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