Bookstores in the District of Columbia
Last change:
4 Feb 2009
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[Note 1: This list includes cities surrounding Washington DC. Baltimore
MD, however, is in the Eastern United States list.]
[Note 2: I collected these comments from a variety of people. I personally
have no knowledge of many of these places and take no responsibility if you
buy a book you don't enjoy. :-) Phone numbers and precise addresses can be
gotten by calling directory assistance for the appropriate city. Call ahead
for precise hours, as even when I list them they are subject to change.]
[Note 3: If you can add information for any of these, in particular
addresses when they are missing, please send it to me. *PLEASE SPECIFY CITY
AND STATE.*]
[Note 4: Area codes change so quickly these days that these may be wrong.]
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Dupont Circle
Georgetown
North part of the city
Smithsonian/Capitol
White House
Alexandria VA
Arlington VA
Berryville VA
Centreville VA
Chantilly VA
Fairfax VA
Falls Church VA
Manassas VA
McLean VA
Reston VA
Springfield VA
Vienna VA
Warrenton VA
Woodbridge VA
Annapolis MD
Bethesda MD
MD miscellaneous
College Park MD
Columbia MD
Damascus MD
Ellicott City MD
Frederick MD
Gaithersburg MD
Germantown MD
Glenwood MD
Kensington MD
Laurel MD
Rockville MD
Silver Spring MD
Waldorf MD
Wheaton MD
Comments
other geographic areas
John Alvey writes:
In 1979 Henry Turlington published a guide to Washington's bookstores
called Washington Used and Rare. At the end he gave a list of 50
bookstores. Of those 50, only three are still in the same place, with
the same name and the same owners and the turnover is still continuing,
so just because a store is mentioned here in or in one the books does
not mean that it will be there tomorrow.
Adams-Morgan (the culturally diverse area East of Connecticut Avenue
and North of the Washington Hilton):
Editorial El Mundo (1796 Columbia Rd NW, 20009, 202-387-8716). New
books, magazines and newspapers in Spanish. Open Mon-Fri
9AM-7PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-6PM.
Idle Time (moved--was 2467 18th NW, 20009, 202-232-4774. Good general
used books. Very good SF selection. Open 11AM-10PM seven
days a week. [10/03]
U Street Corridor:
Busboys and Poets (2021 14th NW, between U and V, 20009, 202-387-7638,
http://www.busboysandpoets.com). Open Mon-Thu, Sun 10AM-12M;
Fri-Sat 10AM-2AM.
Dupont Circle:
Books for America (1417 22nd NW, 20037, 202-835-2665,
http://www.booksforamerica.org/). Bookstore operated by a
non-profit organization. "We have an impressive selection of
new and used books all at used book prices (and quite
inexpensive at that!) Most books are $1-$5, including
brand-new, first-run books." Also CDs and DVDs. [08/06]
Candida's World of Books (1541 14th NW, 20005, 202-667-4811, FAX
202-667-4813, http://www.candidasworldofbooks.com). Travel
and international. Open Tue-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 12N-6PM. [01/08]
Ginza (1721 Connecticut Ave NW, 20009, 202-331-7991). A few blocks
north of Dupont Circle. A Japanese store which carries some
books on things Japanese. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun 12N-6PM.
Kramerbooks/Afterwords (1517 Connecticut Ave NW just north of Dupont Cir,
20036, 202-387-1400, FAX 202-232-7481). Smallish bookstore,
but good selection and nice cafe in the back. One says, "Very
good collection of political science and technical works" but
another responds, "It's a nice place, but I think the focus of
this version of Kramer's is much more towards non-political
subjects. For really good political and history selections,
one needs to go to a mainline Kramer's store. The
magazine/journal selection in this particular store leaves
much to be desired. This is really unacceptable by DC
standards. Think of Kramerbooks/Afterwards as a place where
people go to forget about politics. The parent store is Sidney
Kramer Books. Open Mon-Thu 7:30AM-1AM, Fri 7AM-Sat 12M.
Lambda Rising (1625 Connecticut Ave NW a few blocks north of Dupont Cir,
20009, 202-462-6969, FAX 202-462-7257,
http://www.lambdarising.com, Gay, lesbian, and bisexual
bookstore founded in 1974. Stocks virtually every G/L/B book
in print, plus a large out-of-print and used selection; book
searches welcome. Good-sized SF and mystery sections. Also
magazines, newspapers, videos, music, etc. Community bulletin
board, free guide maps. Open Sun-Thu 10AM-10PM, Fri-Sat
10AM-12M. [04/04]
Second Story Books (2000 P St NW one block west of Dupont Cir at 20th,
20036, 202-659-8884, FAX 202-659-8884,
http://www.secondstorybooks.com; see also Rockville MD,
Bethesda MD, and BaltimoreMD). Used books (and records).
"Largest selection of any of the used book stores I go to (I
look for paperback fiction and history, mostly)." Fiction
semi-alphabetized (i.e., all the "A"s are together, etc.), but
SF is not alphabetized at all. The best used bookstore in
Washington if you are interested in reasonably priced and varied
stock. They have a very fast turnover, seem to get excellent
quality books in all the main subjects and prices are reasonable,
though not cheap. Stock which does not turn over makes its way
to the Rockville warehouse where it is sold at half price. Open
10AM-10PM seven days a week. [10/03]
Georgetown:
Georgetown had seemed to be recovering as a used book center, but over the
years 2000-2002, lost most of its mainstays. To get to Georgetown can be
tricky. Parking is difficult and there is no subway. (The nearest is at
Foggy Bottom. You can walk from it on a nice day but it is 7-10 blocks
away--turn left out of the subway and then left onto Pennsylvania Avenue
at Washington Circle.)
Barnes and Noble (M Street at Thomas Jefferson and 31st,
Georgetown). New store which opened November 1995.
Bartleby's Books (3034 M St NW at Jefferson, second floor, 20007,
202-298-0486, http://www.bartlebysbooks.com). "A high-quality
used book store with a superb stock of Americana, including
pre-20th century US history and regional Americana; also
economics, art, literature, particularly foreign literature in
English translation." Open Tue-Sat 10:30AM-3:30PM. [07/03]
Bridge Street Books (2814 Pennsylvania Ave NW, 20007, 202-347-4590).
Good general new books. Open Mon-Thu 10AM-7PM, Fri-Sat
10AM-11PM, Sun 1PM-6PM.
Georgetown University Leavey Center Bookshop (3800 Reservoir Rd NW,
20057, 202-687-7482, FAX 202-687-7925). University-oriented
books. Georgetown University is to the northwest of
Georgetown, well away from the center and Reservoir Road is the
northern end of the University. There is a separate law bookstore
at 600 New Jersey Avenue (202-662-9458, FAX 202-662-9472), which is
the other side of town, near the Capitol and a separate medical
bookstore at 3900 Reservoir Road (202-687-1268, FAX 202-687-3186).
Open Mon-Fri 9AM-8PM, Sat-Sun 11AM-5PM.
Lantern-Bryn Mawr (3241 P St NW, 20007, 202-333-3222,
http://www.hers.com/~lantern). The bookstore of Bryn Mawr alumnae
but surprisingly good for a charity store. (One reader says
this has the best selection of any used bookstore in the
area.) Open Tue-Fri 11AM-4PM, Sat 11AM-5PM, Sun 12N-4PM. [07/03]
North part of the city:
Cleveland Park Bookshop (3416 Wisconsin Ave NW, 20016, 202-363-1112,
FAX 202-362-9264). Near the Cleveland Park subway stop. Good
quality new books of a literary bent. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-10PM,
Sun 10AM-6PM.
Glover Books & Music (2319 Wisconsin Ave NW, 202-338-8100). Small
general bookstore, next to FreshFields in the Glover Park
neighborhood (just north of Georgetown).
National Zoo (30001 Connecticut Ave NW, 20008, 202-673-4967,
FAX 202-673-4738). New books about animals. Open 9AM-6PM seven
days a week.
Politics and Prose (5015 Connecticut Ave NW at Nevada, 20008,
800-722-0790 or 202-364-1919, FAX 202-966-7532,
http://www.politics-prose.com). A full-service bookstore.
Recent fiction and current affairs, politics. Often has
authors speaking. Open Sun-Thu 9AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 9AM-12M.
[04/08]
Pyramid Bookstore (2849 Georgia Ave NW, 20001, 202-328-0190 or
202-265-6921). Near Howard University. New books of
African-American interest. Open 11AM-7PM seven days a week.
Tempo Bookstore (4905 Wisconsin Ave NW, 20016, 202-363-6683). Small
foreign-language bookstore. There are better ones around.
University of the District of Columbia Bookstore (4200 Connecticut Ave NW,
20008, 202-282-7447). University-oriented books. Open Mon,
Thu, Fri 9AM-4PM; Tue-Wed 9AM-6PM.
Smithsonian/Capitol:
Backstage, Inc., The Performing Arts Store (545 8th SE, 20003,
202-544-5744, backstagebooks@aol.com). Theater books; a very
small amount of cinema. They also carry makeup, costumes,
scripts, tapes and videos and other theater paraphernalia.
Moved from 21st NW and P. Open Mon-Wed and Fri-Sat 10AM-6PM,
Thu 10AM-8PM. [03/07]
Bookworks/Washington Projects for the Arts (400 7th St NW, 20004,
202-347-4590, FAX 202-347-8393). Located in a basement. Has
good books on modern art, literature and the like. Open
Tue-Sat 11AM-6PM.
Borders Books and Music (14th and F). Over 150,000 book, music, periodical
and video titles.
Capitol Hill Books (657 C St SE, 20003, 202-544-1621). Used books,
especially classics and history. Open Mon-Fri 11:30AM-6PM,
Sat-Sun 9AM-6PM. [07/03]
Folger Shakespeare Library Shop (201 E Capitol St SE, 20003,
202-544-4600 or 202-544-4623). New books on Shakespeare and
Elizabethan England. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM.
Fords Theatre Museum Bookshop (511 Tenth St NW, 20004, 202-426-0179).
Fords Theatre is the theater where Lincoln was assassinated and
is currently managed by the National Park Service. The
bookstore carries books on Lincoln, the assassination and the
Civil War. Open 9AM-5PM seven days a week.
Freer Gallery of Art Museum Shop (Jefferson Drive at 12th St SW, 20560,
202-357-2700). A lovely gallery, containing both a fine
collection of Oriental art and a fine collection of American art,
with lots of Whistler. The bookstore has books on these topics.
Open 10AM-5:30PM seven days a week.
Liber Antiquus (19 DSE #3, 20003, 202-546-2413,
http://www.antiquus.com). 15th, 16th, and 17th century books.
(Used, obviously.) Open Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM. [10/03]
Library of Congress Sales Shop (main Jefferson Building, 20540-4985,
202-707-0204). Specializing in US history and Library of Congress
publications. Museum is open Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM.
National Air and Space Museum Bookshop, Independence Avenue at 6th St
NW, 20560, 202-357-1387). New books on air and space topics in
the nation's most-visited museum. Open 10AM-6:30PM seven days
a week.
National Archives Museum Store (Constitution Avenue btwn 7th & 9th),
20408, 202-501-5235). New books on US history, politics,
archives. Open 10AM-9PM seven daya a week April-Labor Day,
10AM-5:30PM seven days a week Labor Day-March 31.
National Gallery of Art Bookstore (Constitution Avenue at 6th NW,
20565, 202-842-6466, FAX 202-842-4043). New books on art.
Open Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 11AM-6PM.
National Museum of African Art (950 Independence Avenue SW, 20560,
202-257-4600). New books on Africa and African art. Open
10AM-5:30PM seven days a week.
National Museum of American Art (8th & G Streets NW, 20560,
202-357-1545). New books on American art. Open 10AM-5:30PM
seven days a week.
National Museum of American History (Constitution Ave at 14th St NW,
20560, 202-357-1527). New books in the field of American
history. Open 10AM-5:30PM seven days a week.
National Museum of the American Indian (Bowling Green). Bookshop.
[08/06]
National Museum of Natural History (10th and Constitution Ave NW,
20560, 202-357-1536). New books on natural history
(including dinosaurs). Open 10AM-5:30PM seven days a week.
National Museum of Women in the Arts (1250 New York Ave NW, 20005,
202-783-5000). New books on art created by women and women
in the arts. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 12N-5PM.
National Portrait Gallery (8th and G NW, 20560, 202-357-1447). New
art books. Open 10AM-5:15PM seven days a week.
Reprint Bookstore (456 LEnfant Plaza SW, 20024, 202-554-5070). An
independent, new book store, with a good tradition of service
and a good stock of books of local interest and, of course,
politics. Open Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM.
Riverby Books (417 E Capitol SE, 20003, 202-543-4342,
riverby@erols.com). Used, 25,000 volumes. Politics, history,
etc. Open daily 10AM-6PM. (No idea if this includes Sundays.)
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Shop (950 Independence Ave SW, 20560,
202-357-4880). It's a lovely gallery (Oriental art) and the
bookstore sells books to match. Open 10AM-5:30PM seven days a week.
The Trover Shop (221 Pennsylvania Ave SE, 20003, 202-453-8006,
FAX 202-547-5584). A long, narrow store, a block from the Capitol,
densely packed with everything a policy wonk needs: out-of-town
newspapers, political tracts, directories of lobbyists, Grisham-type
fiction, etc. The famous or infamous Democratic Leadership Council
has its offices just above the Trover Shop. Open Mon-Fri 7AM-9PM,
Sat 7AM-7PM, Sun 7AM-3PM.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Store (100 Raoul Wallenberg
Place SW, 20024-2150, 202-488-0419 and 202-488-0455, FAX
202-488-2606, http://www.ushmm.org). Near the Independence Avenue
exit of the Smithsonian (Orange/Blue Line) subway stop. Open daily
except Yom Kippur and Christmas 10AM-5:20PM.
White House:
American Institute of Architects/Rizzoli (1735 New York Ave NW, Washington
DC 20006, 202-626-7475, FAX 202-626-7420. New books on architecture,
design, etc. Open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5PM.
Franz Bader (1911 I St NW, 20006, 202-337-5440). Near Farragut West
subway station (18th St exit). Good-quality books in the
field of art and design. Note that the address is the letter I
and not the number 1. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM.
Borders Books & Music (1801 K Street NW, 20006, 202-466-4999). On the
corner of 18 & L, notwithstanding the address. A very large
branch of Borders with more than 100,000 book titles, 50,000 music
titles, and a pretty good espresso bar. The staff is newly hired
and still learning how to use the computer system, but the selection
of books is probably the most diverse in the District. Open Mon-Sat
9AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-6PM.
Chapters Literary Bookstore (11th St. and Pennsylvania Ave, 20005,
202-347-5495). "Robin and Terry and their staff really know
and love books and are extraordinarily helpful. Yes, the
stock has a primarily literary bent but they will recommend
and/or get what you want. They also have a frequent buyer
plan. Regular book buyers should shop here." Open Mon-Fri
10AM-6:30PM, Sat 11AM-5PM. [06/03]
George Washington University Bookstore (Marvin Center, 800 21st St NW,
20052, 202-994-6870). University-oriented books. Open during
the school year Mon-Thu 9AM-7PM, Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat 11AM-4PM.
Health Source Bookstore (1404 K St NW, 20005, 800-713-7122 or
202-789-7303, FAX 202-789-7899, http://www.appi.org/healthsource).
New books on health topics. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 11AM-5PM.
ADC Map & Travel Center (1636 Eye St NW, 20006, 202-628-2608 or 800-544-2659,
FAX 202-628-2610, http://www.adcmapandtravel.com). Located by
the 17th St. exit to Farragut West subway station and on the south
side of Farragut Square. An excellent source of maps, travel
guides, etc. Open Mon-Thu 8AM-6:30PM, Fri 8AM-5:30PM,
Sat 11AM-5PM. [01/09]
Reiter's Scientific and Technical Bookstore (2021 K St NW, 20006,
800-537-4314 or 202-223-3327, FAX 202-296-9103,
http://www.reiters.com. They have a very broad stock of
technical books. One person thinks their used math and
physics books are priced on the high side. Open Mon-Fri
9AM-7:30PM, Sat 9:30AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM. [11/06]
Washington Law Book Company (1900 G St NW, 20006, 202-371-6667,
FAX 202-289-6203). New and used law books. Open Mon-Fri
9:30AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-5PM.
World Bank Bookstore (701 18th St NW, 20433, 202-473-2941, FAX
202-477-0604 (for orders 202-676-0581). New books published by
the World Bank in the field of finance, development, economics,
environment, etc. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-4PM.
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Virginia:
Though Fairfax County is one of the richest and most educated counties
in the United States, the quality of bookstores in the county is very
low. You'll do much better in DC or MD, though Arlington and Alexandria
have a few good stores. Note that the city designations used here are
those defined by the US Post Office. These do not conform to the
boundaries of the local jurisdictions. Thus, several of the stores
mentioned as being in Alexandria are in Fairfax County and not in the
City of Alexandria. The same applies to Falls Church, Fairfax,
Manassas and Vienna. Note that, unless you have lived in the area for
at least twenty years, you are certain to get lost.
Alexandria VA:
Already Read Used Books (2501 Duke, Alexandria, 703-299-8406,
http://www.alreadyreadusedbooks.com/). Used books; 15,000
books. Specializes in SF, mystery, and history, but also has
a large selection of general interest books. The store is
actually on an access road that is north of the street, and
has to be accessed via West Taylor Run Parkway to get to the
access road (see their web site for directions. Open Mon-Fri
11AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 12N-6PM. [08/08]
Bird-In-The-Cage Antiques (110 King, Alexandria, 703-549-5114).
[12/07]
Blue and Gray Books and Prints (210 King, second floor, Alexandria
22314, 703-739-9849). A Civil War bookstore. Open Sun-Thu
12N-6PM, Fri-Sat 12N-9PM.
Book Bank (1510 King, 22314, 703-838-3620 or 703-598-6988,
www.abebooks.com/home/bookbank1). Over 20,000 used books,
hardback and paperback. Good SF and mystery sections. Open
Mon-Thu 11:30-5PM, Fri-Sat 11AM-6:30PM, Sun 12:30N-5PM. [12/07]
Book Rack (7001 J Manchester Blvd, Alexandria 22310, 703-780-2325).
Used bookstore, mainly paperback. Open Mon-Thu 11AM-7PM,
Fri-Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM.
Comic & Card Collectorama (2008 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, 22301,
703-548-3466). [12/07]
Cosmic Book Store (10953 Lute Court, 703-330-8573). SF and comics;
affiliated with Hole in the Wall. "Excellent bookstore, though
the prices are sometimes a bit high."
One Good Tern (1710 Fern, Alexandria 22302, 800-432-8376 or
703-820-8376). New books on nature and the environment as well as
nature and bird paraphernalia. Open Mon, Wed, Fri 10AM-6PM;
Tue, Thu 10AM-8PM; Sat 9AM-6PM; Sun 12N-5PM.
Ptak Science Books (810 N Fairfax, Alexandria 22314, 703-683-6837, FAX
703-684-6843, JFPtak@access.digex.net). One block west of the river
and 8 blocks north of King St. Used and antiquarian science books
and maps. Open Wed-Sat 12N-5PM.
Voyages Books and Art (209 Madison Ave, Alexandria 22304, 703-739-2484).
"They are in the Washington Antiques Center (at the back) at Madison
and North Fairfax. Relatively small stock of used and antiquarian
books. Despite the name I found very few travel books but a more
general stock." Open 11AM-6PM seven days a week.
Arlington VA:
Aladdin's Lamp (2499 N Harrison, Lee-Harrison shopping center,
Arlington 22207, 703-241-8281, aladlamp@speakeasy.org). New
children's books. Open Mon, Wed, Fri-Sat 10AM-6PM; Tue, Thu
10AM-8PM, Sun 11AM-4PM. [04/05]
Bookhouse (805 N Emerson, Arlington 22205, 703-527-7797,
nhughes@bookhouse.com). Off Wilson Blvd by Safeway and a
couple of blocks from George Mason. The store is in what
used to be a private house. High-quality used and rare
book store, with an emphasis on history and art. Open
Wed-Sun 1PM-6PM. [01/07]
Friends of the Arlington Public Library. Twice-a-year book sales.
"The selection is huge and surprisingly good." [03/08]
Berryville VA:
Berryville Old Book Shop (17 E Main, Berryville 22611, 540-955-7070,
ajustice@shentel.net). Self-described as "a delightful
assortment for all readers, emphasizing History, Military,
Children's." Open Thu-Sat 12N-5PM; also Fri evenings in
summer. [10/03]
Chantilly VA:
C&W Used Books (13888 Metro Tech Dr, Sully Place Shopping Center,
Chantilly, 703-968-7323). Similar to their store in
Woodbridge VA. "Both are very well organized and tend to
carry very clean copies of the used books. To my tastes the
one in Chantilly is slightly superior but I can't put my
finger on why."
Culpeper VA:
Ace Books (120 W Culpeper, 22701). {11/06]
Falls Church VA:
Hole in the Wall (905 W Broad, Falls Church 22046, 703-536-2511). It's
in a private house on the left (as you going towards Tysons Corner).
SF, fantasy, and strange odds and ends. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM,
Sat-Sun 10AM-6PM. [10/03]
Mike's Books (5618 Columbia Pike, Falls Church 22041, 703-820-5050). In
a small mall behind Bailey's Crossroads, on the left just past
Circuit City (if you are traveling east). Look for the Craven Tire
sign. This may well be the name of the store (at least according
to owner Mike Hardisty) but the sign on the door says Mike's TV, as
Mike is primarily a TV and stereo repair guy. He decided to use
some spare space to get rid of his surplus books and the bookstore
idea blossomed from there. Though the stock is small and you will
have to climb over old TVs to see it, it is surprisingly good and
pretty cheap. Good on history, particularly Civil War and WWII
(Mike's heroes are Sherman and Patton) but used books in other
areas as well. [Stay tuned on this, as the owner died 12 Oct 1997,
and no one is sure what will happen with the store.] Open Mon-Fri
10AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-2PM.
Scriblerus (250 W Broad, Falls Church 22043, 703-573-4114,
http://www.scriblerus.com). Antiquarian books, scholarly
editions, antique maps. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 12N-5PM.
[10/03]
Manassas VA:
Hole in the Wall Books. Someone said there was a branch of the Falls
Church store in Manassas. [06/04]
Mc Kay Used Books Inc (8389 Sudley Rd, Manaport Plaza, Manassas
20109, 703-361-9042). "Mainly paperback and cheap hardback
used books." Also CDs and videos. Open Mon-Sat 9AM-10PM,
Sun 10AM-8PM. [10/03]
Propero's Books (9121 Center, Manassas 20110, 703-257-7895). General
used bookstore, including history, Civil War, fiction (quite
a few old novels). Reasonable prices. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM,
Fri 10AM-9PM, Sun 12N-6PM. [03/06]
The Manassas National Battlefield Site at Sudley has a good stock of
new books on the Civil War, particularly on the two battles of
Manassas/Bull Run. On the other hand, it's skimpier than many other
National Battlefield bookstores.
McLean VA:
Old Book Co. of McLean (6829 Redmond Dr, McLean 22101, 703-734-0858,
FAX 703-734-0885, http://www.abebooks.com/home/oldbookco).
From Route 123, turn right onto Old Dominion and right onto
Beverly. Store is in row of shops on left. Good-quality
general used book store, with good stock on Americana, things
English, spy stuff. Open Mon-Sat 11AM-8PM, Sun 1PM-6PM.
Reston VA:
Barnes & Noble.
Reston's Used Book Shop (1623 Washington Plaza, Reston 22090,
703-435-9772, reidbooks2@aol.com). From Reston Parkway, right
onto Baron Cameron (660), right on Village Road, left on
Northshore, immediate right into Lake Anne Parking Area.
General used stock, reasonable prices. Open Apr-Dec
Mon 10AM-6PM, Tue-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 12N-9PM; Jan-Mar
Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun 12N-5PM..
Springfield VA:
Barnes & Noble. [11/04]
Borders. [11/04]
Jeff's Baseball Corner (5222 Port Royal Rd, Springfield 22150,
703-321-9209, FAX 703-321-8881). "Specializing in out-of-print
sports books, periodicals, magazines, memorabilia" per the ad in
the phone book. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM.
Vienna VA:
Borders (Tyson's Square, 8311 Leesburg Pike, Vienna 22182, 703-556-7766).
Just beyond Tysons on Route 7 (going east), on the left. Even
bigger than the Bethesda store. Coffee shop. Open Mon-Thu
9AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 9AM-11PM, Sun 11AM-7PM.
Warrenton VA:
BJ's Books (Waterloo Station, 381 W Shirley Ave, Warrenton,
703-347-4111). On Business 29 on the west of the city, just after
where 211 West turns off Business 29. Basic used boosktore,
primarily paperback, but cheap prices. Also sells comics, baseball
cards. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM, Sun 12N-5PM.
Woodbridge VA:
C&W Used Books (14583 Potomac Mills Rd, Woodbridge 22192-6808,
703-491-7323). "The best used bookstore I've shopped. (Please
take that with a grain of salt, as this is the first major
metropolitan area in which I've lived). Their selection is as
large as I've seen, organized by genre, and alphabetically;
their prices are very reasonable (which is rare enough in this
area); and they encourage book donations for store credit.
They have a large genre sections, as well as a small selection
of audio CDs and comics."
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Maryland:
Better than Virginia, particularly Bethesda, though Wonder Book in
Frederick is probably the largest used bookstore in the area.
Annapolis MD:
Crawford's Nautical Books (4815 Fairbank Rd, Tilghman Island 21671,
410-886-2230, FAX 410-886-2438, bookbank@bluecrab.org).
Open Apr-Dec Sat-Sun 10AM-6PM. [10/03]
Unicorn Bookshop (US Route 50, Trappe MD 21673, 410-476-3838,
unicorn@talg.lib.md.us). Used books, emphasizing local
history, hunting and fishing, and military history. Open
daily 9AM-5PM. [10/03]
Bethesda MD:
Audubon Naturalist Society (8940 Jones Mill Rd, Chevy Chase MD 20815,
301-652-9188, http://www.audubonnaturalist.org/). The gift shop
and bookstore is located in the Woodend Mansion, the Society's
headquarters. Beginning and advanced birding field guides, other
nature-oriented titles.
R. Quick, Bookseller (7115 Wisconsin Ave, inside Montgomery Farm
Women's Coop Market, Bethesda MD 20714, 301-652-2291 or
301-654-5030, FAX 301-654-5030, ROLOQUICK@aol.com).
Used classics, literature, philosophy, etc. Open Wed, Sat
8AM-4PM. [10/03]
Second Story Books (4836 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda MD 20814, 301-770-0477,
http://www.secondstorybooks.com). Opposite Giant. For
description see entry under Washington DC, Dupont Circle.
Open 10AM-10PM seven days a week. [10/03]
MD misceppaneous:
Karibu Books (Prince George's Plaza, 3500 East/West Highway,
Hyattsville MD 20782, 301-559-1140; Iverson Mall, 3817 Branch
Ave, Hillcrest Heigts MD 20748, 301-899-3730; Forest Village
Park Mall, 3289 B Donnell Dr, Forestville MD 20747;
301-736-6170; Pentagon City Mall, 1100 S Hayes, Arlington VA
22202, 703-415-1118; http://www.karibubooks.com).
Specializing in "books by and about people of African
descent." Main store open Mon-Sat 10AM-9:30PM, Sun
11AM-6PM; others the same or slightly shorter hours. [11/08]
College Park MD:
Book Nook II (143 Delaware Ave NE, Glen Burnie, 21061, 410-766-5758).
General stock. Open Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat 10AM-5PM, Wed 10AM-7PM.
[10/03]
Maryland Book Exchange (4500 College Park, College Park MD 20740,
301-927-2510). An above-average technical/university bookstore with
some used books. Every ten years they have a half-price book sale
(that's right, new books half-price) but, unfortunately, the last
one was in 1994 so you'll have a long wait till the next one. Open
Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 12N-5PM, closed Sun in summer.
(From I-95, take exit 25 (US 1) south about 2.5 miles; on left at
College Avenue.)
Vertigo Books (7346 Baltimore Ave (US 1), College Park MD 20740,
301-779-9300). "An active independent, recently relocated from
Dupont Circle. General stock, with emphasis on political
science, current affairs, and African-American studies.
Readings and events almost every week." Summer Hours: Open
Mon-Wed 10AM-8PM, Thu-Fri 10AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun 12N-5PM.
Columbia MD:
Basset Books (6925-G Oakland Mills Rd, 21045, 410-312-7878,
FAX 410-312-7880, http://www.bassetbooks.com). Used mystery,
crime, espionage, intelligence, and others. Open Tue-Sat 10AM-7PM,
Sun 12N-5PM. [07/03]
Daedalus Books (9645 Gerwig Ln, 21046, 410-309-2730, http://www.salebooks.com).
Remainders, including audio books. "It's rare that I don't find
something for me or as a gift for other people. Although the store
isn't huge, it's nicely arranged and easy to browse. One or two $1
tables can usually be found, and there are good children's, history,
Civil War, art/architecture, science, and fiction collections. Nice
CD collection with a few cassettes. One day I was there, the
receptionist warned people to close their car windows shortly before
a wild rainstorm hit."
Damascus MD:
L & L Books, 26133 Ridge Rd, Highpoint Shopping Center, Damascus MD
20872, 301-253-2510, FAX 301-253-2880,
hugabun.books@verizon.net). Used general stock. [10/03]
Ellicott City MD:
Gramp's Attic Books (8304 Main, 21043). [11/06]
Frederick MD:
Riverby Books (805 Caroline, Fredericksburg VA 22401, 540-373-6148,
pncymrot@aol.com). General used books, emphasis on Civil War
and military history. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 12N-5PM.
[10/03]
Wonder Book (1306 W Patrick (Route 40 W), 21702, 301-694-5955;
1705 Massey Blvd, Hagerstown, 21740, Valley Plaza next to K-Mart,
21740, 301-733-1888; http://www.wonderbk.com). Over 600,000 books
in three stores. Patrick St store has 300,000 books, Jefferson
has 100,000, and Masset Blvd (Hagerstown) has 200,000). "A large
used bookstore that I've always found well worth searching."
Another reader says, "The largest used bookstore south of NYC
on the east coast." Open Mon-Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 12N-10PM.
Check with each location individually for buyback hours. [11/06]
Gaithersburg MD:
Battle Books (18770-B, N Frederick Rd, Gaithersburg MD 20879, 301-963-2929).
Same directions as Olde Soldier (below); located at the back of the
Olde Soldier store. Books on WWII and Vietnam War. Open Mon-Sat
9AM-3PM.
Book Alcove (15976 Shady Grove Rd, Gaithersburg MD 20877, 301-977-9166).
Exit 8 from Route 270, Shady Grove Road east. At second light, turn
left at Gaither Road into shopping mall. Book Alcove is at the back
of the mall at the far side, lower level. A fairly cheap secondhand
book store. A large selection at excellent prices. Many technical
books. Also sells bookcases. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM, Sat 10AM-7PM,
Sun 12N-6PM.
Olde Soldier Books, Inc. (18770-B, N Frederick Rd, Gaithersburg MD 20879,
301-963-2929). Exit 11 from Route 270, left onto 355 (Frederick
Road). Go just over a mile (past Hechinger and the Gazette
newspapers) and turn right at the bottom of the hill onto Game
Preserve Road. Take first right and then first left. Store is in
the warehouses. They have a superb collection of Civil War books,
including some very rare material. Not cheap but if you have to
have it, it's worth going. They also publish. Open Mon-Sat
9AM-3PM.
Germantown MD:
Borders (20926 Frederick Rd, 20874, 301-528-0862). Typical superstore.
(From I-270, take exit 16 east (Ridge Road; Father Hurley Boulevard
is other direction) east; it's in the pair of shopping centers on
the right at MD-355.
Glenwood MD:
Books With a Past, LLC (2465 Washington Road [Rt 97, near the Highs],
Suites 3-4, Glenwood MD 21738, 410-442-3740 or 410-442-3741,
bwapast@erols.com). "This one has a nice selection of used
paperbacks plus hardbacks. And a knowledgeable staff! Also, a
terrific collection of mathematics, New Aegean Press, and
cryptology books." Also children's, romance, mystery, and
nonfiction. Open Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM, Sat-Sun 11AM-5PM.
(1-1/4 miles south of I-70, exit 76). [10/03]
Kensington MD:
All Books Considered (10408 Montgomery Ave, Kensington MD 20985, 301-929-0036).
Philosophy and related subjects as well as general stock.
Though it is small, it is well worth a visit if you are
interested in philosophy. On the Kensington Antique Row.
Open seven days 12N-5PM. [07/03]
Borders (11301 Rockville Pike in White Flint Mall, Kensington MD 20895,
301-816-1067, FAX 301-816-8940. The best. Aside from having a huge
selection, it has employees who actually know something about books.
Pricey, but a great place to hang out. Coffee shop. Open Mon-Sat
9AM-11PM, Sun 11AM-8PM.
Kensington Row Bookshop (3786 Howard Ave, Kensington MD 20895,
301-949-9416, FAX 301-229-2749,
http://www.abebooks/home/imaginationbooks). Used books, with
a special emphasis and reading room for Cataln. Open Non-Sat
10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM. [10/03]
Osiris Books (3746 Howard Ave, 20895, 301-942-1661, FAX 301-962-7462,
osiris@his.com). Antique books and prints; also general
antiques. Open Mon-Sat 10:30AM-5:30PM, Sun 12N-5PM. [10/03]
Laurel MD:
Attic Books (100 Washington Blvd, corner of Rt. 1 South & Main, 20707,
301-725-3725). General stock emphasizing history and SF.
"Good SF section--includes limited press editions and other
collectible stuff." Another person writes, "This bookstore
seemed to be particularly well-stocked with older SF - lots of
Ace Doubles and so forth, and a couple of locked cabinets full
of what are presumably SF first editions. ... They had an
intriguing set of folklore/mythology books in the front of the
shop, all published together as a series, and looking to be
modern paperback reprints of 19th and early 20th century
texts. I fondled them and reluctantly put them back on the
shelf." Open Mon, Wed-Sat 11AM-7PM, Sun 1PM-5PM. [07/03]
Greyhound Books (357 Main, 20707-4328, 301-725-3600). Self-billed as
"Laurel's second-best used book store." One person says,
"Slightly smaller SF selection than Attic, but still
worthwhile." Another writes, "This store calls itself
'Laurel's Second Best,' but don't believe it. I had to leave
before even really scratching the surface, because my total
had crested $50. The greatest part of the haul, both in cost
and in excitement value, was five of the six books in Dorothy
Dunnett's Lymond series. The lovely trade paperbacks. With
uncreased covers and uncracked spines. " Open
Wed-Sat 11AM-5:30PM, Sun 1PM-5PM, [10/03]
Sun 1PM-5PM.
John W. Knott Jr. (8453 Early Bud Way, 301-725-7537). Often has obscure and
oddball stuff. Carries mystery, SF, and horror.
Rockville MD:
The Book Alcove (Shady Grove Rd). "Has a smallish but pretty good
room of antiquarian editions towards the back. Generally a
very good shop for its size. Several lengthy searches have
ended there for me. Pull into the shopping center with the
7-11 store and go back around to the rear around the right
(east) side. The shop is in the far NE corner on the first
floor. [06/04]
Leaf Through (1701L Congressional Plaza, Rockville Pike, Rockville MD,
301-230-8998). Going North on Rockville Pike (away from White
Flint), it is on the left just past Twinbrook. Leaf Through is in
the smaller of the two malls here , near Danker's furniture
store. Not far from Twinbrook subway. General used bookstore.
Nothing exciting here--the emphasis is on paperbacks and cheap
hardbacks--but prices are reasonable. Open Tue, Wed, Fri
10AM-7PM; Thu 10AM-8PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 12N-5PM.
Second Story Books (12160 Parklawn Drive, Rockville MD 20852,
301-770-0477, http://www.secondstorybooks.com).
Take Rockville Pike north and make a right onto Randolph Road,
left onto Parklawn, pass first stoplight; it's the ugly
warehouse building on the left. (It's also near the Twinbrook
stop on the red line.) The discount/warehouse part of the
operation. "This store is truly a warehouse. Plan to bring a
powerful flashlight, so that you can read titles on the back
shelves." "The SF&F section is single-shelved, thank Ghu.
The real pain is that, while the paperbacks are sorted, many
of the hardcovers are not. ... Still, Second Story is
definitely worth hitting if you have a chance, if only for the
smell of dusty books." One person writes that this is the best
resource in the area for mathematics and physics books.
Someone else says that the mystery and science fiction section
is "not the area in the main warehouse, but the
store-within-a-store off to the right of the main entrance.
It is operated by Nelson Freck and is probably the best
mystery and SF used store in the area. The focus is on first
editions, with many rarities." For their main entry see
under Washington DC, Dupont Circle. Open Sun-Thu 10AM-8PM,
Fri-Sat 10AM-9PM. [06/04]
Washington Used Book Center (11910 Parklawn Dr, near White Flint Metro,
SW of intersection of Parklawn Drive and Randolph Road (which joins
Montrose Road end to end at MD-355, 301-984-7358).
Silver Spring MD:
Silver Spring Books (938 Bonifant, Silver Spring MD 20910, 301-587-7484).
Some of the people who used to be Imagination formed this
store, so you have several bookstores in one. Good quality
mix of used books. Good source for mathematics and physics
books. Open Mon, Wed-Sat 10:30AM-6:30PM; Sun 10:30AM-5PM.
[11/06]
Waldorf MD:
Ellie's Paperback Shack (2700 Crain Hwy, Berkley Square, 301-934-3140
or 301-843-3676). Used paperbacks. Open seven days. [10/03]
Wheaton MD:
Abe's Jewish Book and Gift Store (11252 Georgia Ave in the Wheaton Triangle
Mall, Wheaton MD 20902, 301-942-2237). Also known as the Jewish
Bookstore of Greater Washington. Judaica. Proprietors: Joshua &
Menachem Youlus. "If it's Jewish, we have it." "They're a
delightful father/son team who have been in the same location for
many, many years and have filled a double-store front area with
about every imaginable title covering all corners of Judaica. They
also stock quite a wide array of gifts, and Jewish novelty items.
I'd love to see them get as many customers as their fine and
complete inventory deserves!" Open Mon-Thu 10AM-7PM, Fri 10AM-3PM,
Sun 10AM-5PM.
Barbarian Book Shop (11242 Triangle Ln, 20902, 301-946-4184). Books,
comics, cards, toys, Disneyana. Open Wed-Fri 12N-6:30PM,
Sat 12N-5PM, Sun 1PM-5PM. [02/04]
Wheaton Regional Library/Montgomery County Library Board Book Sale Room
(11710 Georgia Ave, 20902, 301-929-5515). Donations to and discards
from the entire Montgomery County library system are sold in a large
basement room at the Wheaton Library, just north of downtown Wheaton
on Georgia Avenue. "Generally, paperbacks range from $0.25 to $1.00,
and hardbacks start at $0.50. Although the collection is probably
well-sifted before it reaches the shelves, I have found impressive
gems here: FIRE WATCH before it was reprinted. DRIFTGLASS. WHAT
ENTROPY MEANS TO ME. An early Stevermer mystery. The Arkham House
Tiptree collection. An early Waldrop paperback. OF MUPPETS AND
MEN. An unsung treasure of the DC area. Rapid turnover of stuff.
People come from miles around. Two thumbs up!" Open 7 days.
============================================================================
------------------------------
Comments:
Museums and other institutions (zoo, Kennedy Center, World Bank,
American Institute of Architects, US Government Printing Office, etc.)
usually have pretty good bookstores on their subjects. You can often
get discounts with Smithsonian or similar membership.
Bookfairs
There are lots of book fairs and sales, with many public libraries
holding regular sales. Check the What's Doing section in the Weekend
section of Friday's Washington Post. The following are some of the
regular annual ones:
Association of American Foreign Service Women Book Fair. Held in the
State Department in the middle of October. Used to be during the week
but now on two consecutive weekends. Big on politics, history, foreign,
but has all categories.
Stone Ridge. Held in the Stone Ridge School, at 9101 Rockville Pike,
Bethesda MD 20814, 301-657-4322. Held early spring and very good it
is.
The local stores put out "The Washington Area Antiquarian Booksellers."
Brigadoon Bay Books (P.O. Box 957724, Hoffman Estates, IL 60195)
publishes "The Book Lover's Guide to Washington D.C." which is fairly
useful (though already out of date). In particular, it mentions which
stores are wheelchair accessible. They also claim to publish similar
guides for Boston and Cape Cod and Chicagoland [sic].
For more used bookstores, you might check http://www.abaa-booknet.com/,
http://www.wababooks.com/waba.html, or
http://www.bookweb.org/bookstores/usa_states.html.
There are also Book Hunter Press's USED BOOK LOVER'S GUIDE TO [various
regions], seven regional guides to over 7,900 used, out-of-print, and
antiquarian book dealers in the United States and Canada. The complete
database is online and can be searched by location, dealer name, specialty,
and type of dealer. Access to the database is available on a two tier basis:
partial access is free, full access is by subscription.The web page also
includes free access to regional and city maps showing locations with used
bookstores. For more information or a free catalog, check their web page at
http://bookhunterpress.com/.
And there is also ANTIQUARIAN, SPECIALTY, AND USED BOOK SELLERS
DIRECTORY 1997-98, covering 5,261 dealers in 863 pages. For more
information, send E-mail request asubs@aol.com, or check their web page
at http://www.auldbooks.com/biblio/asubs.
============================================================================
Copyright Notice
Information contained in this FAQ is compiled from many sources. The
compiler accepts no responsibility for the comments contained herein.
The comments are provided "as is" with no warranty, express or implied,
for the information provided within them.
This FAQ is not to be reproduced for commercial use unless the party
reproducing the FAQ agrees to the following:
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their collection.
2) They will provide the FAQ maintainer with information on what collection
the copy of the FAQ is in, and how that collection may be obtained.
3) They will agree, in writing, that the FAQ will be included in the
collection without modification, and that acknowledgements of
contributors (if any) to the FAQ remain in the FAQ.
4) They will agree, in writing, that the collection including the FAQ will
be distributed on either a non-profit basis, or have some percentage of
profit donated to a non-profit literacy program. Project Gutenberg
counts.
To support this, this FAQ is Compilation Copyright 2009 by Evelyn C. Leeper
(the FAQ maintainer).
============================================================================
Evelyn C. Leeper (eleeper@optonline.net)
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