20 Best Bookstores D.C (with Best Kids Sections!)

The nation's capital is not only a hub for politics and history but also a paradise for independent book lovers. With its diverse and thriving literary scene, Washington D.C. offers a myriad of bookstores that cater to every taste and preference.

Left photo by Jennifer Liao at Family Trip Guides and right photo by AgnosticPreachersKid.

Table of Contents:

Independent Bookshops (12)
Secondhand Book Shops (4)
Best Museum Bookstores (2)
Where to Find Barnes and Noble in DC (2)
Best Kids' Sections
Full List

Best Independent Bookstores D.C

Photo by Dirk Ingo Franke.

1) Kramerbooks and Afterwards Cafe

Address: 1517 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036

Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 8 am - 9 pm, Fridays & Saturdays: 8 am - 10 pm

The city's literary scene started to take shape with the opening of Kramerbooks in 1976 in DuPont Circle. This is one of my favorite places to go for a date with my husband or take out-of-town friends.

It has an eclectic mix of books and great notes by the staff on their current favorite books. The cafe behind and upstairs is great too for brunch. They have live music many nights.

2-4) Politics and Prose - 3 bookstore locations in DC

Photo by Politics and Prose Bookstore

First Store: 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20008 and

Wharf: 610 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States

Union Station: 1324 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States

Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the main store.

Politics and Prose is renowned for its role as a cultural hub in Washington, D.C., offering a diverse selection of books. They are most known for their community engagement through a wide range of events, including author talks and book signings. They get a lot of high-profile politicians and historians.

When we visited the Connecticut Ave location, we loved their kids section! I believe this is the largest independent bookstore by volume in DC.

5 - 9) Busboys and Poets - DC Bookshops with Fantastic Food!

Photo by Tony Webster.

Locations:

2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
450 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001
235 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012
2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
625 Monroe St NE, Washington, DC 20017

Busboys and Poets is a socially conscious community space that combines a restaurant, bookstore, and event venue, aiming to foster a dialogue on issues of social justice, politics, and culture. The name pays homage to Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy prior to gaining fame as a poet, symbolizing the establishment's commitment to racial and cultural inclusiveness and the power of words to inspire change.

We love going to Busboys because even if there's a wait, you can peruse the great books! Also lots of live music options. This is extremely kid-friendly and I put it on my DC Restaurant list for families.

10) Solid State Books

An eclectic bookstore located in H Street Corridor, known for its curated selection and community events.

Address: 600F H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States

11) East City Bookshop

A welcoming bookstore near Capitol Hill that encourages browsing and offers a varied collection.

Address: 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE #100, Washington, DC 20003, United States

12) Loyalty Books

Address: 843 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC 20011, United States

Found in Petworth, this bookstore emphasizes on inclusivity, diversity, and community engagement. Darling outside and I'm looking forward to going sometime. Also a great playground in Petworth can be found in this list of Best DC Playgrounds.

Secondhand Book Shops

I love secondhand bookshops and DC has some great ones! Thrifty readers can find gems among D.C.'s secondhand bookstores, including:

13) Capitol Hill Books

Located near Eastern Market, this charming, slightly chaotic used bookshop boasts an extensive collection of titles. I truly thought I had a photo because I've been a couple of times but can't find it! Located near Eastern Market and close to this playground.

14) Second Story Books

A warehouse-like store in Dupont Circle, offering a wide array of used, rare, and out-of-print books.

15) Carpe Librum

A nonprofit bookstore offering gently used books, CDs, and DVDs, with proceeds benefiting the local community.

16) The Lantern

Operated by the Bryn Mawr Alumnae, this bookstore sells quality used books and supports scholarships for women.

2 Best Museum Bookstores in Washington DC

17) Bookstore at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

They have an excellent gift shop and almost half of it, if I remember correctly are books! You do not need a ticket or timed entry pass to visit the bookstore. Highly recommend stopping by when you are next on the National Mall. And check out this blog post for my tips on NMAAHC with Kids.

The Gift Shop operates from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the last entry at 5:00 p.m., on the days the museum is open to the public. Please note that the museum opens at 12:00 PM on Mondays, except those observed as Federal Holidays. For more detailed inquiries, you can contact the store directly at (202) 633-6167.

18) National Gallery of Art Gift Shop

My kids absolutely love the National Gallery of Art Bookstore. I usually can only pry them away from the colorful art books by taking them through the starry hallway that connects the two buildings!

It operates daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., located in the West Building at 6th St and Constitution Ave NW. The store features a variety of art-related books, catalogs, and gifts.

Where to Find Barnes and Noble in DC?

While all the main Barnes and Noble bookstores closed in DC, there are actually 2 university stores that are run by Barnes and Noble.

19) Catholic University - 625 Monroe St NE suite a3-a6, Washington, DC 20017

20) Howard University - 8102, 2225 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20059

Best Kids Sections in D.C Bookstores

Kramerbooks has a great kids section in the second storefront attached. My kids found some unique selections and social justice-themed books.
Politics and Prose has a entire area for kids books. They also have a great newsletter just from their children's booksellers and special events.
Busboys and Poets have a little section for kids but it is not as large as the other stores on this list.