Since 1967, the world has observed International Literacy Day on Sept. 8 ever since it was declared a holiday by UNESCO to remind people of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.
This International Literacy Day, remind yourself of the joy of reading and the ability that it gives people of all ages to learn something new, savor a story or transport themselves to a new place at these Washington, D.C. bookstores. Many of them will also hold International Literacy Day events throughout the month.
Capitol Hill Books, located at 657 C St SE, Washington, D.C. which is only 10 minutes from your RESA apartment ensuring you’ll be the first in line, is a cozy, bilevel shop featuring floor-to-ceiling stacks of secondhand books, including first editions.
The store was founded by Bill Kerr who had worked at Wayward Books. He would take his pay in books and when Wayward closed, Bill opened Capitol Hill Books in 1991. He lived upstairs and worked downstairs in the store, while also holding down a job at The Washington Post. Bill was a beloved figure on Capitol Hill for his knowledge of books. The present store has expanded into the second floor and to the basement, and has incorporated Bill’s high standards for quality used books.
Lost City Books, located at 2467 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. which is worth every minute of its 16 minute journey from RESA apartment, is a multilevel store that specializes in used and out-of-print books that has been a neighborhood staple since 1981.
Lost City Books is owned by Adam, a veteran, dog lover, longtime resident of D.C. and enthusiastic disseminator of books. Their small team is a collection of some of D.C.’s coolest artists, educators, musicians, writers and, of course, avid readers all coming together to enrich this unique environment.
657 C St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 544-1621
2467 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 232-4774
