April 23 is World Book Day, and Independent Bookstore Day is the last Saturday in April. So there’s no better time to explore your area and seek out independently owned bookstores.
When you want a new book, it may be tempting to look to major online retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble and their offerings, but independent bookstores can be hidden gems for bookworms. Check out these local bookstores owned by Montgomery County residents. You might just find your new favorite book, or a nice hangout spot.
Second Story Books
12160 Parklawn Dr., Rockville, MD 20852
Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday-Wednesday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday-Saturday
This bookstore first opened in Washington, D.C., but later added a second location in Rockville. It’s been highlighted by outlets like USA Today as one of the best bookstores in the country, offering new and used titles alike, as well as rare books. The Rockville location is in a warehouse and boasts “half a million books” on its website and every book on the retail floor has a 50%-off discount. In addition to books, the store also sells physical media like DVDs and CDs, as well as decorative art.
If you have a large collection of books and are looking to downsize, Second Story Books also buys and trades books with customers and offers appraisal services for rare and expensive texts.
secondstorybooks.com/store-rockville.php
Wonderland Books
7920B Norfolk Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814
Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday
Wonderland Books is a relatively recent addition to Bethesda, opening in 2024 after the town’s resident Barnes & Noble and Amazon Books both closed in 2018 and 2022 respectively. The store is owned and operated by two authors: former Washington Post journalist Amy Joyce and book reviewer and “The Readerly Report” podcast host Gayle Weiswasser, who are both passionate about stocking books for all ages in a variety of different genres. The store often hosts author talks and book signings for local and popular authors alike, serving as a springboard for local writers looking to publicize their work.
Purple Narwhal Music & Manga
326-B N. Stonestreet Ave., Rockville, MD 20850
Open noon-6 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; closed Sunday-Wednesday
Purple Narwhal is not your average bookstore, as its specialty is manga (Japanese comics), but it fills an interesting niche in the community and is a truly unique place to shop for books. The store’s other main offering is its vast collection of music, with vinyl records, CDs and tapes all available. The store also participates in special events like Record Store Day, where it often sells exclusive and rare albums.
Kensington Row Bookshop
3786 Howard Ave., Kensington, MD 20895
Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday; closed Monday
Kensington Row Bookshop’s stock of books is on the smaller side, but what really sets it apart is its gorgeous building in Kensington’s Antique Row. This cozy book nook is the perfect place to settle down and enjoy a good book or play a board game in its upstairs lounge. If you’re looking for people to talk about books with, Kensington Row hosts several book clubs focused on different genres and languages. The store’s website also offers a directory of local authors across different genres and subject matters.
Interested in European books? Check out Bergstrom Press & Books, which is right down the road from Kensington Row Bookshop. They even opened at around the same time in 2002.
Friends of the Library Montgomery County Bookstores
4886 Boiling Brook Pkwy, Rockville, MD 20852
11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902
Open noon-6 p.m., Sunday-Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday
Operated by the local nonprofit organization of the same name, the Friends of the Library Montgomery County Bookstores support the Montgomery County Public Library system with their profits from selling used books. The primary appeal of these bookstores are their price points, as books, movies and more can be purchased for under $5. While these stores may not offer the newest releases, they have a truly eye-watering selection of books to choose from. If you’re looking for a specific book that isn’t available, you can sign up to be alerted when that book is in stock.
These stores also accept donations, so they’re the perfect place to unload any unwanted books and give them a new home.
