Five Independent Bookstores to Explore in the D.C. Area

Capitol Hill Books, situated near the Eastern Market Metro Station, is a quintessential used bookstore. Housed in a townhouse, it boasts an extensive collection, with books stacked throughout the building, including a bathroom filled with foreign language titles. The layout includes an upstairs section for literary fiction, a business closet, and a dedicated mystery room, but visitors should be prepared for narrow stairs.

My Dead Aunt’s Books in Hyattsville is a cozy used bookstore that shares space with Suffragette City, a boutique selling jewelry and trinkets. While smaller than other stores, it offers a selection of both fiction and nonfiction, supplemented by an online shop for broader availability. The boutique features creative merchandise like animal-themed claw clips, enamel pins, and even a mini vending machine for random trinkets.

Kramers in Dupont Circle combines dining with a bookstore experience. The establishment is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 9 p.m. on Sundays, serving food all day. Its breakfast options include omelettes and waffles, while dinner offers pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. Happy hour deals, like $10 pizzas and discounted appetizers, make it an attractive spot for both food and books.

People's Books in Takoma Park offers a range of reading materials, including books across all genres, stationery, puzzles, and zines. The zine selection is eclectic, featuring everything from children's creations to in-depth guides on living without social media. Its charming children's section includes plush toys of beloved literary characters, and the nearby cafes and restaurants make it a perfect stop for a day out.

Located in Capitol Hill, Little District Books is focused on literature by or featuring LGBT+ authors and characters. This specialty store offers books that may not be widely recognized. It hosts community events, like Queer Speed Dating for Bookish Queers, and provides a welcoming space with seating for browsing, sometimes accompanied by the shop's dog.