Beyond Politics: 25 Charming Independent Bookstores in D.C

Beyond Politics: 25 Charming Independent Bookstores in D.C

Washington D.C. has many world-class museums and monumental government buildings that cater to historians. However, I am drawn to independent bookstores where locals and tourists can discover new books. As a person who loves books, it is amazing to see more and more bookstores offering cozy nooks for reading. Even though there is a rise in E-books, local bookstores are able to keep their doors open due to community events.

In this article, I will explore all the independent bookstores in D.C. that are committed to creating a connection between book lovers and authors. With the involvement of book clubs, poetry readings, and author talks bookstores are able to be a community hub. I have also noted all the things that make the stores unique and niche. 

It should be noted that these bookstores are the haven of many book lovers like myself. Whether you are an avid reader or you are starting up the culture, the bookstores listed below are filled with a vast selection of books across genres such as fiction, non-fiction, and timeless classics.

1. Lost City Bookstore

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It is a bookstore that was established in 1981. Lost City Bookstore is owned and operated by a small team of passionate book lovers. It offers a mix of used, new, and rare books across genres such as fiction, romance, and non-fiction. The store is known for having an extensive selection of used and out-of-print books. It hosts events such as author talks, book clubs, and book signings.

The store has an online presence that allows them to reach a bigger audience. Lost City Bookstore is known for its comfortable upstairs area with vintage armchairs. Aside from offering events, the store participates in local events and initiatives.

2. Bards Alley Bookshop

It is a bookstore that offers a curated selection of literature. The store is known for supporting local and global communities. The store serves the community through participating with schools, nonprofits, and local authors. It aims to reflect the surrounding neighborhood with its book selection. Bards Alley Bookshop has over 5,000 titles across genres such as classics and contemporary works. The store is known for hosting story times for children, book clubs, and author appearances. 

3. Bold Fork Books

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It is a bookstore that focuses on the culinary arts. It was founded by Clemintine Thomas and Sam Vasfi. The store has a wide range of books based on cuisines and cooking styles. The store also includes memoirs, essays, and cultural explorations related to food. Bold Fork Books builds a community of home cooks, restaurant professionals, and curious eaters.  The store hosts events such as author talks, cooking demonstrations, and book clubs. 

4. Bridge Street Books

It is an independent bookstore that has an extensive range of books across genres such as fiction, children’s literature, and non-fiction. It particularly focuses on Irish literature and history. The store has a number of nooks and crannies that create a charming atmosphere for browsing. It also hosts events such as children’s story times, author signings, and book clubs. Bridge Street Books has received multiple awards for its contribution to the Irish bookselling industry.

The store is known for actively participating in local events and initiatives which fosters a connection with the community in D.C. Aside from being a great place to relax and enjoy a book, they also have a knowledgeable staff that will help you look for your next binge-worthy book.

5. Capitol Hill Books

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It is a used bookstore that offers three floors of quality used books, first editions, and rare books. It was founded in 1991 by Bill Hahn and it was later purchased by a group of long-term employees. The store has sections dedicated to specific genres such as fiction, science fiction, and cookbooks. Capitol Hill accepts book donations.

6. Busboys and Poets

It was founded in 2005 by artist, activist, and restaurateur Andy Shallal. It is named after Langston Hughes, an American poet who worked as a busboy before achieving literary fame. The store is a restaurant, bookstore, coffee shop, and event space. Busboys and Poets is known for providing for artists, activists, writers, and thinkers to connect and engage with the community.

The store hosts poetry slams, open mic nights, and book discussions. The store is noted for offering competitive benefits and a supportive work environment for its employees. 

7. East City Bookshop

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It is an independent bookstore that was opened in 2016. It is known for being a gathering place for book lovers of all ages. The store hosts events such as author events, book clubs, and book signings. They have a curated selection of books including children’s literature, fiction, non-fiction, and timeless classics. The store also offers art supplies, toys, and gifts. East City Bookshop has a website that offers customers information about upcoming events, book recommendations, and online shopping options.

8. Harambee Books & Artworks

It is a historic independent bookstore that was founded in 1976 by a collective of Black bibliophiles. It is known for being the oldest Black-owned bookstore in the United States. It is named after the Swahili word “Harambee” which means “let us come together.” The store specializes in African American literature and culture. It also offers a wide range of genres such as fiction, non-fiction, and periodicals by and about Black authors.

Harambee Books & Arrivals plays a vital role in the D.C. community by providing a platform for local and national Black writers. The store hosts events such as book signings, book clubs, and author talks. It should be noted that the store hosted renowned authors and activists such as Toni Morrison, Cornel West, and Maya Angelou.

9. Horray for Books!

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It is an independent bookstore that was established in 2008. It mainly focuses on children’s literature, new and classic books, toys, and book-related gifts for children of all ages. The store hosts literary programs for adults and children including story times, book clubs for adults and children, writing workshops, and author events.

Hooray for Books! is known for promoting literacy and creating a welcoming space for book lovers to explore, learn, and connect. It also collaborates with local schools and organizations to promote literacy initiatives. The store is recognized for its outstanding selection of children’s books and engaging children’s programs.

10. Loyalty Bookstore

It was founded by Hannah Oliver Depp, a Black and Queer bookseller. The store is known for diversifying the book industry and serving communities of color and queerness. It has a curated selection of books that highlight diverse voices and perspectives. The store hosts a variety of community events such as book clubs, workshops, and open mic nights. Loyalty Bookstore offers annual and lifetime memberships.

11. Kramers Bookstore

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It was founded in 1976 by Bill Kramer, David Tenney, and Henry Posner. It is noted for being one of the first bookstore-cafe combinations in the country. The store was originally named after Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe. It has a well-curated selection of books that has genres such as timeless classics, and fiction.

The store hosts hundreds of book-related events throughout the year including discussions and author readings. Kramers Bookstore is known for supporting the local community through partnerships and fundraising initiatives. 

12. Mahogany Books

It was founded in 2007 by Derrick and Ramunda Young as an online bookstore. The store opened its first physical location in 2017. It should be noted that the store aims to empower others through accessibility and promote reading, writing, and cultural awareness within the African American community. Mahogany Books hosts various community events such as boom clubs, cultural events, writing workshops, and book clubs. The store also organizes the annual Books for the Block book drive which benefits the youth of Washington D.C.

13. Solid State Books

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It was founded in 2017 by co-owners Jake Cumsky-Whitlock and Scott Abel. It is an independent bookstore that offers a diverse selection of fiction and non-fiction titles. The store also has an extensive children’s book and young adult section. Solid State Books is noted for hosting events such as poetry slams, book clubs, open mic nights, and discussions on social justice and author readings.

Aside from being an amazing bookstore, the store also features a coffee bar that serves caffeinated drinks, beer, and wine. The store actively engaged in supporting local organizations and causes through partnerships and fundraising initiatives.

14. Second Story Books

It was established in 1973 by Allan Stypeck. The store is one of the largest used and rare bookstores in the world. It offers a vast and diverse selection of used, rare, and out-of-print books across genres art, first editions, science fiction, and non-fiction. Second Story Books caters to collectors and casual readers. It should be noted that the store is known for being one of the ten best bookstores in the country.

15. Politics and Prose Bookstore

Politics and Prose Bookstore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It was founded in 1984 by Carla Cohen and Barbara Meade. The name of the store shows its commitment to both literary excellence and civic engagement. The store originally focused on politics and current affairs. There are currently three locations within Washington D.C. Politics and Prose Bookstore offers a curated selection of children’s books, fiction, horror, and timeless classics.

The store also hosts high-profile author events that feature renowned authors and politicians. It is actively involved in supporting local organizations and causes through partnerships and fundraising initiatives.

16. Little District Books

It was founded in 2018 by LGBTQ+ individuals with the mission to celebrate LGBTQ+ authors and stories. It curated a diverse selection of books by and about LGBTQ+ individuals encompassing various genres of poetry, young adult literature, and fiction. The store hosts a number of community events such as book clubs, writing workshops, drag queen story time, film screenings, and author readings. Little District Books has a strong online presence that helps them connect with a wider audience.

17. The Lantern Bookstore

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It is an independent bookstore in Washington D.C. It has a vast selection of books across genres such as mystery, poetry, fiction, and science fiction. The store hosts community literary events including book clubs, author readings, open mic nights, and poetry readings. The Lantern Bookstore also has reading nooks that allow readers to enjoy their new books in the comfort of the store.

18. Sankofa Video Books & Cafe

It was founded in 1992 by filmmakers Shirikiana and Haile Gerima. The store is named after the Sankofa bird, a symbol from West Africa representing the importance of learning from the past. Sankofa Video Books & Cafe is known for providing a platform for the exploration of African and African American history, culture, and art through books and films. 

The store offers a curated selection of books, videos, and DVDs that focus on the African diaspora including children’s literature, fiction, and non-fiction. It also features a cozy cafe that serves coffee, tea, and light refreshments. The store has become a great part of the community through hosting cultural events such as film screenings, panel discussions, art exhibitions, and educational programs.

19. Howard University Barnes & Noble

It is located on the main campus and west campus of Howard University. The store carries a wide selection of textbooks for all Howard University courses. They also have a range of general books across genres such as fiction, non-fiction, bestsellers, and popular releases.

The store has a cafe area that offers coffee, tea, and snacks that create a space for studying, socializing, and relaxing. Howard University Barnes & Noble hosts author events, book signings, and author talks that feature renowned scholars and authors. The store is known for collaborating with university departments and student organizations to promote campus events and initiatives.

20. People’s Book

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It is an independent bookstore that has over 12,000 new books for all ages. It offers books of genres such as bestsellers, fiction, young adult, and new releases. The store hosts events such as book clubs every month, author talks, tarot readings,  and story times for children. People’s Book is known for collaborating with authors and schools. They also have an active website that offers customers a chance to know more about the store.

21. HouseMouse Books and Vintage

It is an independent bookstore that offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with shelves overflowing with books and vintage treasures. It specializes in used books for all ages and has a curated selection across genres such as rare finds, children’s literature, and fiction. The store also has vintage items such as clothing, home decor, and unique collectibles. HouseMouse Books and Vintage supports local authors and artists by providing a platform for them to showcase their work. It is also involved in the Takoma Park community.

22. Old Town Books

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It is an independent bookstore that was founded in 2018. It offers a diverse selection of books across genres including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s literature. The store is known for its curated selection and commitment to supporting independent authors and publishers.

The store hosts events such as author readings, book signings, and book clubs. They also provide a platform for local authors and artists to showcase their work. Old Town Books features a cozy seating area that encourages browsing and relaxation.

23. The Company of Books

It is an independent bookstore that offers a wide range of used books. They have books across genres such as fiction, timeless classics, children’s literature, and romance books. The store is known for being a big part of the community. It features events such as author reading, book clubs, and author talks. The store also has a website that attracts a wider audience.

24. This is the Place Bookstore

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It is a faith-based bookstore that supplies religious reading material, jewelry, gifts, music, and movies. The store is known for having books based on church history, fiction, the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Book of Mormon. Aside from books, they also offer calendars, bookmarks, puzzles, and stickers based on Christianity.

25. Joint Custody

It is a bookstore in Washington D.C. that offers books, zines, and t-shirts. It is not a traditional bookstore with a large selection of books but it offers a unique experience for those interested. 

All in all, Washington D.C. has more to offer than politics. The city has many bookstores that allow citizens to engage with book lovers. Bookstores in D.C. have been used as a community hub through all the literary events they host. Either way, if you are looking for a place with a diverse selection of bookstores, Washington D.C. is the place to go.