Best Second Hand Bookshops In Washington Near Me

James Bacon: Excellent used bookstore. They know their books and have sections for modern 1st editions as well as ample SF, Lit and of course history and politics. Really enjoyed the browse. Some lovely finds.

Alejandro Nuñez-Jimenez: Great second hand bookshop. They have a very large selection of titles, covering a wide range of topics. Very well organized shelves that make it easy to find what you're looking for. If you still don't, just ask the staff, they were very helpful. I particularly enjoyed the considerable amount of science and economics books, which had some titles outside of the usual suspects. 4/5 stars because the pricing is a bit higher from other physical and online stores.

Angelica Oung: This bookstore had a superb collection of both books you been meaning to read, waiting for you to discover, and are just curious to flip through. The perfect selection of old and newer, with a few antique titles to give it that authentic ambiance. It has the perfect use bookstore smell. Prices are reasonable. Please treasure this place and keep it alive for many years to come.

Eddies: I've been here many times over the years and have yet to come across staff that did not act smug when approached. Last time will be the end of my relationship. I entered under the assumption that since the mask mandate was lifted long ago this establishment was following the path of most other establishments and not mandating masks. As I was browsing around I approached a staff member and began asking her a question (from a distance of about 10 feet mind you). She interrupted me mid-sentence and said "do you have a mask" in a stern tone. I said, oh I didn't realize I needed one. She pointed to some masks near the door. As I was placing the mask on I noticed that she and a male who had been working on a computer had stopped what they were doing and were glaring at me as if I had just committed an atrocity or was an alien from outer space. Between that reaction and her tone in interrupting me (without so much as an apology or simple "excuse me") turned me off. I left and won't be back. The issue here isn't the mask policy it's the pattern of encountering smug employees. I don't "need" to do business here, especially with a store that acts like they are doing me a favor by allowing me in. Plenty of other options out there. I very much like to support local independent business but respect and appreciation go both ways.

Gabriel Nicolosi: Books are overpriced. They also sell extremely overpriced prints as if they were actually art pieces. I frequently buy old and vintage prints online and in auctions and I can tell you those prices are to fool the regular consumer. Also, they like old stuff so much that they still require masks inside the store. I just went inside because my wife wanted a book. Convinced her to leave after 2 minutes and bought the book online. Done with the face diaper.

Gica Mangahas: Great collection of secondhand books. Nice sociology/social concerns and US domestic politics sections. Decent world affairs and regional studies sections, though for more niche topics you'd be better off visiting the giant Rockville location.

JXG JXG: A fairly good selection of books but TERRIBLE customer service, downright rude most of the time. A customer will ask for a book and there will be three or four employees behind the counter but only on rare occasions will anyone actually assist the customer find what they're looking for. And their banter is overwrought sophomoric drivel, and they never shut up!

Amanda Blake: Very cool place! They have some impressive first editions and original or signed works, ranging from books to maps to posters. They also have standard used books, although they seem to lean toward vintage. It's a great place to duck into and look around. They have arrows and mask requirements right now for covid.

HorrorJunky 4 Life: I love the selection of new & used books that are sold here. The isles are a little narrow which makes for a tight squeeze when trying to pass other customers. They also have a nice selection of DVDs. The books being sold on the the sidewalk are a great deal at 4 for $20. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

ghe rahadi: Glad I found this place! Quite organize, sorted by the book genre so you can easily find your desired literature. The counter lady is nice and friendly..

Brian Hagan: Such a cool used bookstore in DC! Staff was super friendly. Space is cozy so be prepared to squeeze between rows of books. They have 3 floors of books which includes the upstairs and basement. Loved checking this place out!

Hans-Martin Ishida: Best bookstore in the city. Amazingly wild and eclectic collection of used books plus a good variety of new releases. Many of the new releases are also relevant and topical to the social justice issues in the US and DC today.

Monique Johnson: I really enjoyed browsing here some warm days after work on my way home. It’s that kind of place. You go when you’re looking and when you’re not. They will always have some thing you might like. I’d recommend

John O'Connor: Capitol Hill Books has to be one of the best DC gems. Their social media is wicked smart, and their store is a staple of the neighborhood. For anyone who calls DC home, this place is a must.

Joseph S.: Great selection of books and the man who runs/owns it is pretty cool. Store is setup in a really unique way as well.

Sarah McBurney: Enjoyed looking at the great variety of used and new books. Was a small and intimate location. The upstairs fiction section was great and well organized. Wish I could have spent more time there.

Joseph Kerski: I love this store. I wish I could live there ! Thank you all. Even geography books in the basement !

Bruce Lowther: interesting hole in the wall book store. great book summaries in inserted in some of the books. lots of interesting titles. prices are a bit high but that’s very likely due to the location.

Aaron Oliver: Great books at a low price. I was quite surprised at the quality of books, particularly in the history and current affairs sections, all at the low price of $4 for a hardback book. Many of these were recently published. My purchase was of children's books, of which there is also a decent collection. I purchased five quality books for my son for just under $13.

Jacky Spindler: I could not be more pleased by my experience ordering books from Carpe Librum. I used their “types” and received - brought to my door the very next day - a really wonderful selection in each of three areas - YA, mystery/thriller and modern fiction. Wow! I’ll do this again for sure! All you good folks at Carpe Librum, thank you, and stay well!

Elizabeth Groover: Great bookstore that is non-profit and supports local education and literacy initiatives. Has wonderful selection of used (donated) books, art, CDs, DVDs, etc. Closing for good after December 20, but will have pop-up locations around DC thereafter! Keep an ear out for a new permanent location in the future...

Kayleigh Walters: Excellent used bookshop squirreled away downtown. The books are extremely cheap, and the staff is very friendly. Good, up-to-date variety of books, although you should always go in with a list of titles you may want in your head, as the selection is constantly changing.

Emily DeMent: Great deals with cheap books ranging from 1-4 bucks each, cheap dvds, cds, and records, and all proceeds benefit the education based nonprofit Turning the Page. Everything is donated there so I wouldn't recommend going if there is a specific title you need but great place to spend an hour (or two...) browsing their great selection of all kinds of things (including textbooks and test prep books). They even have a "sundry selections" section where everything is 25 cents! And they sell local art. They accept donations of anything but VHS and cassette tapes and magazines. Great place and a staple in the community for sure, especially when there are so few bookstores (and few used bookstores).

Brionne Griffin: This is a fantastic pop-up used bookstore. The staff has a great grasp on the ever-changing book selection and will help you find anything you're looking for. As if that's not compelling enough, a portion of their proceeds go to Turning the Page, a nonprofit that engages parents to take a more active role in their children's education.

Caroline V. Pham: Quiet and humble yet charming and with great variety. We visited four used bookstores while in Washington and this was by far my favourite. It wasn't too busy and there was plenty of nooks to hide and read.

David R. Bernier: Good place to get DVDs and Music CDs a good bargain price while helping a nonprofit organization. Also you could donate your not wanted books, DVDs or CDs instead of throwing it away.

Greg McKinley: Great bookstore very well organized like a library. Excellent staff service with fair pricing for good condition used books! 👍💯

Qiang Qiang: G Books may be hard to find - It's located in the basement of a navy blue building - downstairs of Big Planet Comics Bookstore (another gem on U St.); next to Jo Jo Restaurant (great live music). Literally, it's a hidden gem on 14th St. & U St. DC gay neighborhood. Just left and rather enjoyed the explosion of everything. The gentleman at the counter was helpful and we got what we needed in quick order. A must visit again.

Stephen Knapp: Well-stocked is not the word for this bookstore. There are boxes of books & gay mags everywhere and an owner ready, willing, and able to help you find what you need. Great out-of-print art books (I ought to know many of them used to be mine - (had to downsize when I moved) Their hours are limited so plan ahead. G Books buys used gay books too.

Max B. A. Maynard: Wonderful place to poke around in. The owner is extremely friendly and helpful. He is generous with his time and prices. I have had him throw in extras of whatever I was buying almost every time I have been there.

Robert Pelzer: Great place for all your essentials. The owner is a busy man, he makes sure he is available from about 5pm till 10pm most days maybe 11pm on the weekend. His prices are pretty competitive. He also has a wide variety of books, magazines when it comes to gay male literature.

Juan José: Typically opened from 4:30-10pm Everyday of the week. Though if you call the owner and you are honest about being on the way to store he will wait for you past 10pm if you have to get a dire needed item. Good customer service/attentive and competitive prices.

Felix Kasperl: For the collector, chronicler, scholar, and any reader hoping to learn about the gay past, present, and future, this store is essential. I find myself leaving with massive armfuls of books, which takes a while as the stacks usually reveal texts of increasing intrigue, variety, and quality. You can flip through one pile that already has something you’re set to buy only to discover exciting new routes. This bookshop is a massive resource for gay history in all of its forms: nonfictional theory spanning to tales and compilations of eroticism. All of it is our history. A vintage beefy bro magazine brims with insight regarding sexual trends and various cultures of desire within the gay community. Prolific authors who can, and very often are, ignored by both larger chains and independent shops are present and in abundance! I will say the shop mostly tailors to gay cis men, though not exclusively by any means. As a gay cis man interested in so many types of queer publications, it’s difficult to see what is not front and center. Collectibles abound, carrying the shop’s distinct range. You can find older chippendales calendars, in great condition, and turn your head only slightly to discover a rare printing of Gide. The atmosphere is marvelously accepting. The owner is quite literally one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. The shop also covers items such as sex accoutrements, and the owner is always glad to help (and brimming with knowledge) should you have any questions. If I haven’t articulated what a remarkably sex-positive environment G Books has achieved, I’ll happily make that explicit. The space is free of judgment. Customers are often there for different reasons, and the owner is able to maintain personal privacy while ensuring every person who walks through his doors that there isn’t a question, purchase, or general shopper’s penchant that’s somehow shameful or weird. I collect volumes of Gay male erotic fiction, and whatever adjacent materials I might discover—wherever the odyssey takes me is always treated with the chill and respectful gratitude. Here is a rare store that seeks to help the gay community through sincerely respecting how any individual expresses their identity. If I don’t make a stop here during a trip to DC, my hands must be tied by completely inflexible reasons that are beyond me. While I know this could sound like overkill, I find myself so profoundly happy when I’m able to peruse through such a densely gay collection (which also includes contemporary items if I’ve made it sound like an antique shop). Your tastes will be indulged and shown delightful new flavors. The books and films I’ve purchased at this wonderful store now form the beautiful structure of my personal library, each work becoming an essential piece that I can’t imagine my library existing without. Exceedingly reasonable prices, a vibe that makes you remember the liberties many of us still find hard to accept, and a treasure of a guide who is in his line of work for a reason well-beyond just making a buck are three crucial reasons I can’t recommend the shop highly enough!

Anthony Broderick: Awesome little treasure trove, I'm calling it the national gay-male archive. The proprietor is very well read and knowledgeable will help you find what you are looking for. Be careful the store motif is organized clutter

Constantine Browser: Great Variety ,best prices in the whole DC area and very discrete owner !! Opens starting the night and good closing time !! It follows the respective guidelines for COVID-19 . Totally recomended!

Xavier Khan: I looove this shop! It’s Amazing! So many interesting and informational books and inventory. The Owner of the shop is such a wonderful man. From the moment I stepped in he treated me like a family like customer! I’ll definitely be back often!!

Sam S: A very serene place to peruse for some books. Also, a great place to bring old books to trade in for either cash or store credit (note: must book an appointment). The variety here is impressive. They even have a section on the local history of the area. The owners/employees are about as nice as they come.

Tilly Lo: The location of this bookstore on Google Map is incorrect, but I just submitted the correction. This Used Book Shop is located next to Kalypso, to the right when you are facing the entrance of Kalypso Restaurant. Because of the incorrect location, I called the bookstore, and the lady who answered the phone was so helpful, polite and friendly. She guided me to where the store is located, and she was so welcoming. I was looking for some old VC Andrews and newer James Patterson (JP) hardcover books. Unfortunately, they didn't seem to have any VC Andrews books, but it is understandable because these books are very old. She did have some JP hardcover books, but I already have them. I collect JP books. Majority of the books in there appears to be paperback, but they do have some hardcover. Finding what you want can be a hit or miss. I suggest visiting the store regularly if you are looking for something particular. I explored the bookstore since I had some time, and I found some interesting books. This bookstore pretty much hax everything: How-To, Arts and literature, non-Fiction, Fiction, bibles of various religions, children books, etc... Their prices are somewhat high, I thought, but given the rent and other expenses, it is understandable. Paperbacks are 50% off the retail price, and the price for the hardcover books written is in the upper right corner inside the book. I checked a few of the prices, and it seems like the hardcover books are priced at less than 50%. For a typical hardcover fiction books, the ones I looked at was around $10 or $15. There was a $85 book that was priced at $35. Just to give you an idea. The condition of the books varies, but they are in pretty good used condition - not falling apart type. Occasionally, there would be one that looks or is brand new. If you are looking to save some money, I do recommend checking out this little bookstore and support small businesses. If you are financially challenged, I recommend checking the book sale section at the local library and the local thrift stores. I did after leaving this bookstore, and found 2 hardcover books at the thrift store for $2.59 each plus tax. I was so happy considering one of which is released not too long ago, a James Patterson book that would have cost me over $10 on eBay or $16 at Costco.

Arpan Shah: Very exciting to see this nice used book shop with great collection of books and very reasonable pricing. My kids were very excited and pick up a lot of good books to read. Definitely visit it if you are in the neighborhood.

Toni Airaksinen: Eclectic mixture of used books, some classics, some very old & torn. The store offers children’s books, biography’s, memoirs, cookbooks, history books and much more. In my opinion the selection was small and I didn’t see anything I liked, nevertheless it was quite an adventure to walk through. The staff are super friendly, and they’re eager to help with any questions you may have.

Mike DiSipio: Owner was incredibly rude when we walked in. I didn't bother to stay very long thereafter and get a good sense of the books they had or the prices. Didn't want to spend money on someone who treats strangers and potential customers so poorly right off the bat

Tatiana Cneazev: A small, but cute book shop. We enjoy going there and never left empty handed.

Kristen Bert: Great store! Many of the books are in super condition and the prices are good. Store clerk (from Feb 2nd evening) was very knowledgeable and friendly. Will definitely return.

Taylor Wreath: The used book store scene is sadly lacking in Reston but this book shop really makes up for it! With kind staff, amazing finds, and the cozy environment any book store should have, I love coming here. I know there will always be a wonderful book to find.

Suzie S: Horrible experience... when entering store, woman sitting in the front of the store was rude. Very off-putting...will never return. And why do you still require masks? Pathetic!

Irene James: I am so incredibly happy to have found this gem in Georgetown. What a lovely, lovely store! SO many interesting books, the prices are amazing, and the people there are the nicest, sweetest people ever. I cannot wait to go back, honestly I might go back tomorrow and the next day and the next. If you're a book addict, you simply must go to The Lantern Bookshop. I loved my visit there today.

Maurielle C: Lots of good finds in here! Unfortunately I didn’t purchase anything but even looking inside was a treat. The books are in extremely good condition and the store is nicely laid out. The women working were very cautious with COVID - much appreciated. They ensured that each customer apply hand sanitizer via the sanitizing station upon entry of the store. Super cute & truly you can find rare books here.

Sara Boyer: I am an avid book collector but I am not a fan or places that are too high priced that no one can afford their books. This is not one of those places! I found a large assortment of lovely new and used books as really good prices. I talked to the owner and most books are either donated or ones that they find and she uses the money for scholarships for woman college students at Bryn Mawr College! What a great place!

Gina Beckman Wright: The lady working the store is rude and unwelcoming. Came in ten minutes before the store was closing and as soon as we walked in she said "ah we're closing so unless there's something specific you want, you should just turn around and walk out." Nothing special about the store either, came in a time before and it's mostly newer used paperback books, was expecting something cute and old, with rare books, definitely not the case. Not worth an out of the way stop.

Michael Dirda: The Lantern is a cozy and eclectic bookshop, and well worth a visit, but for those of us who don't live in Georgetown, its hours make this difficult. During the week it closes at 4 PM on the days it is open. I realize that it is run by volunteers, but longer hours--ideally into the early evening--would be a great encouragement to customers. For instance, I have an event at Georgetown University Library on Thursday at 6 and thought I might visit the bookshop beforehand. But this isn't really workable, given the early closing at 4. Sigh. --md

Rashid Darden: The Lantern is a decent bookstore, but the section with African American interest has dramatically decreased in size over the years. All in all, an okay store with friendly staff.

Tracy Acheampong: Very nice community bookstore. Most books are under $5 and the selection changes every time I visit. It's worth a stop inside.

Melinda Madden: The classic charm of a stuffy, quiet book store. A quiet spot to get away from the buzzing streets of Georgetown.

Bryce Jahner: What an awesome find! Great selection of carefully curated books. Fantastic spot to browse while on a walk.

Mark Rhoades: The best book store my wife and I have ever been to. There is a huge variety of books, and the the staff picks always lead to me great books I would have looked over otherwise. We always leave with a stack of books; they also have a surprisingly large selection of Japanese authors that I haven’t found elsewhere.

Angus Bennion: It’s a well-organized local bookstore with very friendly staff.

pev vas: Very nicely organized Bookstore in the heart of the thriving Adams Morgan neighborhood. It has both new and gently used books and a great selection of the classics. Staff is friendly and it is a great atmosphere for book lovers to browse. It is a must stop every time I visit that neighborhood, and I don't even live in the area.

Ethan Vose: This place was very well organized and probably one of my favorite book stores I've visited. They had very niche topics and categorized very specifically so everything was really easy to find. Prices weren't bad either.

Rachel McCaffrey: Such an amazing bookstore! I love the mixture of new and used and the great prices!

Hwa Shi-Hsia: Great selection of new books mixed with used books in good condition, many vintage editions. Dedicated science fiction room. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

HorrorJunky 4 Life: This store has been in the Adams Morgan area for over 30 years. They sell a variety of used books for half off the price listed on the cover. Cook books, fiction like mysteries & horror, children's books and rare books are located on the first floor. Craft, science fiction and history are located on the 2nd floor. They take credit cards but I think the minimum to use them is $5. They also sell greeting cards, book marks and a few magazines and records.

Stephanie Barrett: I always check Lost City before ordering anything online, if they don't have it in stock, they can order for you...support your local bookstore! Besides, it's just such a charming and lovely place to browse. Bonuses: lots of book club events and deep discount racks out front, plus fun and local cards, prints, etc.

Patrick Carey: Is there anything better than a local , independent bookstore? Incredibly friendly staff and a great selection of books (organized in very helpful categories). Highly recommend!

Maria Elena Martinez: Great, little shop in Del Ray. Tons of used books for great prices.

Melinda Leonardo: Perfect book store experience! My boys wanted to stay all day, buried in books!! These are the kinds of places I hope will never disappear! They are so important!! We will be back often!

Yohannes Tekle: Unlike many neighborhood used book stores,The Company of Books' motive is profit. Their books are sold at over 100% mark up. The owners are taking advantage of some people's instinct to help local businesses.

Steve Erwin: Alexandria, especially Rosemont & Del Ray, has always lacked a good used bookstore. The Company of Books looks very promising based on my first visit today. Plenty of books, well-organized, and well-lit. I plan many more return trips. Good luck to the owners!

Jancy Martinez (Jay): I am in absolutely in love with this cozy little place. The girls are still setting up and even then, I enjoyed being there. The layout of the store is what I always picture a little bookstore, like a small maze of books you can get lost in for hours.It was my first visit today, so I had a lot of questions and they were so happy to help. Of course, I bought a lot of books, and I would have bought more if I didn't have other errands to run! But overall, I have found my new favorite bookstore!

Kailyn Miller: This was such a great bookstore!! An impressive selection of old and new books and a very sweet staff!! It was a joy just to be in the store (the books I bought were just an extra bonus)!!

Mae Bonem: I'm so thrilled that Mount Vernon has our own used book store, now! They've made the most of a repurposed space -- love that the cooking and food books are in the kitchen XD -- very intuitive. I love seeing the inventory change every time I go in, and I love reading things I wouldn't otherwise have come across because I stumbled on them in the stacks. Every used book store is a treasure hunt, and I think this one has more treasure than most. (But maybe I'm biased because I'm so stoked to have a used book store in the neighborhood.) Also, every staff member I've talked to has been super helpful and excited about the job. They always seem to be happy to talk about books and reading. I hope to see this become a community nexus for readers in the area in the future (maybe a book club on the horizon? We can hope!).

Tracy Henderson: I loved this bookstore! Friendly, clean, well organized, with a large selection of different genres at terricfic prices. This store will put a smile on your face and make your heart happy!

Sam Whately: A (newly opened) used bookstore. Very clean. Wide selection. Helpful and friendly staff. Parking can be a little challenging but plenty of side street options.

Ryan Kahn: Extreme false advertising. There's is only ONE story accessible by customers. They also do not sell exclusively sequels or the second in a series. They DO have an incredible variety of literature and works for all ages, as well as great people working there.

Jennifer Jay: Management and staff have gone above and beyond for me multiple times! I’m a professional organizer but often get tasked with staging; my most recent shopping trips there were to replace about 2,000 books a client’s ex took with her. Not only were they helpful but they genuinely seemed to enjoy the gargantuan task! Usually with staging only size, color, and shape matter, but this client actually enjoys their books so content was equally important. It’s been a few months and that client couldn’t be happier. Every book in the photo is from second story! In the end they made three deliveries since it took me 3 trips (this photo is after the second delivery). Delivery is incredibly well priced- only $50 to my client’s location.

Margaret Smith: I was there last week for the first time, doing my used bookstore rounds. They have a massive book collection, a bit organized as each aisle is labeled. My only issue is safety, the aisles are blocked with books and book bins. Several obstruction hazards which can cause customers and employees to trip and get hurt. Also in an emergency there appears to be only one way out and that is the way in. Just like Friends of the Library in Rockville, this is a wonderful bookstore but enter at your own risk.

emilio g: NOTE: As of mid-2021, there are no longer vinyl records for sale here. Apparently it was a consignment lot that is gone. Still, it's a very big used bookstore with an impressive selection. It's also a bit tricky to navigate at times - watch your step.

Shaq: The place has a huge selection but is infuriatingly organized. Don’t come into the store with a list of books you want to find because you won’t find them. Instead, come with an extremely open mind because what you will find is an unbelievable volume of books strewn about in absolute chaos. You likely won’t find what you’re looking for unless you’re looking for random fictions or anything military related. Discard your desire to find anything by notable authors because either somebody else managed to find it first or you’re looking in the wrong place. Come into this store with the understanding that you’ll likely find a book you’ve never heard of by an author you’ve never heard of in a genre that you didn’t think existed. Asking for assistance is useless. They don’t catalog books that have been purchased and are no longer on the shelf. What are you even entering the book information for in the first place if you don’t keep up with the inventory... I don’t know

Anthony Marovelli: This store is like stumbling into the mind of an unstable magician. There’s so much to offer but the organization is haphazard at best. This however is part of the charm. If you’re into books, especially if you’re a student or author, I highly recommend; a regional fixture to be sure. Cheers!

Xena Wilder: This used warehouse bookstore is amazing! I mean it is a warehouse. It isn’t pretty to look at but if you love books this is the place to look! Everything is usually 40% off except for rare books. They often have 50% off on weekends. They have every topic you can think of. You can spend hours there.

D M: Book store with a great selection of books covering all subjects and literature. The employees are courteous and knowledgeable. And prices are very reasonable.

M W: A lot of inventory, but scattered around in an absolute maelstrom of clutter. Hidden rooms and pseudo-vaults, covering a variety of topics, but you'd have a hard time finding quality fiction. Come here if you want biographies written in Gaelic or obscure tomes on various subjects.

Alexandra Ng: A lovely book shop with comfortable areas to relax, sit down, and read

Annie Jernigan Goldberg: I love the used bookshop. The woman is very nice. The bookshop has a wide selection of books. They have $1 book sections.

Catherine Nowicki: A one of a kind place. The book store you (or reading kids, teens) would live to cozy up in, buy books and stay! I have been going for years. I also sell books for trade of others. They have amazing posters, cards and unique gifts. You'll want to buy lots of reasonably priced used books and stay!

Margaret Flaherty: This is the best used bookstore in Montgomery County, and one of the best anywhere. Besides being a cozy, colorful and comfortable bookstore, the books are meticulously organized; whatever you're looking for, if they have it, you'll be able to find it. I'm always on the prowl for unusual and interesting art books and I've made many of my best finds in this shop.

Jim Laurenson: Amazing little place, with lots of good and old books. They provided a rapid response to my email search for a specific book, which BTW was successful!

John Daly: This is a very friendly place with a great selection of previously owned books. It is a comfortable place in which to browse, and hosts several book clubs, a chess club as well as being a source for information on Catalan culture. It sits in the Kensington Row surrounded by antique shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Pamela Bookshop: Great for Browsers And for specific books. Carries large and interesting selection of new and used and antique books. History: Civil War, WWI & WWII, African American, Asian, British, Chines, Russian, etc., Law, Politics, Philosophy and Religion. Fiction and non-fiction in paperback and hardback. Literature, Classics, Sci-Fiction & Fantasy, Mystery & Crime, Foreign Language books. Biographies & Memoirs, Business, Cooking, Hobbies, Crafts, Musicians, Childrens and Young Adult. All major credit cards accepted. Easy and free parking on street and St. Paul's church allows parking in their lot on Armory a block from the shop on Howard Avenue in Kensington.

Frank Hopper: A fantastic bookshop. The proprietor is very knowledgeable and there is an area of the shop dedicated to Catalan culture. They hold poetry readings and other events regularly.

Elisa Ferrante: Big fan of this store. It has a great selection of books and the staff is friendly. My only complaint is there is just so much that it's difficult to sort through and find things. You must have lots of patience!

Jasmina Makota: Great bookstore with an excellent collection! Very nice staff. Support small businesses & get your books here instead of Amazon. They also do passport photos!

Mike Parris: I found the staff very knowledgeable and pleasant. The store is a little small compared to the big name brand places but this gave it a more "homey" kind of feeling. It felt very comfortable to just wander and browse and not feel rushed. The cafe is superb! Their coffee drinks were very well made. It felt like everyone knew each other. Very cool place! I will definitely be coming back.

William Yon: Come for the coffee, stay for the bookstore. There's a pleasant patio with seating and the coffee is legitimately good. The ladies working the coffee bar are some of the nicest folks in the city and can pull a damn fine espresso too. The pastries they serve are well made, and their biscottis are amazing. I usually just grab a coffee and run, but I always end up lingering a bit to chat with the staff because that's just the community watering hole this kind of place is.

Briana Wojcik: Very small bookstore without a large selection. Some interesting books and a nice sale on the sidewalk. Has a coffee bar inside that's a little overpriced and crowded. After going once I probably won't go back.

Thomas Fricton: Fantastic small locally owned shop. They have a good selection of professional (medical, legal, international studies) books. Also a lot of political science and nonfiction. They also sell some warhammer (40k and age of sigmar) products. The owner is often there on weekends and he is very friendly and community oriented. It is definitely worth a stop in just to say hi and chat.

Austin Graff: Reiter's Books is a DC institution. It's in downtown DC in the bottom floor of a sterile DC office building. It's a small bookstore with a large government, politics, and foreign affairs section. In the front it's a coffee shop selling mediocre coffee and pastries. Outside there are book carts with even cheaper books (novels, etc) and a large outdoor patio to enjoy a good book and coffee.

Alicia Moody: I went to Reiters because there's a photographer in the back of the store that takes passport photos, which they specifically say is not associated with the shop. I'd just get your photo done at a CVS if possible, it's half the price and better. While I was waiting for the photo to come out, I looked around the cafe/bookstore. The little cafe and tiny bookshop is interesting and different than a lot of other little shops around. They have some fun maps, puzzles and kids books in addition to a variety of non-children's books.

sugata das: The best bookstore in Washington DC, passport photos, wonderful Cafe. And now that Cannabis is legal Bobby's got a license. Botanical etheogens/psychedelics to follow with the new legislation

James B. Cole: The old Reiter's on I St. had an excellent selection of scientific books. In the new location (adjacent to the World Bank) the emphasis is more on economics and international issues. Still a few decent science books however. Nice cafe.

L: Packed with books of all sorts, including children's. Something for everyone! Gem of a place! Masks required, as it is a small store.

Michael Roosa: Great place with a surprisingly broad collection. Love that they have a kid's play area you.

Roosevelt Smith: A wide selection to choose from, but they hold your hand and walk you through the experience you're looking for. Goes without saying that they are very personable, while being professional and knowledgeable about their stuff..

Julian Aidan: Cute and densely packed with every book you never knew you wanted to buy.

keondra f: my favorite local indie bookstore! well-curated collection featuring diverse voices for both children and adults alike. great atmosphere with friendly and knowledgeable booksellers!

Breanna Wright: I was walking my dog one day and ran into the owner who was setting up shop. A lovely person with a fantastic selection of books. I came back with my wallet and the employee was able to recommend 2 amazing books based on what information I gave. They have done an excellent job managing covid and I absolutely will continue shopping at this black owned, inclusive shop.

Carla P: Amazing bookstore that allows customers to order through their website, browse their store, or specialty order through their email. I have ordered so many books through them and will keep doing so as I love supporting this business

Carlos McKnight: Love it! This was my first time in the Petworth location. Love how small it is and all the selections they have!

Lee Nutter: I desperately needed some books and couldn't do a lot of local shopping during these COVID times. I was tired of giving my money to Amazon, and I heard that Loyalty Bookstore will ship to anywhere in the U.S. I found and ordered the books I needed, and I was fully prepared to wait weeks for them to arrive. Instead, Loyalty Bookstore was FASTER than Amazon! I had my books within two days in pristine condition! I will gladly recommend these folks to anyone.

Justin Kleiber: I wasn't looking for anything in particular but I saw a book that caught my eye and bought it. I look forward to reading it soon! The bookstore itself doesn't have a wide variety of topics/genres, and the 90% of the upstairs is labeled "literature" which seems overly broad, which is why it's not 5 stars for me. However, it is a good store.

Kayla Hyland: This is a very cozy little book store with a surprising amount on offer. My only issue was the organizational method used. There were many shelves just labeled "literature" carrying everything from classic literature to modern ya. It made it a bit difficult to find the book I was looking for. But over all it was a great experience.

Latasha Perry: Great little bookstore for the reader at heart. Nice selection. Clean shopping experience. Friendly staff.

Maya Patel: This is a great bookstore, however, not all of their staff is super knowledgable/enthusiastic. They have a wonderful selection and it’s a must visit if in Georgetown for their unique genres of books and bi-level sunlit space.

Mohammed Al-Marri: One of my favorite bookstores! The staff is extremely friendly, always suggesting me books that highlight the same topic I’m searching for deeper insight. They have a great selection of political books which is something thats not too hard to find in the DC area but really appreciated when you do.

Andrew Jreige: This is a cute bookshop located in Georgetown. There may not be a large selection compared to the giant bookshops you could go to but it does still have some quality reads on offer. Check it out if you're in the area and support the local bookstores!

Troy Gavazzi: Got a beautifully illustrated hard cover edition if Dune here for only $10.99, so 5 stars!

Rishi Kumar: I love Bridge Street Books. The staff is so knowledgeable and helpful, and they manage to fit a ton of awesome books in such a small footprint. They keep a great stock of contemporary fiction from small presses, as well as a nice poetry and philosophy. This makes it a great place to browse and find something new--one of the great advantages of a brick and mortar bookstore over Amazon, whose algorithms keep recommending you more of the same.

Jamie L: This bookstore was a nice break from all the hustle and bustle of DC. It has a relatively large collection of different subject matters.

Declan Glueck: I always love exploring a new bookstore, and this was well worth the time. It is extremely cute inside, and has a great selection for the size. I appreciated all the hand-written recommendation notes, and ended up buying two books I've been looking for. Give them a visit if you're in the area!

Michael Lawrence: I interacted with at least 4 booksellers at East City and each one was so welcoming & thoughtful. I would say this is the best "customer service" I've experienced in a bookstore, but I don't love that phrase. I was treated as a person by other wonderful people, and I encourage others to experience this store's selection and curation. Thank you East City!!

Ashleigh N. DeLuca: This is my favorite bookstore in DC! I go out of my way to stop by this bookstore whenever I’m in town. They have a smart layout which utilizes their small space well. It makes the bookstore look much bigger and doesn’t feel crowded or cramped. They have a great selection of books and their staff are all so knowledgeable and friendly. Throughout the bookstore you’ll see little green cards on the bookshelves which include the staff’s thoughts on specific books. I think this is such a fun idea and I love to spend half my browsing time just reading what the cards say. There is a certain charm that this bookstore has that none of the other DC bookstores have.

Laura Delgado: Cute & calming bookshop with a good selection, and lots of recommendations which is helpful, as well as reasonable prices. I found English/Spanish children books, and plenty of fiction & cookbooks that were very interesting.

Bilal Rahmani: For such a socially conscious bookstore this place is oddly hyper focused on white women's guilt towards black women.. then no books at all about any of the incredibly problematic military objectives abroad. I'm sorry, this place felt like a shallow attempt to be woke. At least Toni Morrison made it to the bottom shelf.

Ren Jax: A fantastic find filled with a diverse collection of local writers and national favorites. The staff is very attentive to customers needs willing to suggest finds if needed, or seek out authors. The downstairs space has more choices including graphic novels and other comic books. There is also room for small gatherings to hear readings of works.

Andreana Morris: Have been following one of the book sellers on their tik-tok for a while. Went in and enjoyed ever moment. Got to meet the book seller and they helped my girlfriend and get a bunch of books to read for our after OFMD pirate brain rot. Met other queer folk. Had the best time. Will be back soon.

Hayley Trezzo: This was one of the most chaotic book stores I've been in. My visit included two dogs barking at each other (blocking the entrance) and a baby crying/screaming for a good five minutes straight (from a massive stroller that taking up a lot of the already cramped space by the registers/stairs). So I guess this place is great for families with young children and dog lovers! But it definitely is not for me. With so many other independent book stores in DC, I wouldn't go out of my way to visit or support this one.

Belle Ellrich: The staff here are super nice and extremely helpful. I live out of state and pre-ordered a book. Due to having ADHD, I forgot to change my address on my pre-order after I moved. They were able to catch my order before it shipped and helped me change the address without extra cost to me, even though I offered to pay for the mistake. They even called to confirm that they had the correct address before it was sent out. Because of this, I highly suggest supporting them and shopping from their bookshop. I will be shopping here again in the future and look forward to my next purchases from their store.

Binyamin Biber: Good selection of books and CDs, + a few LPs. Great prices. Well organized too. Supports the public library, and takes donations. Friendly staff. Free public parking under the building. See website for info on that.

Loretta Howell: I love going here. I get any older books here. I have gotten a variety of books that would be expensive elsewhere. Staff super nice.

Jess !: The whole library is a book store! You can find anything, it's really great. They have great sections for all genres, and a huge records section. They have children's books, games, comics, all sorts of great stuff. I always find treasures. The paperbacks are usually $1.50 And the hard covers are $3.00.

Rhitajit Sarkar: Love a place like this. Absolutely amazing place with superb keepers. Lots of options for a used book place at a dirt cheap price. Will be back soon.

Nicolle Singer: Great used book store where proceeds support the public library! They have an awesome selection of kids books -- even in various foreign languages due to the international population around Silver Spring. A lot of adult books too, well organized with an interesting selection of books recommended by staff near the entrance. The friendly staff and volunteers accept your donations of books and DVDs at the front desk and give tax receipts.

Khoi Nguyen: Clean book store been coming here for years. Open parking space

Zega Genesis: This is what a bookstore should be. A huge rotating selection, a friendly enthusiastic and helpful staff, and located in a clean accessible building. Definitely worth the stop.

Denise Hightower: Used bookstore in the new Wheaton Library / Community Center complex. Absolutely amazing prices - they’ll put a smile on your face because they seem exactly what a used book price should be all about! Paperbacks seemed to mostly be $1 / $1.50 and hardcovers $3. If you are looking for something specific, definitely ask first. The fiction organization is tidy and alphabetical by author but odd. Unfortunately, despite the lack of much of a price difference, they separate hardcovers from paperbacks and then further separate the sizable “general fiction” from the sizable”mystery/thriller” and that differentiation seems fairly random with titles I’d classify in one section easily in the other so you’ll end up looking in 4 places. The staff were extremely friendly and were furiously working pricing and organizing books while I was there. So, overall you can’t beat it!

John Weingardt: This is, hands down, one of the very best bookstores in the Greater Washington, D.C. Area. The volunteer staff are very helpful and friendly, and there are always hidden gems - such as brand new/near perfect exhibition catalogues - to be found on a consistent basis. The only drawback is the preponderance of re-sellers. They can be quite aggressive, which is disappointing for true book lovers. For example, they systematically scan all books using an IPhone app to identify rare books that are subsequently re-sold via Amazon, etc. This can lead to a lot of disappointment because the re-sellers grab excellent books regardless of the subject matter, which depletes the store’s inventory of publications (that might otherwise find perfect homes with the general public). Highly recommended!

Katelyn Bodwell: Adorable book store with so many options! They also serve beer and coffee and have a couple seats at the window. The kids section was really cute! They also have some little trinkets and gifts like items to buy.

Bobbi DeAnda: SUCH A COOL PLACE! The kid section is another level! Our little one didn’t want to leave! We will definitely be back. Also bought one of the coolest books I’ve ever seen - a “photicular” book. Such a great spot!

Chris Atkins: Great bookstore to pick up Dogman books obviously. All around cool place. They have a wide variety of topics and books covered here and it's close to a few coffee shops so you can enjoy a good read and a cup of coffee.

C. Howard: wonderful environment to sit and have a beverage and nibble while reading, or slowly peruse great selections until you're ready to make a purchase. a cozy kids corner makes this spot family friendlier. great staff, friendly, helpful and courteous!

Ashleigh N. DeLuca: This bookstore is small but cozy. I love that you can order beer and wine and they let you walk around and browse the books while you finish your drinks. A lot of charm and a decent selection of drinks.

Anna Brazel: Amazing bookstore but also wonderful community space. We visited while traveling and we were thoroughly impressed by the warmth of the staff and the space overall.

Erik Deckers: A friendly and hip bookstore with a lot of great titles for everyone’s interest. Not one of the mega stores, but just enough to pique anyone’s interest. The coffee is good, the food is good, and it’s a nice place to hang out and relax and read your new purchase over an iced latte.

Tyler R: The selection is okay. Very few essayists represented on their shelves. Lots of bubblegum reads. Great "neo-liberal" titles for D.C. transplants. Performative activists will love this place!

Emily Gunter: Very clean and well thought out. I appreciated the wide variety of offerings including the expansive children's section. I appreciated the ambiance of the space, this it did feel a bit crowded at times with the number of children present.

Arun Vishwanathan: Cute little bookstore in DC and you should stop by if in the area. Eclectic collection of titles and journals/calendars They do have a restaurant/diner inside, so you can grab a bite as well if you’re hungry. Wish I had more time to spend there..

Juhi Pac: Great bookstore-bar-restaurant combo right at DuPont circle. Very easily accessible by DuPont circle metro and good selection of books and atmosphere

Cara Forte: I'm really happy this awesome bookstore came recommended by a friend for me to check out while staying in Dupont Circle for a long weekend. The books and gifts are well curated and there is a restaurant in the store with delicious food, drinks, and dessert. The coffee is great, too.

Karen cohen: Helpful staff and a ton of books from every genre! Browsing is part of the fun or going there and see all the books you want to read. Have lunch in the dining area and spend the whole afternoon there. Huge children section,too.

C Luna: Food was fantastic! Especially the cherry blossom cheesecake :) Service was amazing- our waitress was sweet and funny. Definitely a great date spot ❤

John Weber: What a lovely place to look for books and grab a bite to eat! I only walked around the bookstore but from what I could tell, the food both looked and smelled amazing!! On the restaurant side, there are a couple lounge chairs/couches to relax in as well. Definitely stop by and drop in if you are nearby. I was able to park just a block away on a Friday night.

bruce hutson: Kramers. Since 1976, so it’s not new to many, unless you visit from outa town, like we did. Our friends, Bob and Lynn, came here on dates years ago, as many did and still do. Lots of stories within these walls, ups and downs, and today we sat in fleeting sunshine to taste the excellent Kramers Breakfast(tasty potatoes), and the full mouth, comforting Ham Benedict(such creamy Hollandaise). Oh, and the books fairly pulsed into our hands within the well laid out spaces. Feed your body, nourish your soul

M Boone: Good brunch menu with solid pairings. Visit it after strolling through the nearby Farmer's Market. Space inside is a little tight particularly with the kitchen in-the-middle, but cozy nonetheless. I enjoyed the chicken and waffles. Presentation is good. Prices are on par for D.C.

Quarib Chowdhury: This is a Washington DC institution. Everyone should visit, buy a book, and eat at the cafe. I’ve browsed through this place many many times and even bought books and ate at the cafe. I ate at the cafe years ago but remember everything being delicious. As someone with a big sweet tooth, the apple pie crust desert was amazing. The expansion to bring the cafe into the bookstore actually works really well. I’ll have to revisit the cafe next time.

Rivah Sistah: My Mahogany Books experience was GREAT! Awesome customer service and sooooooo many books to choose from. My daughter and niece who are teens said they want to go back. I will take the trip from VA bs ordering online.

Lorrie Brinson-Arevalo: As a new Author I had an opportunity to fly to DC to visit this awesome Black Owned Bookstore. My 1st but it will not be the last #BlackBooksMatter

Tina R: I checked out this store in person at the National Harbor. The store was beautiful, clean, and well-stocked. I will definitely shop there in-person again. As I like to support black-owned businesses, I am sad to see from the other reviews that their online ordering may not be the greatest system right now. But if you are local and enjoy paper books like me, I recommend them.

Hypnotik Vanity: Awesome BLACK OWNED BOOKSTORE. Excellent customer service. I asked for recommendations and was given two. I took that and purchased both. Ready for my next visit.

Jalan W B: Hubby and I have been meaning to stop by and so glad we did tonight. What a wonderful, intimate community book shop. We left with a bag full of books that Christy, a really nice employee, helped us find for ourselves and a new speculative fiction book by Nnedi Orakorafor book for our school aged son. Highly recommend this community gem. Can’t wait to go back soon! We also got to check out great art installations within and next to the the Anacostia arts center and did some clothes shopping next door.

Ariana Abdulmassih: This place is a scam. I ordered two books from them eight months ago and received various generic emails that they were experiencing delays and they'd be here as soon as possible. After not receiving my books eight months later, I reached out and received an incredibly unapologetic response claiming "the post office lost my books" and they're not liable for that. They would not even provide proof that the books had actually been sent leading me to believe they pocketed the cash and just completely forgot about my order. STAY AWAY from this place and choose any other small business book store to support - they clearly do not care about their customers.

Danielle Watson-Murray: I ordered several books for myself and my family before it was “trending “ to patronize a black owned bookstore earlier this year. Most of the order arrived very quickly. The other portions arrived later and they they kept me updated during the process. I love their virtual book meet and greets with the authors! Overall I will continue to purchase from them and I have already told several of my friends and family members about their great customer service!

Cindy B: Ordered four books online. Communication between me and the store was great! They are doing an awesome job at fulfilling their orders under current circumstances. I did have to wait an additional week or so to receive my full order (and I did!) but I honestly don’t mind waiting as long as it takes. At this point in time, it’s about supporting local businesses and keeping them afloat.

Brian Klein: I was sent a giftcard to support the business which was great. I ordered 3 books with that gift plus a little more. It took weeks to ship and as of this review it has been over 4 months with my third book never shipping. I emailed the store multiple times and have tried calling but still haven't been in contact with them.