"A Beloved Neighborhood Bookstore A D.C. fixture since it opened in 1984, Politics and Prose is an independent bookstore popular for its knowledgeable staff, author readings and book signings, occasional trivia nights, and a café that's been serving organic fare since before it was cool. There's a book club meeting space and a children's reading area downstairs. This local institution is slightly off the beaten path, but it's well worth a visit—and you could end up spending the afternoon."

"One of Washington's most beloved independent bookstores, Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café is just as much a D.C. institution as the city's historic monuments. Opened in 1976, Kramerbooks was the first bookstore/café in the United States to feature espresso, cappuccino, a full bar, and food. Popular with students and other assorted night owls, it's open all night on Friday and Saturday, and late into the evening during the weekdays (there's often live music). This is the place to savor the final pages of that new book you don't want to end—and maybe a glass of red wine or a slice of one of their decadent cakes. Check out the events calendar before you go to catch a reading from a political big shot or your favorite new fiction writer."

"Idle Your Time Away Between the Pages Idle Time Books has been an Adams Morgan fixture since 1981 and carries a quality selection of used, recent, and out-of-print books, as well as vintage greeting cards, newspapers, records, and CDs. The best way to explore this little gem of a bookstore is to wander the three floors without an agenda. More times than not, you’ll encounter something quirky that you never knew you wanted but you now just have to have. For me, it was an out-of-print book on canapé recipes and, for my friend, a handful of science fiction novels. Between the bookshelves are plenty of nooks and crannies and comfortable chairs where you can plop down to read."

"On a recent trip toD.C., I carved out an afternoon forSecond Story Books, which I’d heard had a fascinating collection of used, rare, and out-of-print books. How can you not want to visit a store run by the guy (Allan Stypeck) who not only repairs books but also loans books for movie sets and helps institutions like the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress build their collections? The Dupont Circle store, one of two locations, lived up to the hype: It took real effort to keep my book-hoarding instincts in check as I explored the maze-like store and hit up the sidewalk-sale shelves, which offer serious deals on the weekends."

"Rare and Used Bookstore with an Opinion Capitol Hill Books looks more like a hoarder's basement than a bookstore. It's not the best place to pick up the latest bestseller, but it is exceptional for its collection of rare books, as well as its snarky, not-so-subtle opinions about various genres and authors. For example, a hand-written sign next to A Million Little Pieces by James Frey reads, "Lies, lies and more lies. But read it anyway," and another above the Twilight series simply says, "Vampires Suck." If you're willing to do a little digging, you might come away with a first edition copy of one of your favorite books, but be sure to check the price first, in pencil on the inside cover. Don't let their reviews deter you, and take everything with a grain of salt (that is, despite the Post-It pinned to the copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows sitting on the front counter, "Ron does not die at the end of the series."). Way to be, CHB. When you finally find your way out of the maze of books—which may take hours—make your way to the Eastern Market next-door for fresh produce, meats, and handmade goods! By Samantha Willner"

"Established in 1800, the Library of Congress is the oldest federal institution in the United States. The library was destroyed by British troops just 14 years after its conception, and Congress used Thomas Jefferson’s collection of 6,487 volumes to replace it. Today, the collection of the Library of Congress—housed across three buildings—grows by approximately 12,000 items a day and is the second largest library in the world with 164 million items and 838 miles of shelves (that’s farther than the distance from Washington, D.C. to Chicago !). The library holds the world’s largest collection of comic books and one of only three remaining Gutenberg bibles. The Library of Congress offers daily guided tours to explore its historic collection and famous Beaux-Arts architecture. —Miranda Smith By Afar Magazine"

"Books and Murals Established in 1925 in the diverse Mount Pleasant neighborhood, this public library was one of three in DC funded by the steel magnate Andrew Carnegie and is the third oldest public library still in use in the city. Today, over 50,000 books and printed materials are housed on its three floors which include one of DC's largest collections of graphic novels and Spanish-language literature. Head upstairs to the children's section on the second floor and take note of a hidden treasure: two alcoves bearing Depression-era murals of cartoon animals painted by DC native and neighborhood resident Aurelius Battaglia, who went on to illustrate Disney classics like "Dumbo," "Fantasia," and "Pincocchio."