Roaming around more interested in bookstores than the monuments. Established in 1974, yes it's as…read moreold as me! Super cute antique book store. You can find some oldies and some recent ones too! There is no place to sit if your into that sort of thing so if you e been walking for awhile a just be prepared. You also need to check in all big bags which I loved because my shoulders were killing me! I will return it's in a cute Neighborhood at DuPont circle which is a historic roundabout. It's considered the "old city".

I ended up going to Second Story Books over a MLK Day weekend vacation in D.C…read more They had a 20% discount on books over the weekend so I felt I should take advantage of that and at least purchase a book which I did. Their selection and feel was good. Though, I was specifically looking for Agatha Christie books and was kind of stunned they really did not have any. Though they did humorously have some sort of John Grisham original collection for way too much money to the point that I have no idea who would love/care about Grisham to that extent. Anyway, I enjoyed the experience there, worth checking out while being in the popular area that is Dupont Circle, and still am using my Second Story Books bookmark.

i was initially very excited to check this place out but it ended up being a waste of time. The…read morecheapest book was $4.50 and it was terrible condition of a book that isn't popular. I get it, they need to make money and I am always for supporting bookstores but it just seemed like a major rip off. I guess it is still better than going to a bookstore that only sells brand new books and it is a great way to find books that you wouldn't be able to find in those newer books-stores. As for Pricing as of 2026: Most books are at least 8 to 15. Lots of books at ticket price. Wouldn't really consider this a 'used bookstore' overall

I miss the old days when CHB had a bunch of books laying around that were lowkey fire hazards, they…read morewere stacked on top of one another covering all windows and stairwells and you had to spend hourssss browsing. But alas I do appreciate the new organized vibe of the store. It's a must-swing-by place for me every time I'm at Eastern Market. I think the pricing here is a bit on the more expensive side for used bookstores but it's the location, what can you do. The store is leaning more towards new publications rather than used books now. The handwritten notes/ descriptions of the shelves will make you feel like you're visiting a Trader Joe's (which ironically is also nearby) and adds to the store's charm! The funky chairs are always a fun photo op!

Great selection and wonderful vibes. The best part all of the staff recommended books throughout…read morethe store. The reviews are thorough and helpful and makes you feel lol they care.

I love the Adams Morgan neighborhood of DC because they've got so many gems like Lost City…read more It's a two-floor bookshop that also hosts events like book clubs and art classes. Book signings often take place here as well. Such an incredible selection of books. They've got rare books, used books, new books, and out of print books, banned books, and LGBTQ+ books. They also sell boutique items like pens and postcards. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I have spent hours just getting lost in books here. It's a wonderful way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.

- volunteers work there - lots of books from different areas…read more- well labeled areas - the money goes back to education which is a great cause! - not a lot of books that pique my interest though since most are donated - areas for sitting sometimes block path to some books

The book selection was great and the volunteers running the store that day were so helpful. It is a…read moregreat place to step into for a book and a break from the Georgetown street.

Washington, DC - L'Enfant Plaza - Dolly Parton!! Yes! Walking past this small outpost of Carpe…read moreLibrum located amongst the fast food offerings of L'Enfant Plaza, I spotted the book I didn't know I needed- Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors. Sure it's a kids book, but sometimes that's what we need - a reminder that everyone deserves love and respect. I glanced around this small shop - books are organized by topic with kids on the left and grown up options on the right. The person in the line ahead of me seemed to be dropping off some books and purchasing others. So maybe they have trade in options? When it was my turn the employee noted they had a lease for the next month or so. They're going to see if this location works out. Checking out was quick and easy. I was asked if I wanted to donate extra to the charity they fund. My kids book was $3 as it was a softcover. This seemed like a pretty good value. I plan to return.

What a great used bookstore! Across Franklin Park from The Washington Post, Carpe Librum sells…read moregently used books, vinyls, CDs, and DVDs all under $7. Shelves are filled with books in every category, including children books in hardback and paperback. Vinyls are $5 each and CDs and DVDs are $3. The space is inside the old Leon restaurant and the signs on the walls speak to that. It's a no-frills space, but worth a visit. Proceeds help education non-profit Turning the Page.

50 years of service and still filled with lots of books! And this year they are 50% off of their…read moreusual low prices. Good selection for a lot of items. They also buy books. But their offers are not great and the evaluator was a bit fussy about what he wanted. He did suggest donating to friends of the library. So I don't bother trying to bring the books I am surrendering. (Which is a tough thing for me to do, but it needs to be done!)

We've been shopping at Second Story Books for about 30 years now. Great selection of books, but…read morewhen it comes to the employees, they're arrogant and out right nasty. I was rudely told, actually ordered, out of the blue, with no warning or previous interaction, to pick up the 4 vinyl records, a CD and 2 books that my husband and I wanted to purchase, because they were temporarily placed on top other records as we were getting ready to pay and leave the store. I asked if the woman was the owner of the store and I told them that the attitude was unacceptable and uncalled for. She kept being rude and at that point I got upset and told her to f**k off. Well, instead of apologizing we were told that they had the right to refuse service, and we were asked to leave. I see, from some of the other reviews I've read, that this is common and acceptable behavior at Second Story Books. I've always believed in supporting the local businesses over the internet, but there is no way in hell that I would ever walk back into that store.

This DuPont Circle staple is a must-visit. It's an indie…read morebookstore with a full restaurant and bar. The dining area is so comforting and relaxing. I love that it's a solarium with murals and greenery. Like most bookstores, they host events from signings and readings to book clubs and art classes. Lots of staff-recommended books at any given time. It's a lovely experience to shop books here whether for yourself or someone else. The food is pretty good too.

Stopped by Kramers for their new beach-themed tea time and it was great. The scones were warm and…read morebuttery, easily one of the best ive had. Got iced tea with mine (they do hot tea too, both really good). The loaded lobster roll was better than I expected. Plenty of actual lobster, not a bunch of filler. Sat out on the patio, which is a nice spot. Relaxed, easy to lose track of time. And the bookstore is the reason I keep coming back anyway. Huge selection, always find something. Books plus tea and a lobster roll is a solid afternoon after work!

As you walk down the brick sidewalk, you will come across the cutest local book store with a warm…read moreand inviting exterior. As I walked inside it gave off a library atmosphere. Of course it even had that classic book smell. My favorite. There is an upstairs and a downstairs. It can be a little tight depending on the amount of customers inside. There is a wide range o books. Of course there is a lot of political themed books, its the area we are in. I was lucky to find Kamala Harris's book, "107 Days." Pricing was what I expected and supporting a local book store than the large box store down the street was where my heart was at. The books were well organized, and everything was nicely categorized. There was one employee working. They were not super engaging, but I chalk that up to library atmosphere. But, whenever they were asked a questions they were helpful. There is a lot of local advertising and they are supportive of the LGBTQ population.

Local bookstores wherever you are over everything!…read more Cute little spot and even cuter once you pop inside. I love a bookstore that feels like home versus a capitalist heckscape. Would absolutely come back here any chance I got! Picked up some great parenting books for my husband and I (we've loved them all so far) as well as some books relating to my work in Tech.

Such a hidden gem! This is easily one of the coolest used bookstores I've found…read more The books are neatly organized despite the huge selection, and most are in pretty good condition, not falling apart or heavily stained like you sometimes find in used bookstores or receive from online thrift book sellers. My favorite part is the pricing. I usually buy paperbacks, which are often only $2-3, making it easy to pick up something new or outside my usual genres without worrying about the cost. The staff is always welcoming and friendly, which I really appreciate. I've visited both the Wheaton and Rockville locations, and while both are great, the Rockville store is much larger with even more books to browse. They also carry books in multiple languages, including Japanese, which was a pleasant surprise. Easy parking is another big plus. I'll definitely be back to hunt for more great reads!

This is one of the coolest used bookstores I've been to, they are part of a nonprofit that raises…read moremoney to support programming for Montgomery County through the sale of old library books. They had an amazing curated selection of band books as well as a whole Harry Potter section and a lot of the latest best sellers. They also take donations, they don't buy books. The staff was really friendly and kind. I picked up a book that is set in Rockville to commemorate the trip! This is a feel good use bookstore because your purchase also helps fund the activities for children.

Great selection of Books I wanted the divine comedy but they didn't have it translated by the…read moreauthor I wanted. Cute cards and stickers and tshirts. The girl found her book. We will return.

Great neighborhood bookstore right on 14th Street and a good spot to browse after dinner or before…read morewaiting for a meal. The interior is spacious, well organized and plannogrammed, and brightly lit. I could spend hours here, and so can you! Except for one bench I didn't see an area where you can cozy up and read or hang out with a coffee, but it has a great vibe, with so much more beyond books---totes, bags, games, magnets, gifts, and more! Definitely worth stopping in!