Politics & Prose - Washington DC

Politics & Prose, Washington DC

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It is no longer mission impossible for The Indie Bob Spot, it is mission possible and mission completed.  Politics & Prose took me to the finish line of visiting every indie featured in Ron Rice's, My Bookstore.  The final tally for my journey through the book of 81 bookstores was 78 visited and the remaining 3 sadly are closed.  But Politics & Prose represented a sprint to the finish line and I can't imagine it being any better than my experience at this store.

This is one of those bookstores that many others around the country know about.  It is nationally renowned and recognized and you don't have to go more than three steps into the store to understand why.  They have a large two-level space offering all new books and a plethora of sidelines scattered throughout.  I don't think they have to worry about customers here either.  On the week day of my visit the store was packed and its obvious the store accommodates locals, tourists, and the occasional politician (the ones who read).  Make sure you visit the lower level to see the spacious cafe, The Den, as well as a large children's section, sale books and CDs, and a variety of greeting cards (available on both levels).  The store hosts as many events as any other indie.  Over 500/year in the store and multiple locations off-site, some ticketed and some free.  There are so many events that they have an entire events department, not just a coordinator.  Every indie should be so lucky!

Bradley G., the owner, and Jon, marketing director, were wonderful to meet and visit with.  I felt all the more fortunate to talk with them since this is not a small operation and they are quite busy.  Brad and his wife, Lissa, have been the owners for 6 years of the store's 33 year existence.  It is encouraging to hear their plans of expanding the current store and opening two branch locations.  Congrats, Brad, Lissa, and staff!

But while here, at my final indie of My Bookstore, I enjoyed the quintessential bookstore experience.  It was my good fortune to meet and visit with one of their regular customers.  Dr. Janet N. is a retired English Lit professor from the University of Maryland.  We had a great talk about the bookstore, books, and politics.  And the kicker is that she formerly served on the state board of regents.  In Iowa.  This doesn't happen with Amazon and this is one of the MANY wonderful reasons I go to independent bookstores.  What a wonderful experience.  

On your next trip to DC, you'll have a long list of tourist sites to visit.  Put this on your list.  Bring one of your senators here and pick out a good book for them.  And by the way, The Indie Bob Spot will continue to visit and report on this country's unsung leaders, the independent bookstore.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Small Mercies, Eddie Joyce.    

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Two key-chains, one P & P t-shirt, and a set of magnetic cats (yes, for real, this is what I bought).  

Many independents across the country are doing a "Find Waldo" promotion just like they are at Politics & Prose.  

This can be posted at any indie.  

One of the expansive front window displays.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

You'll need a book tote bag for everything you're going to get here!

Just a few of the greeting cards available in the store.  These are located near the front entrance.  

The store has a very extensive events schedule.  If you visit the store, check the events calendar near the front entrance.  

The sidelines available here are endless.  

This is a second room on the main level.  Go to the left after you enter and you'll find this space.  

If you're an aspiring author in the DC area, these people can help you.  

Table display of the store's monthly bestsellers.  

You'll find walls of new non-fiction and new fiction.  

A relevant display for today's climate.  

Just a few of the CDs available.  

You will EASILY find a unique non-book item for your purchase. 

This is a very busy bookstore so it helps to know where the check-out line begins.  

Lots of magazines.  

Naturally, lots of politics and philosophy.  

A large staff picks display.  

Only in a DC bookstore can you find something as unique as Airforkone.  

View looking from the back of the bookstore toward the front entrance on the main level.

When you enter the store you can browse the main floor or go directly downstairs to The Den cafe, children's department, bargain books, and more.  

A partial view of the children's section on the lower level.  

More children's section.  

The sale table on the lower level featured some great books.  

You'll also find CDs on the lower level.  

Consider a literary onesie for the little one.  

View looking into The Den, located on the lower level.  

Overview of The Den.  

With Brad in the center and Jon on the right.  Thanks for a great visit.