25 Independent Bookstores in and around Washington D.C.

Adventure through DC’s local independent bookstores. With these 25 bookshops in and around DC, you’ll find the best knickknacks, unique gifts, arts and prints, and of course, books. Whether you’re a bookworm at heart, looking to get back into reading, or barely dabble in the hobby, you’ll feel inspired when you step into one of these shops. Take some time to explore, ask a bookseller for a rec, read a few pages of a book you find, and dive right in. You’ll never know where the pages will lead you. Happy reading, my DC friends.  By Yelena Nicolle Salvador DC-PROPER AREA SHOPS 1) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/capitol-hill-books-three-floor-used-bookstore-in-capitol-hill-washington-1009656">Capitol Hill Books</a> When: Mo-Fr from 10AM-8PM; Sa from 9AM-8PM; Su from 9AM-7PM Where: Capitol Hill What: This well-loved establishment is your one-stop shop for a wide selection of used, rare, and first edition books. Enjoy the first floor full of newly published work. Then, make your way up and down the creaky stairs and explore fun-themed rooms. You’ll find cookbooks in the kitchen (and in the kitchen sink), business books in the Business Closet, quirky fantasy finds in the Weird Section, and so much more. 2) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/little-district-books-lgbtqia-focused-bookstore-in-capitol-hill-washington-1009663">Little District Books</a> When: Tu-Fr from 11AM-7PM; Sa from 10AM-6PM; Su from 11AM-6PM Where: Capitol Hill What: This bookstore is about celebrating every kind of love. Make time to visit DC’s only bookstore focused solely on LGBTQIA+ representation. Whether the books center queer characters or are written by queer authors, Little District Books is the place to honor queer literature. This establishment is queer-owned too, so show off your pride and shop small. 3) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/east-city-bookshop-community-bookstore-in-capitol-hill-washington-1009659">East City Bookshop</a> When: Mo-Fr from 11AM-7PM; Sa from 10AM-7PM; Su from 11AM-6PM Where: Capitol Hill What: Follow the rainbow painted mural which will guide you down the stairs to the lively storefront of East City Bookshop. Enjoy a large variety of books for both kids and adults in the basement and shop for cute gifts and newly published work on the first floor. Don’t forget to visit their pupper wall where you can say hello to the pictures of all the furry friends that have stopped by. 4) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/lost-city-books-used-new-bookstore-in-adams-morgan-washington-1009662">Lost City Books</a> When: Mo-Th from 11AM-9PM; Fr from 11AM-10PM; Sa from 10AM-10PM; Su from 10AM-8PM Where: Adams Morgan What: Step into new worlds and embark on your next imaginary adventure from a book at this shop. Hunt for your next pre-loved treasure, peruse the staff recs, stay for an author talk, and mix and mingle with the booksellers who are artists, musicians, educators, and writers. Come support this veteran-owned bookstore and visit with your pup! 5) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/second-story-books-dc-s-oldest-used-rare-bookstore-in-dupont-circle-washington-1009664">Second Story Books</a> When: Mo-Su from 10AM-8PM Where: Dupont Circle What: Shop from one of the biggest used and rare bookstores in the world. With over 50,000 books, art, and antiques onsite, it’s guaranteed that you’ll find a slice of history here. Plus, on days without any rain or snow, you can enjoy their outdoor sidewalk sale. There’s even half a million more books at their warehouse in Maryland which is open to the public too (and it’s accessible by the red line)! 6) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/kramers-bookstore-bar-restaurant-in-dupont-circle-washington-1009665">Kramers </a> When: Mo-Sa from 8AM-10PM; Su from 8AM-9PM Where: Dupont Circle What: Kramers has got it all. Find your next perfect read, stay for brunch, put your knowledge to the test on trivia nights, join a book club, listen to some jazz in the lounge, and grab a drink. Kramers is more than just a bookstore – it’s a community space, no matter what time of day, for everyone. 7) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/bridge-street-books-cozy-bookstore-in-georgetown-washington-1009666">Bridge Street Books</a> When: Mo-Sa from 11AM-9PM; Su from 12-9PM Where: Georgetown What: This cute little bookstore has been in Georgetown for over 40 years. You’ll feel cozy right when you step into this red-bricked establishment. You’ll find everything you could want from fiction and poetry to Black Studies and music theory books. Come on over, discover something new, and bring your pup too! 8) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/solid-state-books-black-owned-bookstore-cafe-in-h-st-corridor-washington-1009690">Solid State Books</a> When: Mo-Fr from 10AM-9PM; Sa-Su from 9AM-9PM Where: H-Street Corridor What: Solid State Books is a Black-owned bookstore that also serves up coffee, wine, beer, and light bites. Roam around, find a book, get cozy, and drink a brew of your choice. It’s a great spot to get work done too. Plus, you can bring your kiddos and they’ll have a fun time at the lively children’s area full of books. Don’t forget to join one of their book clubs and come for an author talk. 9) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-potter-s-house-historic-cafe-and-bookstore-in-adams-morgan-washington-1009669">The Potter’s House Café &amp; Bookstore</a> When: Tu-Th &amp; Su from 8AM-4PM; Sa from 8AM-8PM Where: Adams Morgan What: The Potter’s House is a nonprofit cafe and bookstore! When you shop at this small business, you’ll be helping this organization continue to serve tens of thousands of free meals to those in need. Enjoy their curated selection of books that focus on social movements, justice, cultural studies, spiritual traditions, and multicultural experiences. 10) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/loyalty-bookstores-community-bookshop-in-petworth-washington-1009670">Loyalty Bookstores</a> When: Tu-Th from 11AM-7PM; Fr from 11AM-8PM; Sa from 9AM-8PM; Su from 12-6PM Where: Petworth What: Loyalty is all about amplifying intersectional and diverse voices. This bookstore is co-owned by a Black queer bookseller and a queer, disabled, biracial Filipina bookseller. Because of their identities, the storeowners make it their mission to curate a selection of books and events to help underrepresented individuals feel seen. Everyone is welcome at this bookstore, so stay for a drag story hour, join a book club, or just peruse from their exciting selection of books and gifts. 11) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-lantern-used-rare-bookstore-in-georgetown-washington-1009671">The Lantern</a> When: Th-Fr from 11AM-4PM; Sa from 11AM-5PM; Su from 12-4PM Where: Georgetown What: This bookstore is quite unique! With the guidance of one of the volunteers on staff, you can find your perfect gift for yourself or a loved one from their eclectic selection of rare and used hardbacks, paperbacks, postcards, maps, vinyls, and other trinkets. When you shop small at this store, you’ll be supporting scholarships for folks who attend Bryn Mawr College! 12) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/jf-books-chinese-english-community-bookstore-in-dupont-circle-washington-1009672">JF Books</a> When: Tu-Su from 11AM-8PM Where: Dupont Circle What: JF Books is new to the DC scene, but it’s already getting so much community love. What was once a bookstore in mainland China has found a safe haven in Dupont Circle. With a mission of advocating for freedom and diversity of thought, JF Books houses a selection of Chinese-language social science and humanities books, as well as English-language works that highlight Asian-American voices and more. Stop by for cultural events, author talks, and community connection. 13) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/bold-fork-books-dc-s-only-culinary-bookstore-in-mount-pleasant-washington-1009673">Bold Fork Books</a> When: Mo-Fr from 12-8PM; Sa from 10AM-8PM; Su from 11AM-6PM Where: Mount Pleasant What: Welcome to DC’s only culinary-focused bookstore! Find new and vintage cookbooks, shop for some fancy kitchen wares, and learn about the local food scene from the owners who have worked in the District’s restaurant industry. Join a book club that’s all about cooking food and get ready to be inspired to put your chef’s hat on and whip up something new in the kitchen. 14) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/sankofa-video-books-cafe-black-owned-bookstore-and-cafe-in-shaw-washington-1009674">Sankofa Video, Books &amp; Cafe</a> When: Mo-Su from 8AM-10PM Where: Georgia Ave Corridor What: Sankofa comes from an Adinkra term that means “going back to our past in order to go forward.” This bookstore and cafe is owned by two filmmakers who have made it their mission to provide a community space for individuals, especially of African descent, to explore their histories through books and videos. In fact, you’ll find the largest collection of children’s Black literature in the DC area here. Enjoy free language classes, film screenings, cultural workshops, and more — all while grabbing a scrumptious bite to eat at their cafe. 15) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/politics-and-prose-independent-bookstore-in-chevy-chase-washington-1009660">Politics and Prose</a> When: Mo-Sa from 9AM-9PM; Su from 10AM-8PM Where: Chevy Chase What: Politics and Prose is a local bookstore with a history that began with two women who loved to read. Now, their vision has grown into three establishments in the District. Shop for your next book, enjoy author talks, find a unique gift, and fall in love with reading again. 16) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/busboys-and-poets-community-bookstore-restaurant-in-dc-washington-1009681">Busboys and Poets</a> When: Mo-Th from 8AM-10PM; Fr from 8AM-11PM; Sa from 9AM-11PM; Su from 9AM-10PM Where: Shaw What: This community establishment does it all. Part bookstore, part restaurant, part bar, and part event space, Busboys and Poets has been around in DC as an iconic place to grab a coffee, chat with a friend, and read a good book. Meet artists, writers, thinkers, and visionaries at their community events like dance workshops, author talks, weekly open mic nights, and more. WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA SHOPS 17) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/mahoganybooks-black-owned-bookstore-cafe-at-national-harbor-oxon-hill-1009683">MahoganyBooks</a> When: Mo-Sa from 11AM-9PM; Su from 11AM-6PM Where: National Harbor, MD What: This Black-owned, family run bookshop is committed to promoting reading, writing, and confidence, especially for the local African American community. Here, you’ll find books, book clubs, events, and more that highlight Black culture. Look for your next fiction or non-fiction five-star read, find some unique gifts, and enjoy their specially curated lists like ‘#BlackBooksMatter’ and ‘We Gon’ Be Alright.’ 18) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/people-s-book-woman-owned-bookstore-in-takoma-park-takoma-park-1009687">People’s Book</a> When: Mo-Su from 9AM-8PM Where: Takoma Park, MD What: Come visit the beautiful space that is People’s Book! Everyone is welcome here since this bookstore is made for you, the people. With over 15,000 new books, this bookstore is guaranteed to have something that catches your eye. Join a book club, listen to an author talk, and meet some neighbors at this community hub. 19) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/scrawl-books-woman-owned-independent-bookstore-in-reston-washington-1009675">Scrawl Books</a> When: Mo-Th from 10AM-8PM; Fr-Sa from 10AM-8:30PM; Su from 11AM-6PM Where: Reston, VA What: You can trust the diverse selection at this bookstore since it’s owned by a librarian! Scrawl Books is committed to supporting local literacy efforts and freedom of speech so you’ll find books in Spanish, curated lists in contemporary fiction, antiracism, AAPI heritage, and more. Don’t forget to stop by their monthly tradition of Wine Wednesdays so you can sip on some vino and meet other booklovers to gossip on what’s worth reading (and not!). 20) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/bards-alley-bookshop-woman-owned-bookstore-in-vienna-vienna-1009682">Bards Alley Bookshop</a> When: Tu-Sa from 10AM-7PM; Su from 12-5PM Where: Vienna, VA What: This bookstore’s name is a homage to William Shakespeare and Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series. Step into this quaint shop and transport yourself to new worlds with their personalized book recs. Join a book club, come by for an author event, and soak in the cozy ambiance! 21) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/old-town-books-woman-owned-bookstore-in-old-town-alexandria-alexandria-1009684">Old Town Books</a> When: Mo-Su from 10AM-7PM Where: Old Town Alexandria, VA What: Enjoy this beautiful bookshop in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. You’ll love the bright interiors and the wide selection of great bookish finds. Make sure to ask for recs from the booksellers who each have their own niches. Don’t forget to say hello to the resident doggo, Scout! 22) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/harambee-books-artworks-black-owned-african-literature-bookshop-in-alexandria-alexandria-1009701">Harambee Books &amp; Artworks</a> When: Tu-Sa from 11:30AM-6:30PM; Su from 2-5PM Where: Alexandria, VA What: Harambee comes from the Swahili word that means working together. The vision of this bookstore is to create a community that celebrates art, fashion, and books that center Black voices. Find a large inventory of small press and independently published Black literature, as well as more mainstream finds, African apparel, and local artwork. On top of this cozy space, Harambee works to support literacy in the local community too. Just be sure to call ahead since hours can vary from the schedule based on the store owner’s availability. 23) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/one-more-page-books-woman-owned-bookstore-in-arlington-arlington-1009685">One More Page Books</a> When: We-Fr from 11AM-7PM; Sa-Su &amp; Tu from 11AM-4PM Where: Arlington, VA What: Shop at this woman-owned bookstore that specialized in yes, books, but also wine and gourmet chocolates! You’ll find the perfect snack and drink pairing to go with your new book. Get ready to munch, sip, and read in community with others since this bookshop also has fun book clubs and free monthly wine tastings! 24) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/middleburg-books-historic-woman-owned-bookshop-in-middleburg-middleburg-1009691">Middleburg Books</a> When: Tu-Sa from 10AM-5PM; Su from 12-5PM Where: Middleburg, VA What: While this independent bookstore is a bit further out, it’s worth it. Dare we say this might be the cutest little bookshop? Housed in a building dating back to 1750, this local business has a cozy exterior and modern interior full of books, greeting cards, and other great finds! We are sure you’ll love this little gem. 25) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/friends-to-lovers-woman-queer-owned-romance-bookstore-in-alexandria-alexandria-1009688">Friends to Lovers</a> When: TBA Where: Old Town Alexandria, VA What: The first ever romance bookstore in the DC metro area is here – we’ll just need to wait a bit longer because of a fire in their building. Stay tuned for updates about reopening plans. While we cheer them on for their bigger and better return, check their offerings online and show some love to this woman-owned, queer bookshop.

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25 Independent Bookstores in and around Washington D.C.

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