Events & Readings
Poetry open-mics, topical discussions, author events, and more
Politics and Prose
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Three DC locations
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Website
A full calendar of events, and the Connecticut Avenue shop has a coffee-and-wine bar.
Busboys and Poets
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Eight area locations
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Website
A combination restaurant/event space/bookstore.
Food events
One More Page
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Arlington
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Website
Pairs chocolate and wine with books and events and hosts a Boozy Book Fair.
Book clubs, children’s hours, and more
East City Bookshop
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Capitol Hill
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Website
Its summer reading challenge encouraged kids to read for prizes.
People’s Book
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Takoma Park
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Website
Programming includes sensory-friendly events and inclusive monthly clubs for every interest.
Old Town Books
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Alexandria
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Website
Recent offerings have included summer reading guides for all ages as well as a craft workshop.
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Great Places to Read and Work
Space for kids to read and browse, too
Solid State Books
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14th St., NW; H St., NE
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Website
There’s a cafe plus a large children’s section and popular kids’ programming, among other events.
Full menu of dining options
Kramers
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Dupont Circle
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Website
A DC mainstay with a cafe-style restaurant and bar.
Cozy coffeehouse vibes
Old Fox Books
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Annapolis
language
Website
This shop and coffeehouse feels like something out of a Nancy Meyers movie.
Potter’s House
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Adams Morgan
language
Website
Regular events and a pay-it-forward program.
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Special Focuses
Romance novels
Friends to Lovers
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Alexandria
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Website
The queer-and-women-owned shop hosts signings and other events.
Literature by and about people of African descent
Harambee Books & Artworks
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Alexandria
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Website
A range of books, with a “core selection” on African culture, plus events and more.
Mahogany Books
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Oxon Hill
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Website
Originally launched online, the shop also hosts events and a podcast.
Sankofa
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Shaw
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Website
The bookstore/cafe’s events include film screenings.
Other languages
Bonjour Books
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Kensington
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Website
A bookstore for all things French.
JF Books
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Dupont Circle
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Website
Books in Chinese languages and about Chinese culture.
Great poetry selection
Bridge Street Books
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Georgetown
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Website
The shop also carries titles on philosophy, history, politics, and more.
Culinary focus
Bold Fork Books
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Mount Pleasant
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Website
New and vintage cookbooks.
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Used Books
Including rare books and first editions
Capitol Hill Books
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Capitol Hill
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Website
Three floors of titles.
Second Story Books
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Dupont Circle, Rockville
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Website
Also offers appraisal services.
Lost City Books
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Adams Morgan
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Website
It hosts book clubs and will buy your used books for cash or store credit.
Nonprofit bookshops
The Lantern
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Georgetown
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Website
Volunteer-run, benefiting Bryn Mawr College.
Kensington Row Bookshop
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Kensington
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Website
Book clubs, kids’ programs, and a podcast.
Friends of the Library Bookstore
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Rockville, Wheaton
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Website
Sales support Montgomery County libraries.
This article appears in the September 2025 issue of Washingtonian.
