Dupont Circle

Thanks to a reader for sending these photos and word that Kramerbooks expansion opened today:

1300 Connecticut Ave, NW

This is the former Riccardi Clothier space that closed back in March of 2015.

Jenni Bick’s website says:

“Jenni started making books in 1990, crafting pretty handmade journals and photo albums on her kitchen table, and toting them up and down the east coast to sell at independent bookstores and craft fairs. To improve her craft and learn more about the art of bookbinding, she started importing the magnificent leather bound books she found in little workshops in Italy. When we began to learn about personalizing these books with names and logos, we knew we had found a business we could love and sustain for life.

25 years later, the business has grown to include Jenni’s husband Robby, a crew of 14 dedicated fellow book-lovers, and a tribe of almost half a million satisfied customers. Together, we work hard every day to share our passion with you. We are dedicated to bringing you the best books we can find, decorated as artfully as we can manage, and chosen just for you. After all, you are the one who will fill it, who will give it life; our job is just to make that possible.”

1517 Connecticut Avenue, NW

I keep forgetting to post this (thanks to all who sent word) but in case you haven’t heard Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe is under new ownership and they’re expanding into the old Willie T’s/Marvelous Market space next door. The Washington Post reports:

The new owner and co-founder of &pizza Steve “Salis is taking over an 800-square-foot space next door, most recently inhabited by Willie T’s Lobster Shack, and creating a children’s book annex that is expected to open next week. He plans to build a new coffee bar, add more events space and beef up the store’s lineup of cookbooks, history and nonfiction.

The renovation will continue over the next 18 months, while the store stays open.”

And hey – a free beer if you buy $50 worth of books through Dec. 31st: