“Every bit of space in the store has a book, and there really is one here, somewhere, for you.”

Capitol Hill Books - Washington, DC

We don’t think we have ever seen so many books in such a small space, the books literally are stacked from the floor to the ceiling… introducing Capitol Hill Books in Washington DC, selling thousands of second-hand books (including first editions) across two floors! The bookshop is located in a converted row house, and unlike any other bookstore in the world, you will find foreign language books in the bathroom, cookbooks in the kitchen sink, and business books in the business closet. There is also a Fiction Room, and Mystery Room and a Weird Section full of all books associated with witches, wizards, ghouls and dreams. The best thing is, that because all of the books are used, the prices are dirt cheap.

The bookshop is very “make-do”, with the customers being directed by handwritten signs. We particularly like the “Not spoken here” notice, which includes “Amazon” and “Kindle”, clearly illustrating how this bookshop is dedicated to keeping the world of independent bookshops alive. We would usually not praise an unorganized and cluttered bookstore, however that’s the beauty of Capitol Hill Books, and we think they pull it off very well. Although, we will put a word of warning that this
bookshop is not for those who are claustrophobic or deterred by apparent chaos and clutter – we just love all things bookish!

If you are visiting Capitol Hill, don’t miss the chance to visit Capitol Hill Books – we guarantee that you will not be disappointed! However, be aware of the light bulbs, as another notice states that “Lights Hang Low, Are Head-Smackable”.

Address: 657 C St SE, Washington, DC 20003, US

Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30am to 6:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:00am to 6:00pm

Telephone: +1 202-544-1621

Website: http://www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapitolHillBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chbooksdc