Are you on the hunt for a bookstore in the D.C. area? With so many to choose from, it’s helpful to know a little bit about what each one has to offer before heading out. Below you’ll find some pros and cons of some of my favorites around the capital, in no particular order.
Politics and Prose
Politics and Prose has three great locations around DC (Union Market, the Wharf, and American University area). It’s a new bookstore, so the books are a bit pricier. However, they have a great selection of new releases and hard-cover classics. Politics and Prose often hosts events with authors and speakers on various topics. In addition, they also have fun knick-knacks like games and trinkets. I am a frequent at Politics and Prose on the Wharf – it is right next to a Ben & Jerry’s and has a beautiful waterfront view!
Capitol Hill Books
This is a must see. Capitol Hill Books is right across from Eastern Market and, you guessed it, on Capitol Hill. It is a locally owned used-new hybrid bookstore, with so many titles it’s almost overwhelming. They don’t have an inventory system and there’s so many books that it can sometimes be hard to find what you’re looking for, but if you’re willing to peruse it’s very likely you’ll find something you’ll enjoy. There’s also plenty of great places nearby to sit and read for a while. Books are stacked floor to ceiling, including a foreign language shelf in the bathroom!
Kramer’s
Kramer’s is near Dupont Circle and is the best bookstore if you want to pair your read with a coffee or a snack. Like P&P, the books are used, and they usually carry very trendy titles from several genres. I highly recommend relaxing on the outside patio with a pot of tea and people watching or getting some work done. Kramer’s has extended hours if you ever need a late-night study session.
Second Story Books
There is so much to find here! Second Story Books definitely requires some patience and an open mind, but they have a massive collection of rare and special titles. Collectible titles sell for affordable prices, and they have regular sidewalk sales in front of the store.
Lost City Books
This is a bookstore every DC intern should stop by. It’s located in the Adams Morgan area, and has some comfy seating for visitors who’d like to sit and stay a while. They mainly sell used and out-of-print books, but it’s very affordable and they have a great selection. The staff writes small descriptions of books and authors to help readers navigate the store and choose a title that fits their interests. The turnover rate is also pretty high, so there’s a good chance that if you wait a week or two in between visits you’ll find some new material.
This is nowhere near all the bookstores in D.C., but these are among my favorites I’ve visited so far. Also, don’t forget to sign up for a Library of Congress reader’s card – I think it might be the best decision I have made in D.C.. Happy book hunting!
Eliza Thomas
National Defense University - National War College
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023
Politics and Prose
Politics and Prose has three great locations around DC (Union Market, the Wharf, and American University area). It’s a new bookstore, so the books are a bit pricier. However, they have a great selection of new releases and hard-cover classics. Politics and Prose often hosts events with authors and speakers on various topics. In addition, they also have fun knick-knacks like games and trinkets. I am a frequent at Politics and Prose on the Wharf – it is right next to a Ben & Jerry’s and has a beautiful waterfront view!
Capitol Hill Books
This is a must see. Capitol Hill Books is right across from Eastern Market and, you guessed it, on Capitol Hill. It is a locally owned used-new hybrid bookstore, with so many titles it’s almost overwhelming. They don’t have an inventory system and there’s so many books that it can sometimes be hard to find what you’re looking for, but if you’re willing to peruse it’s very likely you’ll find something you’ll enjoy. There’s also plenty of great places nearby to sit and read for a while. Books are stacked floor to ceiling, including a foreign language shelf in the bathroom!
Kramer’s
Kramer’s is near Dupont Circle and is the best bookstore if you want to pair your read with a coffee or a snack. Like P&P, the books are used, and they usually carry very trendy titles from several genres. I highly recommend relaxing on the outside patio with a pot of tea and people watching or getting some work done. Kramer’s has extended hours if you ever need a late-night study session.
Second Story Books
There is so much to find here! Second Story Books definitely requires some patience and an open mind, but they have a massive collection of rare and special titles. Collectible titles sell for affordable prices, and they have regular sidewalk sales in front of the store.
Lost City Books
This is a bookstore every DC intern should stop by. It’s located in the Adams Morgan area, and has some comfy seating for visitors who’d like to sit and stay a while. They mainly sell used and out-of-print books, but it’s very affordable and they have a great selection. The staff writes small descriptions of books and authors to help readers navigate the store and choose a title that fits their interests. The turnover rate is also pretty high, so there’s a good chance that if you wait a week or two in between visits you’ll find some new material.
This is nowhere near all the bookstores in D.C., but these are among my favorites I’ve visited so far. Also, don’t forget to sign up for a Library of Congress reader’s card – I think it might be the best decision I have made in D.C.. Happy book hunting!
Eliza Thomas
National Defense University - National War College
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023