If you’re a bookworm living in the Washington, D.C. area, you’re sure to enjoy the abundance of quaint local bookshops! Each of these bookstores has unique features as well, including author events, coffeehouses, book clubs, and bundle subscriptions. Learn about the six best bookstores near Woodley Park to fulfill all your literary desires.
Lost City Bookstore
Owned by a long-time D.C. resident, Lost City Bookstore is the spot to discover diverse ideas, places, experiences, and time periods. The bookstore is stocked with used, new, and rare books for enthusiastic readers. From vintage to esoterica, Lost City Bookstore has genres for everyone — it also offers book bundles like its Indie Bookstore Day Bundle and Spooky Bundle.
If you’re interested in a virtual book club, Lost City Bookstore also has great options. The store’s In Translation book club examines contemporary world literature, expanding the global perspectives of its readers. The Young Adult book club dives into science fiction and fantasy with some of the most popular books for young readers.
Lost City Bookstore hosts various events as well - If you’re interested in meeting some of the minds behind your favorite books, attend one of the store’s Author Events. Lost City Bookstore stays active in the D.C. community too, holding workshops and networking opportunities with local artists, educators, and experts. If you’re an explorer looking for books that will broaden your horizons, Lost City Bookstore is the place to go.
If you’re interested in a virtual book club, Lost City Bookstore also has great options. The store’s In Translation book club examines contemporary world literature, expanding the global perspectives of its readers. The Young Adult book club dives into science fiction and fantasy with some of the most popular books for young readers.
Lost City Bookstore hosts various events as well - If you’re interested in meeting some of the minds behind your favorite books, attend one of the store’s Author Events. Lost City Bookstore stays active in the D.C. community too, holding workshops and networking opportunities with local artists, educators, and experts. If you’re an explorer looking for books that will broaden your horizons, Lost City Bookstore is the place to go.
Photo: Lost City BookstorePolitics & Prose
Located in the nearby Chevy Chase neighborhood, Politics and Prose is a popular D.C. independent bookstore and coffeehouse. They sell new and used hard copies, digital audiobooks, and e-books. One of the most distinctive features of the store is its Espresso Book Machine. An on-demand printer that can print, collate, cover, and bind a book in a matter of minutes, many books have been published in-house at Politics and Prose thanks to this machine.
What has made Politics and Prose most famous, however, are its author events. The bookstore has hosted famous authors like J.K. Rowling and Amy Chua, as well as politicians like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Politics and Prose have over 20 Store-Sponsored Book Groups as well, with topics like Graphic Novels, Bipartisan, Travel, Public Affairs, and True Crime.
Each month, the store’s staff chooses and sends books to those enrolled in their Book-a-Month subscription. The books are handpicked based on each reader’s interests and hobbies, as well as their preferred genres and authors. Just like any homey bookstore, Politics and Prose also hosts its “Modern Times” coffee shop on its first floor. Have the ultimate bookstore experience at Politics and Prose: cozying up with a warm beverage alongside a good book or while listening to renowned speakers.
What has made Politics and Prose most famous, however, are its author events. The bookstore has hosted famous authors like J.K. Rowling and Amy Chua, as well as politicians like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Politics and Prose have over 20 Store-Sponsored Book Groups as well, with topics like Graphic Novels, Bipartisan, Travel, Public Affairs, and True Crime.
Each month, the store’s staff chooses and sends books to those enrolled in their Book-a-Month subscription. The books are handpicked based on each reader’s interests and hobbies, as well as their preferred genres and authors. Just like any homey bookstore, Politics and Prose also hosts its “Modern Times” coffee shop on its first floor. Have the ultimate bookstore experience at Politics and Prose: cozying up with a warm beverage alongside a good book or while listening to renowned speakers.
Photo: WikipediaSecond Story Books
Second Story Books is one of the largest used-and-rare bookstores in the world. You’ll find a global assortment of out-of-print books at this quaint shop, alongside antiquarian maps and manuscripts, comic books, sports trading cards, and entertainment memorabilia. Second Story Books holds both live and online auctions too!
For those who don’t have the time for a full visit, Second Story Books holds a daily Sidewalk Sale, where you can browse through books right outside of the shop. It also offers in-store bookbinding, book restoration, and book repair for private book collections in need of some love.
Second Story Books works with universities, government, and private organizations to bring their special collections to the store. Photographs by independent filmmaker Jerry Aronson and The Malcolm Thomas Photography Collection are some of the shop’s famed special collections. As one of the top ten bookstores in the U.S., Second Story Books lives up to all of its praise!
For those who don’t have the time for a full visit, Second Story Books holds a daily Sidewalk Sale, where you can browse through books right outside of the shop. It also offers in-store bookbinding, book restoration, and book repair for private book collections in need of some love.
Second Story Books works with universities, government, and private organizations to bring their special collections to the store. Photographs by independent filmmaker Jerry Aronson and The Malcolm Thomas Photography Collection are some of the shop’s famed special collections. As one of the top ten bookstores in the U.S., Second Story Books lives up to all of its praise!
Photo: Second Story BooksLoyalty Bookstore
A neighborhood spot for books and programs, Loyalty Bookstore aims to diversify the book industry by highlighting unique voices and artists. The bookshop’s Loyalty Leap of Faith Subscription Box features books written by authors from minority or marginalized groups. Each season, a new book is picked and sent to subscribers, along with other extras that match the book’s theme. The store also holds an author event for their monthly book, where subscribers can receive signed book copies and exclusive items.
The bundles at Loyalty Bookstore are another way to get recommended books and goodies sent straight to your home. Some of the shop’s bundles include the Stationary Bundle, Indoor Kids Bundle, Writer’s Bundle, and Bookseller Picks. Loyalty Bookstore even offers membership programs for those wanting to enjoy all the shop has to offer. Membership perks include first access to events, shopping discounts, and special sales. For a wonderful selection of diverse reads and events, head over to Loyalty Bookstore.
The bundles at Loyalty Bookstore are another way to get recommended books and goodies sent straight to your home. Some of the shop’s bundles include the Stationary Bundle, Indoor Kids Bundle, Writer’s Bundle, and Bookseller Picks. Loyalty Bookstore even offers membership programs for those wanting to enjoy all the shop has to offer. Membership perks include first access to events, shopping discounts, and special sales. For a wonderful selection of diverse reads and events, head over to Loyalty Bookstore.
Photo: Loyalty BookstoreSolid State Books
As one of D.C.’s intellectual hubs, Solid State Books enriches the D.C. community with its exceptional bookstore and dynamic events. This independent bookshop has an extensive selection of fiction and non-fiction titles available, either as hard copies, audiobooks, or e-books. From adult to children’s books, this full-service bookshop caters to all types of readers.
There are always exciting events going on at Solid State Books. Some of these programs include author readings and signings, book groups, children’s story hours, political conversations, and local interest panels. It’s also a social spot, where friends can enjoy a coffee bar stocked full of pastries, snacks, coffee, teas, beer, and wine. Grab a drink or bite to eat as you flip through a page-turner on one of the shop's comfy couches or participate in a conversational event.
Solid State Books has a gift shop stocked with items like t-shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs, wine glasses, gift cards, and, of course, books! The bookstore even offers puzzles, games, and stationery products for purchase. You can stay up-to-date with all of the store’s new products and upcoming programs by signing up for their newsletter. For an unparalleled bookstore experience, head to the heart of D.C. and spend some time at Solid State Books.
There are always exciting events going on at Solid State Books. Some of these programs include author readings and signings, book groups, children’s story hours, political conversations, and local interest panels. It’s also a social spot, where friends can enjoy a coffee bar stocked full of pastries, snacks, coffee, teas, beer, and wine. Grab a drink or bite to eat as you flip through a page-turner on one of the shop's comfy couches or participate in a conversational event.
Solid State Books has a gift shop stocked with items like t-shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs, wine glasses, gift cards, and, of course, books! The bookstore even offers puzzles, games, and stationery products for purchase. You can stay up-to-date with all of the store’s new products and upcoming programs by signing up for their newsletter. For an unparalleled bookstore experience, head to the heart of D.C. and spend some time at Solid State Books.
Photo: Solid State BooksKramers
Opened in 1976, Kramers was the first combined bookstore and cafe in the D.C. area. With its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings, Kramers has been in business for over 40 years by keeping up with the times. In addition to selling its Staff Picks and Best Sellers in-store, Kramers also offers online shopping and a one-hour book delivery service via Postmates.
Unlike other bookstores, Kramers also offers a full-blown restaurant and bar, with menu items like avocado toast, mimosas, veggie lasagna, and cocktails. Opened in 2020, Fedwich is their new sandwich pop-up. In collaboration with the Federalist Pig, a popular local barbecue restaurant, Fedwich offers all types of sandwiches for dine-in or to-go. Another stellar book-and-food pairing is the Kramers Book & Wine Club. Members receive monthly exclusive reads — curated by the Kramers’ team — paired alongside bold wines chosen by the store’s Wine Director.
Perhaps the most eccentric feature of Kramers, however, is its barber studio. Tucked away on the bookshop’s second floor, the barber studio boasts a staff of well-trained stylists. Receive a fabulous haircut while reading an exciting book, sipping on a handmade drink, or admiring artwork from local photographers. So whether you go to Kramers for the books, clubs, food, or barbershop, there’s something for everyone at this quirky hub.
Unlike other bookstores, Kramers also offers a full-blown restaurant and bar, with menu items like avocado toast, mimosas, veggie lasagna, and cocktails. Opened in 2020, Fedwich is their new sandwich pop-up. In collaboration with the Federalist Pig, a popular local barbecue restaurant, Fedwich offers all types of sandwiches for dine-in or to-go. Another stellar book-and-food pairing is the Kramers Book & Wine Club. Members receive monthly exclusive reads — curated by the Kramers’ team — paired alongside bold wines chosen by the store’s Wine Director.
Perhaps the most eccentric feature of Kramers, however, is its barber studio. Tucked away on the bookshop’s second floor, the barber studio boasts a staff of well-trained stylists. Receive a fabulous haircut while reading an exciting book, sipping on a handmade drink, or admiring artwork from local photographers. So whether you go to Kramers for the books, clubs, food, or barbershop, there’s something for everyone at this quirky hub.
Photo: KramersWoodley Park Real Estate
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