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Second Story Books

About Second Story Books

Second Story Books is a beloved Washington, DC destination for readers, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the lasting value of a well-curated bookshop.

Known for its long-standing presence and thoughtfully assembled selection, the store offers a vast collection of used and rare books alongside maps and prints, making it far more than a place to browse shelves.

It is a welcoming stop for those searching for a hidden literary treasure, a hard-to-find title, or a meaningful gift with character and history. For customers who value discovery, Second Story Books delivers the kind of browsing experience that turns a quick visit into something memorable.

What makes this used book store especially appealing is the blend of selection, convenience, and trusted service. Customers can enjoy in-store shopping, take advantage of in-store pick-up, or use on-site services designed to make each visit smooth and worthwhile.

The business also buys used goods, giving readers a practical and rewarding way to pass along books they no longer need while helping those items find a new home.

With a wheelchair-accessible entrance, the store is designed to be welcoming and easy to visit for more people, and its quick-visit planning makes it a great option whether you have a specific item in mind or just a short window to explore.

With a strong customer rating of 4.60 out of 5 from 934 reviews, Second Story Books has earned a reputation for quality and reliability. Located at 2000 P St NW in Washington, DC, the store is convenient for local residents, commuters, and visitors alike.

Payment is simple and flexible, with cheques, credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments accepted. For book lovers seeking a shop that combines depth, charm, and practical convenience, Second Story Books offers a satisfying experience built on trust, discovery, and the enduring pleasure of finding the right book at the right time.

★★★★★ 4.60 rating (934 reviews)
Second Story Books
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Quality Products

Carefully curated selection

Expert Staff

Friendly, knowledgeable help

Great Value

Competitive pricing always

Happy Customers

Satisfaction guaranteed

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Second Story Books

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Whether you're looking for something specific or just browsing, our knowledgeable team is here to help you find exactly what you need.

4.60
Star Rating
934+
Happy Customers

Customer Reviews

What shoppers say about us

gold_queen_dragon

gold_queen_dragon

10 months ago

We never miss a stop at Second Story Books! Well organized with plenty of used books to peruse. We were pleased by the selection we found, especially given the good condition of the books we bought. Booklovers, don't miss out!

Sarah Guardia

Sarah Guardia

2 months ago

Loved the vibes, super cute area too! Definitely a bookstore for a collector, but there is still a good selection of books for the average Joe.

James Bacon

James Bacon

4 years ago

Excellent used bookstore. They know their books and have sections for modern 1st editions as well as ample SF, Lit and of course history and politics. Really enjoyed the browse. Some lovely finds.

Tom Conway

Tom Conway

6 years ago

An amazing place to browse if you love books. There is no shortage of rare titles and first editions, and treasures can be found on every shelf. I could spend a lifetime there. It’s pricey, though. This is more a high-end shop for collectors than a place to pick up a few choice titles to decorate your shelf. Unlike many other well-known used book shops, Second Story does not have a large selections of inexpensive paperbacks and cheap later editions for those who are just looking for a good read.

HorrorJunky 4 Life

HorrorJunky 4 Life

7 years ago

I love the selection of new & used books that are sold here. The isles are a little narrow which makes for a tight squeeze when trying to pass other customers. They also have a nice selection of DVDs. The books being sold on the the sidewalk are a great deal at 4 for $20. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

ryan lane

ryan lane

2 years ago

It’s a charming bookstore with plenty to offer. They have a great selection of well known authors in every field. It can be more expensive than your average used bookstore; however, the books are in exceptional shape, and many of the books are collector items. If you enjoy books, this is a great place!

Michael Ross

Michael Ross

4 months ago

This store has some amazing rare finds. I felt like it was a treasure hunt and had some very "DC" finds (books signed to presidents, political topics, etc). The one thing that amazed me was that their rare collection felt like something you'd see on display in a museum setting. Can't wait to go back next time I am in DC.

Alara

Alara

3 years ago

I saw Second Story Books on Google maps while I was in the area, and I thought I’d pay them a visit. I’m glad I did. The shelves were stocked full of fascinating titles, with some used books dating back to the 1700s. There were books of art, botany, sci-fi, fiction, nonfiction, history, politics, economics, and everything in between. While this was a book store, what I found most interesting were the old art prints and maps they had in store. As a social studies nerd, these truly piqued my interest, and spending time looking at them was a great addition to my afternoon. I would definitely recommend playing this little shop a visit!

Çağdaş Duman

Çağdaş Duman

5 months ago

I purchased What Every American Should Know About the Middle East by Melissa Rossi from the Dupont Circle location of Second Story Books, and both the book and the overall experience were wonderful. The book was in great condition and incredibly insightful. The staff were very kind and knowledgeable. One of the employees in particular was especially helpful in locating the book — I truly appreciated her kindness and warm smile. Places with such a welcoming and intellectual atmosphere definitely make you want to come back.

Kabita Sen

Kabita Sen

2 months ago

My friend and I were looking for Don Quixote, so we phoned to ask if they had a copy. The associate on the phone was so helpful. He found the book and held it up for us to pick up on the front desk. Saved us a ton of money as the store we were before here had it for 30 bucks and the one in second story was 4!

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Second Story Books

Business Features

Highlights & Amenities

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance

From the business

  • Small Business

Service options

  • In-store pick-up
  • In-store shopping
  • On-site services

Offerings

  • Buys used goods
  • Used goods

Planning

  • Quick visit

Payments

  • Cheques
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Visit Our Store

Stop by and see us. We'd love to help you find what you're looking for.

Location

2000 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States

Store Hours

Closed · Sunday 10 AM-8 PM
Wednesday 10 AM-8 PM
Thursday 10 AM-8 PM
Friday 10 AM-8 PM
Saturday 10 AM-8 PM
Sunday 10 AM-8 PM
Monday 10 AM-8 PM
Tuesday 10 AM-8 PM
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