You hold the infinite creativity of another’s imagination in your hands when you pick up a book and enter a world created by someone else. Their words are the blueprint and your mind brings their vision to life.
We are celebrating Love Your Bookshop Day. Here are a few of our favorite DC bookstores. Be sure to check out the list of books about sex and sexuality we included at the end.
Sankofa Video, Books and Cafe
Whether you’re napping or wide awake, you don’t want to sleep on all of the books and events Sankofa offers. This includes cultural conversations, film screenings, open mics, live jazz, book signings, and more. Sankofa is a place to learn about, bask in, and celebrate the history, present, and future of People of African descent.
This black-owned socially conscious gathering spot features books covering topics by and about people of the African Diaspora. The wide selection of merchandise, including games like Ebony-opoly, will have you gifting loved ones and yourself.
Their cafe allows you to enjoy an Ava DuVernay vegan wrap while sitting at one of the reading tables or outdoor seating areas. Don’t be surprised if you meet a like-minded new friend and end up engaging in insightful or humorous conversation.
2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 – College campus corridor of Georgia Ave
MahoganyBooks
I don’t know what I like best about MahoganyBooks, their immense book selection, or their commitment to the community. They have donated over 1000 books to youth. The black-owned and family-operated business hosts story times and provides enrichment workshops, seminars, and other events. They feature books written by, for, and about People of African descent.
MahoganyBooks makes your literary journey easy. The “Cultural Literature” tab on their website organizes books in categories like Art, African American Studies, History, and more.
Not sure what you want to read? Grab a book from one of their book club reading lists and meet with either or both book clubs. Use the MahoganyBooks Children’s Bestsellers List to find stories to ignite your children’s imagination and fuel their creativity. On a budget? Check out their bargain books.
When you get tired of reading, you can listen to their podcast. Don’t forget to check out their merchandise. Buy a “Nah, you can’t ban my history” t-shirt for the whole fam.
1231 Marion Barry Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020 – Anacostia Store
121 American Way, 20745 – National Harbor Store
Solid State Books
Calling book enthusiasts of all backgrounds. This black-owned independent bookstore offers literature that reflects the diverse Washington, DC community.
They host multiple book clubs, with incentives to purchase books from the reading lists and attend club meetings. Participation is free and books on the lists are sold at a discounted price for a limited time.
Become a member and get discounts on books, other store merchandise, and events. Too busy to read? No problem. Take advantage of their audiobook membership program.
The H Street location has cozy seating areas and a snack bar. Bring the younguns for one of the children’s events.
600 H Street NE – next to the Apollo
14th at S Street NW – next to The Black Cat
Loyalty Bookstore
If you’re ever at a loss for what to read, the Loyalty Bookstore booksellers’ favorite selections are listed on their online profiles.
Loyalty is a black and queer-owned, and biracial Filipina, queer, disabled co-owned, book haven dedicated to highlighting the diverse creative artists of the community. Their membership program offers participants goodies and the opportunity to provide support. Members receive store and online discounts, and their dues help the bookstore continue to supply books.
Attend an author event or a teen or adult book club. Buy one of their book bundles or a subscription box, which includes a book written by an up-and-coming marginalized author. Loyalty even has a curated list of audiobooks.
843 Upshur St NW Petworth, DC
923 Gist Ave Silver Spring, MD
Lost City
Lost City offers several book clubs and a curated literature selection. They host author events like conversations with authors, story releases, and debates. You can buy a book bundle or one of their classic used books.
Community events include open mics and functions with opportunities to sip wine, play games, eat snacks, or win prizes.
Lost City prides itself on being one of the independently owned booksellers that is helping to preserve the economic ecosystem necessary to maintain the community and its stability. They boldly decree, F$ck Amazon, on their website, and tell you how the online store hurts independent bookstores and the community.
2467 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Kramers
If you like a good book, a scrumptious meal, and a wicked cocktail all in one place, Kramers is your spot. This independently owned local bookstore has a restaurant that serves breakfast all day and a bar & lounge.
In addition to hosting free events, like trivia games, author events, and book discussions, Kramers has spaces customers can rent for parties and gatherings.
A Kramers Passport allows you to earn stamps that can be cashed in for a gift card or specific store products. Or, you can earn bonuses towards dining with The Loyalty Program.
1517 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Now that you have plenty of places to stop in or order online from, here are some books we think you will enjoy:
1. What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know about Sex: The Real Deal on Passion, Loving, and Intimacy by Denene Millner and Nick Chiles
2. Taste: An Erotic Fantasy Series, Book I by B. Sharise Moore
3. The Sex Lives of African Women: Self-Discovery, Freedom, and Healing by Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
4. The Sex You Want: A Shameless Journey to Deep Intimacy, Honest Pleasure, and a Life You Love by Rena Martine
5. Creative Sex by Sanquinetta Cooper Mah
6. All We Know of Pleasure: Poetic Erotica by Women Edited by Enid Shomer
7. Seven Days In June by Tia Williams
Encourage a friend to put down the phone, laptop, and tablet and stop letting someone else decide what other worlds look like. Invite them to jump into a book and let their imagination run wild!
LaShonda Tucker
LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. When she isn't writing, she enjoys playing her violin. She earned her master's degrees from the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University.
