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.
Quality Products
Carefully curated selection
Expert Staff
Friendly, knowledgeable help
Great Value
Competitive pricing always
Happy Customers
Satisfaction guaranteed
What We Offer
Our Collections
Featured Products
Discover our most popular items and best sellers that customers love.
New Arrivals
Fresh inventory arriving regularly. Be the first to see what's new.
Special Offers
Amazing deals and seasonal promotions you won't want to miss.
Our Story
Shop With Confidence
Whether you're looking for something specific or just browsing, our knowledgeable team is here to help you find exactly what you need.
Our Store
Browse our beautiful space
Customer Reviews
What shoppers say about us
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
- 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
Second Story Books is located at 2000 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States, Washington, DC, United States.
You can reach Second Story Books by calling +1 202-659-8884.
Second Story Books has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 934 customer reviews.
Second Story Books features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Second Story Books features the following from the business: Small Business.
Second Story Books features the following service options: In-store pick-up, In-store shopping, On-site services.
Second Story Books features the following offerings: Buys used goods, Used goods.
Second Story Books features the following planning: Quick visit.
Second Story Books features the following payments: Cheques, Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
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 StatesPhone
+1 202-659-8884Store Hours
Get In Touch
Have a question? Let us know and we'll get back to you.