, Politics & Prose has made a name for itself as a hotbed for literary types. Discussions and readings from acclaimed and celebrity authors are held frequently, so make sure to check the calendar before your visit. The incredibly knowledgeable staff is always open to conversation and to help you with your book-purchasing decision, whether it’s for yourself or a friend. Shopping for younger ones? No worries, because there’s a large section devoted to books for children and teens.
Little District
Tucked into Barracks Row Main Street is a place that makes the busy District feel a bit smaller: Little District Books. All titles, gifts and community-facing events share the mission of uplifting authors and creators across a full spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities. Readers can attend author talks, bring the whole family to kids' events, take part in the annual Lavender Con or opt to join one of a number of book clubs, which explore topics such as Queer Joy, Found Family, Queer Fear and Seminal Works. For anyone overwhelmed by perusing the shelves, a subscription box or curated surprise box are excellent ways to support an independent bookstore and discover Queer stories.
Used and rare books from nearly every category imaginable can be tracked down at The Lantern, located just off of Wisconsin Avenue in historic Georgetown. Donated materials are all that you will find, but the range of choices is staggering. Books on antiques and philosophy will be on the shelves, as well as sheet music. Of course, dramatic novels and children’s books can be found as well. And if you’re looking for a soundtrack to your reading session, The Lantern offers both vinyl and CDs. The store has an excellent selection of operas and classical music to go along with pop, jazz and folk albums as well. True vinyl nuts will dig the assorted 78s.
Nestled in the heart of the Dupont Circle neighborhood, Second Story Books is renowned for its immense collection of used and rare books, so your chances of uncovering a treasure are high. Its vast library contains voluminous collections and valuable books from authors both famous and under the literary radar, and don’t miss out on the Rare Book Room and regular sidewalk sales. A special twist: Allan Stypeck, Second Story’s owner, is an accredited appraiser of personal property, fine art and antiquities. Make an inquiry at the Rockville, Md. store and you may realize you’re holding on to a gem.
Located in the historic Anacostia neighborhood, MahoganyBooks is an independent bookstore dedicated to sharing literature “written for, by, or about people of the African Diaspora.” What began as an online-only store more than a decade ago has blossomed into a nationally renowned brick-and-mortar shop inside the Anacostia Arts Center that plays host to community book events featuring African American authors.
This independent, women-owned bookstore on Capitol Hill – one block south of Eastern Market – is your go-to place for everything from book clubs to author events. Founded by local bibliophile Laurie Gillman after the shuttering of a neighborhood bookstore, the quaint space takes you back to the days when staff picks and community connections made bookstores feel so special.
Loyalty Bookstore
At this neighborhood bookstore, owners Hannah Oliver Depp and Christine Bollow focus on curating titles, stationery, home goods and programming that reflect the colorful and diverse communities of Petworth and Silver Spring. If you're looking for a particularly fun way to engage with a new book from a writer in the BIPOC, queer or disabled community, check out Loyalty's stacked calendar of events or consider its quarterly Leap of Faith surprise box.
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