Here are a few things readers dream about: narrow hallways of historical fiction, romances, and autobiographies, hidden corners of neatly arranged tomes, roving ladders hitched on stacked shelves, $5 bargain bins, and stories that have been loved and donated and are ready to be loved again.
D.C.’s used bookstore selection is stacked 😉, and on behalf of all book lovers everywhere, I am grateful.
Capitol Hill Books (Capitol Hill)
We’ll start with the standby, shall we? This Eastern Market rowhouse is crammed to the brim. Books are stacked on tables, in windows, and on the stairway, organized by hand lettering with prices penciled into the front cover so you really feel like you’re in the home of a mad author.
The Lantern (Georgetown)
On the other side of town in Georgetown, there’s a volunteer-run used bookstore where proceeds go towards financial assistance for student internships at Bryn Mawr College. The space is simple but the finds have the potential to be excellent.
Reading in the corner of Lost City Books. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Second Story Books (Dupont)
For the real treasure hunters who want to build a kingly library, there’s Dupont Circle’s used and rare book seller. Every Sunday, on your way to the farmers market, check out their sidewalk book sale, or duck inside for merch, art, CDs, DVDs, and cheap reading material. Plus, they’ve opened an enormous warehouse store in Rockville.
HouseMouse Books and Vintage (Takoma Park)
Make your way to Takoma Park to get vintage and vibey, by reading samples of used books on chintz armchairs or digging through $5 sci-fi bins. If you are searching for a specific title, chances are they have it, and if they don’t, you can still count on their staff to recommend the closest cover. Alternatively, go to browse their selection of vintage goods for some wall art you definitely need.
Lost City Books (Adams Morgan)
AdMo’s bookstore isn’t lost, though you may find yourself lost inside it. There are new books stacks alongside the used, a bathroom papered with bookmarks, and sidewalk sales that are boons to your lonely, empty shelves at home.
