Wisconsin and Western Ave, NW
I’m hearing from a very good source that a Barnes and Noble bookstore is looking to come to the building where Total Wine is located. Waiting on confirmation but I think they would do very well there!
Barnes and Noble is slowing reemerging on the DC scene with relatively recent (re) openings in Georgetown (2024) and Penn Quarter (January 2026.)
STAY TUNED.
1658 Columbia Road, NW
Thanks to Kate for sending: “Saw this sign on the window of Potter’s House and wanted to share.” (more…)
1658 Columbia Road, NW in brighter days back in 2014
Potter’s House shares on their IG:
“We are devastated by this development, and know that this space has been a pillar for our neighbors and friends for over 65 years. We only hope to re-open PHDC as an independent, self-funded organization dedicated to serving others and creating space for everyone to feel welcomed. It has been our privilege to work for this organization, and we love you all.”
For those not familiar with Potter’s House, located at 1658 Columbia Road NW, some history on them here and here.
Oh yikes, thanks to all who passed on from Potter’s House:
“Important Update on the Operation of The Potter’s House DC
Please see the below statement regarding the immediate closure of The Potter’s House DC for the foreseeable future. Please also note that any communications received between January 7th and January 27th were not sent by PHDC staff, nor are they aware of what those communications entailed.
To our community,
Due to recent and unforeseen circumstances, The Potter’s House DC (PHDC) will be closed until further notice. This closure includes the cafe and bookstore’s normal operating hours, as well as all public and private events at PHDC.
As many of you may know, we scheduled a temporary break during the month of January to update many of our administrative systems, train our staff with updated guidance, and hire additional staff to help us expand our ability to operate sustainably as a nonprofit organization. When we came to work on January 1, 2026, we fully believed that this plan would be put into action. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control and additional challenges we were unaware of, PHDC no longer has access to the necessary funds to continue operation at this time. (more…)
1025 F Street, NW
Full release from Barnes & Noble:
“Barnes & Noble is pleased to announce the opening of its newest Washington, D.C. bookstore on Wednesday, January 21st.
The new Barnes & Noble will offer over 15,000 square feet of books, toys, games, magazines, gift items and more. The new multilevel Barnes & Noble is located at 1025 F Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20004, in the historic Woodward & Lothrop building. This new downtown Barnes & Noble is less than a mile from The White House, National Mall, several Smithsonian Museums, and is just a stone’s throw away from the Petersen House where President Lincoln spent his last days.
The bookseller’s return to downtown D.C. comes (more…)
1025 F Street, NW
I finally got the goods on the Barnes & Noble coming to the former Zara space in the Woodies building at 1025 F St, NW. (more…)
“Florencia Agrazo and Carola Mandelbaum, co-owners of Flor. Books”
From a press release:
“Flor. Coffee + Books, the Buenos Aires–inspired café and bookstore that opened in Georgetown in August, is relaunching its upstairs bookshop, Flor. Books, this week, with a refreshed selection and new programming shaped by customer feedback.
Co-owned by Florencia Agrazo (Flor. Coffee) and Carola Mandelbaum, who curates the shop and leads events, Flor. Books is “designed for discovery and connection,” according to Mandelbaum. The shelves highlight contemporary literature, standout international and Spanish-language titles, and writers whose work crosses cultures—from atmospheric fiction and inventive narratives to timely nonfiction and bilingual books for young readers. Guests will also find limited-edition classics and thoughtfully chosen gifts. (more…)
1835 Columbia Road, NW
Last we checked in early October, Tatte had announced an opening for this Fall. New word says:
“Opening Winter 2025” (more…)
1025 F Street, NW
Nice! Thanks to Talia for sending: “Was looking at the Barnes & Noble website and see that it now says January 2026!” (more…)
courtesy Penguin Random House
From an email:
“WHAT: The Banned Wagon provides hundreds of free copies of banned or challenged books to community members on their tour. Guests will be able to select one book for free (while supplies last). In addition to the free copies of those books, attendees will be able to take further action by sending a note to local representatives through Penguin Random House’s partnership with EveryLibrary.
WHO: Powered by Penguin Random House, in partnership with EveryLibrary and First Book
WHEN + WHERE: (more…)
photo by Jim Havard
Author Honorée Fanonne Jeffers shared:
“Beloved:
I’m so sad to report that, due to current events in Washington, D.C., I have decided not to travel to D.C. to participate in the National Book Festival on September 6, 2025.
I really—REALLY!!!!— wanted to attend to be in conversation again with the incomparable, brilliant Imani Perry, but given all that’s happening, frankly, as an African American, I’m just afraid to be in that city. I wish I had more courage—but my cancellation is in no way a reflection of those who do have the courage to attend or on the wonderful organizers of the National Book Festival! I’m just a person who suffers from anxiety and I have to be a better shepherd of my personal health. (more…)