A few weeks ago a few friends and I decided to go to Eastern Market for the afternoon, just for a change of scenery. After stopping at a coffee shop, we decided to go to a book store that was just down the road. We had originally assumed that this detour would be quick and the main event of the day would be walking around Eastern Market, but we ended up spending the entire afternoon as well as into the evening in this one cramped store. Capitol Hill Books is a used book store in Eastern Market, not far from the Eastern Market metro stop. The store’s appearance is a bit worn and torn but also exhibits a lot of character, just like the books they carry. The store is overwhelming at first, from the moment you walk in there are mountains of books everywhere. The staircase leading to the second floor is even lined with small stacks of books on each step. But there is some method to the madness; the books are all in labelled sections and they have everything a bibliophile needs. From books on wine to books on presidents, they stock a lot of subjects so there is bound to be something for everyone. Even the bathroom is dedicated to a shelf full of foreign language books. The charm of this place doesn’t just lie in the books; the atmosphere is more of a hangout than a business seeking profit. The owner sits at a tiny chair near the door and he is constantly surrounded by people who assumedly are regulars, talking and laughing. When I was there he had even been handing out free beer, which creates the feeling that this is more of a social experience than simply grabbing a book, paying, and leaving. The store was crowded when we went and people who weren’t looking to buy books were simply talking amongst friends. I even saw two little boys running around and playing in between bookshelves, which goes to show that the magic of this place is alive in all ages. Spending hours lost in a labyrinth of books covering every inch of your surroundings, whether you are with friends, on a date, or by yourself is a refreshing change of pace. I would recommend Capitol Hill Books to bookworms and socialites alike, it’s not a place that’s easily forgotten.
Image from Spottedbylocals.com