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Local and Independent Bookstores in Washington DC

Being one of most the highly educated cities in the country, Washington DC has a variety of small independent bookstores where you can buy used and new books.

Kramerbooks

1517 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC
(202)387-1400
The famous Kramerbooks is open early to late everyday and all night Friday and Saturday. Features a cafe, grill, and live music Wednesday to Saturday. Fine selection of political/current events books, fiction, and cookbooks. It's small and cozy, yet maintains a wide variety and large selection of books (Read FindOutDC review of Kramer's brunch ).

Politics and Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC
(202)364-1919
Politics and Prose, located in upper northwest near the DC border with Chevy Chase MD, is famous as a gathering place and for opportunites to meet the authors. Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. is the very popular children's story and sing-a-long hour. A local treasure.

Reiter's Scientific and Professional Books

1990 K Street. NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202)223-3327
(800)537-4314
Without a doubt, our favorite bookstore in DC! Full of technical books of all kinds, including a large collection of books on business, development, economics, finance, statistics, mathematics, computers, and medicine.

Washington Law and Professional Books

1900 G. Street NW
Washington, DC
(202)223-5543
Sister store of Reiter's. Don't be fooled by its specialization in legal books. It also stocks a good selection of economics books and other professional books and magazines, catering to World Bank and IMF staff whose offices are in the immediate vicinity. They also have a cafe.

World Bank Bookstore (InfoShop)

701 18th Street N.W.
(corner of 18th St. and Pennsylvania Ave.)
Washington, DC
(202) 458-4500
The InfoShop offers an assortment of free publications and documents such as copies of the World Bank's Annual Report, brochures, booklets, and various project-related reports. It offers a limited collection of trade books on economics, development, and current events, as well as some interesting prints, and other World Bank related gifts.

Bookstores Specializing in Used and Rare Books

Bartleby's Books

3034 M. Street NW
Washington, DC
(202)298-0486
I am quite a fan of this Georgetown bookshop where I bought an out-of-print two-volume professional handbook of economics. Among its specialties: Americana, economics, law, world history, fishing, hunting, and sports. Located on building's second floor.

Kultura's Books

4918 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
202-244-0224
Re-opened at its new location in Tenleytown. Second hand, out of print, and rare books. Specializes in art, photography, film drama, and modern first editions.

Lantern Bryn Mawr Bookshop

3241 P. Street NW
Washington, DC
(202)333-3222
Proceeds of the Lantern support the Bryn Mawr College Scholarship Fund. Inventory comes from donated books, and donations help send bright young women to college.

Old Print Gallery Inc.

1220 31st Street NW
Washington, DC
(202)965-1818
Specializes in original antique prints and maps from the 15th through 19th-centuries. Features American and European views, antique maps, historical prints, architecture, natural history, nautical and sporting art.

Second Story Books and Antiques

2000 P. Street NW
Washington, DC
(202)659-8884
Specializing in out-of-print, custom bound, and small-press publications. Also features used CDs and vinyl (DJs take note!), and antique French and American advertising posters. They often have bargain books outside to browse. Just to the west of Dupont Circle at P. and 20th.

Already Read Used Books

2501 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703)299-8406
Used, out of print, and vintage books. ds playing, but show up on a random night at your own risk.