photo by Mr.TinMD

This week I got an email and the signature line had their name, email address, phone number and “Currently Reading:” which I just thought was the coolest. I’d never seen that before. So, I’m currently reading Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson and am loving it. All of his books are just terrific. So what are you currently reading? And if it’s not good or you’re taking a break – what was the last memorable book you read?


From an email:

“People’s Book, a woman-owned general purpose bookstore is excited to announce its launch in the heart of Takoma Park in early summer 2023 at 7014-A Westmoreland Ave. The store will have a diverse selection of over 12,000 books, with a special focus on childrens’ literature, local interests, new releases and independent magazines. The inventory will also include book-themed gifts. Locally roasted drip coffee, kombucha, and other beverages and treats will be available. (more…)


Folks will remember that Kultura used to have a shop on Connecticut Ave a few years ago before the owners temporarily moved to California. Three weeks ago they reopened on Connecticut Ave. and back in Nov. they opened a shop at 4918 Wisconsin Ave., NW up in Tenleytown. I’m sure many folks would love to see them also up a shop on 11th Street, NW or on Georgia Ave. Their Web site says:

“KULTURAs books is a general secondhand, out of print and rare books store specializing in Art, Architecture, Photography, Film, Fine literature for all ages and modern 1st editions. We also carry a fairly deep selection of global area studies, inclusive of United States history, Political and Economic theory, as well as Poetry, Philosophy, Music, Science, Psychology, Travel, Cooking and Gardening books. We attempt to carry just about any foreign language to English dictionaries we can get our hands on and a boast a very, very good selection of books in French and Spanish.

We buy books for store trade at both the Dupont Circle and Tenleytown locations.

If you must donate books, then we must give you store trade, as we feel it is only fair, which amount of course you are free to use or not. But you could also assign it to a friend’s name, which we will keep on file, for him or her to use, thus a sort of gift certificate.”

These folks really are super cool. So let me know who wants to start the petition for a location of a third store if they decide to open another…

Couple more pictures of the jump. (more…)


Potter’s House is located at 1658 Columbia Road NW. We took a look back in August 2008. A reader recently writes:

“This past Saturday I walked down to Tryst to do some reading and could not find a single seat – understandable since it’s a nice location to have a drink, people watch, and socialize. After doing two “laps” around trying to find a seat, I eventually left and started my cold walk back home. One my way, I passed The Potter’s House on Columbia Rd., and figured, why not, I’ll give it a try. I’m really glad I did! There are no baristas and it’s not quite the “scene” that Tryst is, but it’s warm, relatively empty, clean, and cozy.”

Anyone other fans out there?


Back in June we learned that SisterSpace would be opening up at 3717 Georgia Ave. right by the Petworth Metro. I’m happy to report that they’ve opened! (Thanks to a reader for the heads up.) While the space is small it looks great. I briefly chatted with the owners who were super nice and mentioned that if they don’t have a book that you’d like they’ll happily order it for you. At the moment the hours are a bit limited and they’ll be open Thursday – Sunday from 12pm – 7pm. You can learn more about SisterSpace on their Web site here, they’re much more than just a bookstore. They’ll also be hosting educational and cultural events as well as workshops.


This past Saturday lovers of books united on the Mall for the National Book Festival. The rain could not dampen the good times. There were tons of authors and even more fans flooding the Mall. One of the coolest sights, for me, was seeing so many kids there. Did anyone check it out? If so, who was your favorite author you heard speak?

More photos after the jump. (more…)


I’ve been meaning to post about Chapters A Literary Bookstore for a while but I couldn’t seem to find it. It was located at 445 11th St., NW. I just thought I kept walking down the wrong street. Sadly the location has closed. However, their Web site says:

“CHAPTERS is currently in storage, but we now have a Letter of Intent from the landlord of 601 Penn. Ave. NW (on Indiana Ave., between 7th & 6th) in the dynamic Penn Quarter area of downtown D.C., and 90 days to raise the funds to undertake the lease. With your help, we will again be part of the downtown renaissance, and of its cultural and community life. Please see the home page: WHY & HOW TO MAKE A DONATION. Thank you!”

I think that 90 days has passed. Has anyone noticed any movement at 601 Pennsylvania Ave? Anyone remember how great this store was?


View More Stories