There is a special charm walking through the stacks of books at the bookstore. I am always looking for my next book club reading selection. This time I was fascinated by their Harry Potter collection. They had stuffed animals, Lego-Harry Potter Train sets, and Slytherin wand sets. I will leave those for Draco. I also spent sometime in their journal department. One of my resolutions was to journal more and I thought with a cute journal, I may be more willing to write more regularly. I wasn't really approached by anyone to ask if I needed help. But, there were people at the checkout counter. The prices for new books are usually very good. They give you a 20 percent discount. So, I wandered around and ended up leaving empty handed. But, I will definitely be back soon. read more

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Nice location in Rio. Always clean and fun to browse. There's a good size children section in the back with toys trinkets and stuffed animals and plenty of curated books. Great for last minute birthday gifts! Ample seating near Starbucks and a clean bathroom in the back. Store is well lit with big windows. Nice place to shop or to sit and work. read more

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Visited the Barnes and nobles in rio. It's a clean store with easy parking by the garage. There wasn't much of a service or people asking or offering help (hence the -1 star). There's a good variety of books and themes to choose from. There's also a good amount books that are discounted or offers like buy 1 get 1 free. Well worth visiting if you're a reader. read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Bookstore are like slowly disappearing, like Blockbusters. I'm old school, I like picking up an actual book and read it. I don't do that audio book mess, or read ish on a kindle or a nook thing. Books here are $ but get me a gift card and I'll happily find something useful. Some people that work here are stuck up. And you have to yell or snap to get some service, however there are a few people here that like to actually do there job and help. There's a Starbucks here and they are friendly and it's more quiet here . I could come here and get work done. read more

I love the selection that this Barnes & Nobles has and the layout. I also love the huge Starbucks it has on the inside. The perfect place to sit and read a book. I made it my goal for 2024 to read at least 50 books and going into bookstores helps a ton. This location also has little white tabs on the bookshelf that gives you the workers recommendations and I love that! It helps to choose books with their vast selection! The prices are typical b&n prices and of course you could find cheaper on Amazon but you'd be able to take it home the same day and get the bookstore experience. read more

Barnes & Noble - Fiction Section - Bookstores Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

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While ordering my coffee and a cookie, the attendant was difficult to understand and unprofessional. Why? Her hair was covering her eyes + she was muffling while speaking (wearing a mask...definitely contributed). When she repeated herself...she asked me if I wanted to tip her on the kiosk, (with a tip jar sitting in front of me)...I politely asked, for what? Mind you, this was after I dropped my change in the jar (about 93 cents). She walked off without even engaging me in a conversation. When I finally got her attention, I mentioned to her that the machine asking for a tip is actually hurting their potential tip. Secondly, I reminded her that I actually put my change (about 93 cents) in the tip jar and a simple acknowledgment would be appropriate. Which she didn't even say, "thank you." What's my issue: the entitlement of people working service industry jobs needs to stop. I have worked in multiple similar jobs and have never would think to treat a paying customer (supporting my paycheck and the company) with financial patronage like that. It's coffee and a cookie....I'm confident its not that challenging. read more

There is free garage parking 24/7 a short walk away. This B&N is huge, there is a large Starbucks cafe with plenty of seating, and there are row and rows of marked down and clearance books up to 75% off list price. Everything is super tidy, clean, organized, and well maintained, as if it were the first day they opened. The music section is huge, with neatly organized DVDs by category or genre. The children's area is also very large. You'd be surprised at how everything is pristine and put together. This is an ideal bookstore and others should follow its lead. There was adequate staff coverage on the floor and at the register and cafe. The only down side is not much seating for reading (that I saw) except in the cafe. Definitely worth a visit! read more

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Worst service ever at the Starbucks in this Barnes and noble. The server literally did not know how to put hot water and a tea bag in a cup for an order of tea. He made us wait over 20 minutes with no other customers and said there was no mint tea, only peppermint. Management please! A little training goes a long way. read more

This is a tough review. I have turned this place into a sub-office and work out of the Starbucks seating area a few times a month. I do not like Starbucks for so many reasons, but the staff here is rather nice. The B and N itsef is good. I buy a book or 7 every almost every time I am there. They almost always have want I need, the staff is helpful and the store and bathrooms neat and clean. My issue is with the Starbucks, but since they are all one in the same B and N needs to understand you are who you partner with. The Starbucks needs to serve Decafe all day and not their American Pour. Since the two partners encourage hanging out and reading and working, they need more tables with access to an outlet for phones and laptops - there is ONE. My Starbucks bias and the lack of power stations is why I can't give this a 5 star, but I do love B and N and bookstores in general. read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

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I used to live across the street from this Barnes and Noble. It was always my go-to place when I had to study for a big, upcoming exam. I love the Rio. Even though it's not as close as it used to be for me, I still love to come here to find the perfect book and read in the cafe. They also have membership deals and teacher discount cards. read more

Really was amazed how friendly and clean the Manager Malik keeps this place and serves the customers with such kindness. Thank you for all that you do! Keep up the great work read more

This store is located at the very fashionable Rio Lakefront shopping area. There is plenty of free parking in the two garages just a short distance down the street. The store has a relaxing vibe. It is spacious, bright and attractive. Upon entering the store there's delicious smells coming from the cafe tucked away in the right hand corner. I love the smell of the chocolate chip cookies and Expresso & seasonal coffee! If you're looking for a magazine there is a large section of them on the right hand side wall just past the cafe. Can't find the one you want just ask at the help desk. They can order it and hold it for you of it's out of stock. There are a lot of book displays through out the store with something for everyone. My current favorite is The Lyrics by Paul McCartney! In addition to books Barnes & Noble has a good variety games, puzzles, collectable trading cards and games and educational and preschool toys that are sure to be on your Christmas gift list. The customer service here is excellent! They are friendly and professional Have a question? Can't find a book? Just ask the staff to help you if they have not greeted and asked you first! I recently inquired about a book I am very excited about. It is the new Mel Brooks memoir! Checking out is quick and easy at big counter at the front of the store. Not a member you can join the Barnes & Noble Book Club on the spot & get a whole year of discounts (10 percent) and more for $25. Until next time be kind to each other! #barnes&Noble #riolakefront @yelpdc #books&more #cookies #relax #cafe read more

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I've found my least favorite Barnes and Noble store. It's centered around keeping kids happy while absent parents shop, but, damn! read more

Barnes & Noble - This is where the records go. - Bookstores Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

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Good selection and very clean and tidy store with polite staff. I bought a record from them and it was defective and then got a replacement that was also defective so that dampened my opinion of them a bit. Prices are very high if you're used to used books or the library. For new books though, just fine. read more

This B&N is one of the last best of the chain I've been to with well-stocked magazine shelves and a huge cafe. I also love the atlas/map section and the self-help books that is huge. This store is spacious and clean and really has a great kids area. How many of these are there that are still in business. I just wish everybody would put their smartphones down and read a book read more

I felt nostalgic the moment I walked in. I remember spending countless hours in bookstores when I was a kid. Rows and rows of beautifully illustrated books greeted me as I walked in. The faint smell of Starbucks coffee beans and the distinct whisper of pages turning sparked and all too familiar childhood memory. Needless to say I spent a ridiculously long time with my husband thumbing through several copies of books I've already added to my wish list on Amazon. Are the books here overpriced? Sure, but what Amazon doesn't have is the bookstore experience. Thank you Barnes and Noble for allowing me to relive my childhood for a couple of hours this Sunday afternoon. Oh and the employees were nice lol, (just because after I read this review I realized I didn't really review anything.) read more

Barnes & Noble - Hilarious book! - Bookstores Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Checked Google before leaving, says the business was open till 8 and they had just updated those hours. Worked till 5, 20 minute drive. Doors were locked. I looked at the guy. The guy looked at me, and that was the end of it. Guess this is not the place for a 9-5 working man to go anymore. Amazon will have the same books on my doorstep by Wednesday. read more

Very nice Barnes and Nobles in Washingtonian Center! The staff has always been helpful and the store holds a variety of books. I even forgot my credit card here once (after I left in a hurry when I bought the remaining Backyardians needed for my lil' nephews collection) and called the store when I noticed a few minutes later. The cashier held on to my card and promptly returned it to me :) BP and I have also purchased religious books and they offer a great selection on Islamic books. Much appreciated! read more

The store employees are rude and unhelpful. Also, the Starbucks is understaffed especially on a weekend and less than friendly.

Very nice, very large B&N store - lots of places to sit and read, use a computer, etc. A full-service Starbucks, and the obligatory free Wi-Fi. Robust sections for films and music. Huge magazine selection. Cards and stationary for sale. All in all, all the inventory that Barnes and Noble should offer everywhere in the U.S., but many smaller stores cut back on, or, eliminate whole categories from their retail offerings because of space constraints. Courteous and efficient staff, and I was here at the height of the Christmas shopping season. Definitely recommend. read more

This is a decent barnes and noble in terms of books. They have always had a very good selection and keep things well-stocked. The have a lot of great events and the kids section of the store is wonderful. My complaints have to do with the bathrooms and seating. The bathrooms here are far more disgusting than you would expect for a bookstore. 2-3 toilets usually clogged, trash all over the floor, and you can literally smell the gross air freshener they use to cover up the smell in a good quarter of the store. There is never any seating available in the cafe, and then the staff gets angry at people trying to study or read sitting on the floor. If that bothers you, get more chairs. read more

Really like my neighborhood Barnes and Noble. They have an amazing selection of books and games and toys etc... really laid back atmosphere where you can peruse and read. They have a cafe where you can enjoy a coffee and croissant. They have helpful employees that will help you find the book you can't find and point you in the right direction or order a book for you they do not have. read more

I love B&N so much because of the large selection of books and the great service. The staff are very helpful. I asked for books written by Stephen Hawking, and an employee immediately took me to the physics section. Awesome use of my money! read more

A Barnes & Noble like most other B&Ns...so what makes this B&N so review worthy? 1) I really really really want the FTR. Shut up. At least I admit my issues. 2) Although this is a pretty standard B&N, this B&N really only has seating in the cafe/coffee shop area. Which pretty much sucks when you're trying to read the entire Twilight Saga to see what the big fuss is about (and seriously, vampires frickin' *SPARKLE*?!?!? What lame-@$$ed Mary-Sue 12-yr old girl fan-fic is this?!?). Yes, I realize that this is not the library, but really, I can't be expected to buy something unless I, umm...try it on first. It's like buying a car without the test drive. So just picture my reading in the bookstore as my test drive. And the lack of seating makes the "test drive" very tiring very fast. 3) I can't find anyone to help me to save my life. Despite my love of reading in bookstores, I actually do buy a considerable amount of books (my annual book budget is twice that of my drinking budget...and if you've ever seen me at HH, you will understand that this means my book budget is basically on par with the Federal budget), and I often arrive and ready to buy, with a book list in hand. Finding someone to help me locate all the books can be quite a challenge. 4) Not many kids. Or I should say - kids are usually corralled into the kids section, which has a nice low wall to separate them from me. That piece of brilliance equals a one star upgrade in my book. No, I really don't hate kids - I just hate parents who let their kids run amok in public, and then act *shocked* when you say something to them. Please don't breed if you don't plan on keeping track of your spawn. So all in all, a basic B&N with some good points and some bad. But mostly, because this hasn't been reviewed yet, and HELLO FTR! Yes yes, I'm sick. You collect baseball cards, I collect FTRs. Each to their own. read more

Racism: Profiled and discriminated against, I will be shopping elsewhere. On December 6, 2014, while existing the store I stopped in the senor zone for around 60 seconds or so. Reason for my pause, my wife stopped to put on her coat. I had just purchased a $45 collectable. My concern, randomly and all of a sudden the anti - theft alarm began to sound. Even though I had been standing in the area for sometime as my wife began to exit and other shoppers were leaving the store. I honestly, thought another shopper would be stopped because I had been standing in between the senor zone for sometime. Being a previous store manager of a clothing store I am fully aware of how anti - theft sensors work. Why racism, you ask? The sensor began to sound as a white woman walked out the door, followed by my wife, how looks white or Hispanic. I just explained, I was in the senor zone for at least 60 seconds with no alarm sounding. Unfortunately, the 6'3" African American male was called back into the store. My wife had the receipt and was unaware of me being temporarily detained. It was quite an embarrassment because my wife had not noticed me being stopped for a few moments before she returned to the store to provide the receipt. Associates explanation: The cashier did not properly scan the merchandise and the sensor sounded. This was not true being that I was in the area for sometime. Even more concerning was the fact that the female that detained me did not take the merchandise to a scanner to deactivate the sensor. I left the store and immediately returned. I pass through the sensor zone around 4 times upon my re-entry. No alarm sounded. Needless to say, I returned the item and purchased it for more money from an online vendor. In today's economy I would rather spend an extra $5 plus shipping than be subjected to acts of discrimination. To Yelp: This is a true experience. Transaction details can be provided from the receipt. read more

I was looking for a few books and was able to find two of them (D.H. Lawrence) at this store. The third book was not available, I waited for a while at the empty service counter someone finally came by to help. She was very helpful and she called the Bethesda store for me. I also picked up a travel book for Turkey, so excited! I still love books, I do not ever want to replace them with a digital pad. read more

Very nice employees. I put a book on hold online to pick up at the store and got a text message and email about 20 minutes after they opened letting me know it was ready. They open at 9 am so parking is a breeze. The employees are really nice and happy to help. Great customer service! Large store and very organized and clean. Fast moving line. read more

I can't not share this experience. I found the perfect book for my co-worker for secret santa. A book that was MADE for this person. Because it was for work, we were bound to a very strict money limit but the opportunity came about this week with bn's friends and family additional 25% off. I searched high and low and tried for hours to find the book but it was sold out online. I decided to make a trip into the store at the chance it was on sale or my membership helped with a little bit of the savings. While talking to Jenn A. at the register, I just made casual but desperate conversation about trying to find a coupon in my email. I told her about trying to get the friends and family deal and stepped aside to let her check out the next guest while I searched for a coupon in my email. I knew better than to ask her to honor the coupon because it was not only an "online only" one, it had also expired at 2AM. While I was searching, without me asking, she took it upon herself to call her manager, Liz to see if anything could be done. I was shocked when she reported back to me that they decided to honor the discount for me. She said it was more important that I was happy and my co-worker was happy and they were going to be sure to make it happen. I know this is a small thing and not a big deal to some, but this small act on her part made a huge difference to me. Doing something when a customer is angry to calm them down is one thing, but doing something just to make a difference; no other motive is the spirit of good customer service. I can't thank them enough! read more

I come here quite often. The people here are usually nice and very helpful. It's usually a great place to go grab a cup of coffee from the starbucks inside, grab a book, and read for a few hours. The only thing I really don't like is that they got rid of all their comfy chairs and even the wooden chairs that they used to have spread around the store are gone. Now, if you want to sit and read, you have to fight for a table in the starbucks area. I don't know how much good it's done their business, but I do know for sure that I have stopped coming as much as i used to. Why go to B&N to read a book if there's no where to sit comfortably? Still, if you need to buy a book or get free wifi while drinking a good cup of joe. This is the place to go. It's also conveinent because it's right next to Target, and many places to eat. Rio is a great area for this book store to be in. read more

Unlike the B&N on the pike with its spacious interior and two floors, this B&N only has one floor, and probably only half the amount of books, but I'm still a fan. Why? Because I'm able to get a seat and I like how the cafe and the bookstore are connected. I'm always able to find a seat here, and it's usually fairly quiet and not that busy. I can study, read, catch up with friends. A great spot to be! When I'm tired of hanging out at B&N, I can go take a walk and check out the mini river and stores/restaurants in the Rio shopping center. I can ever go see a movie a few stores down! read more

I ordered a book online also I could quickly run in and pick it up. That was wishful thinking. They advertise that you won't have to spend time in line. Nope. Not the case. Ten minutes spent in line when I didn't have the time. They have a sign to picnic up your items without waiting. Too bad they have no one staffing it. Get it together B&N. Customer service is essential in this day and age. read more

Anyone who doesn't love a bookstore thats STILL IN BUSINESS shouldn't even bother coming here. They don't have desks and what not because this IS NOT THE LIBRARY. This is a place of business. They make it convenient for people to lounge around and read and what not but honestly most people don't buy books. That's why all the other book stores went out of business!! Competeing with amazon is no easy deed. Barnes and nobles has a LARGE selection of books, I don't think I've had a time I couldn't find a book I needed. They also have the starbucks attached to ever one, this Starbucks is better then the other B&N because its an actual starbucks and takes gift cards not like the Cafe. The only plus to having the B&N cafe is that there are more tables available. My cell phone reception at this location sucks and doesn't work well =/. They offer Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake for 4.5/slice! THATS A DEAL! read more

I had a special order and Lois was extremely helpful in finding and shipping my order out without any problems. Highly recommended!

I shop there because of tons of Manga! But, never mind that, I used to shop at "Barnes & Noble" in Rockville, MD since that is the only place I knew they sell books. Now, I shop at "Barnes & Noble" in Gaithersburg, MD since it is closer to my home, and it is next to "Target" as well. So, "killing two birds in one stone", is great for me to shop double! read more

I am only giving them three stars because I love books. Staff seems grumpy and rude, not inviting at all and talk really loud all over the place when people are clearly studying or reading. The cafe lady looks like she's always having a bad day, and the guy there is so unfriendly too. No one asks if you need any help, no one tries to spark up any decent conversations and the bathrooms are gross. read more

I know it's somewhat silly to be reviewing a book store, but I stumbled upon my neighborhood Barnes and Noble and wanted to give them a good review. The staff here is exceptionally friendly, and they're one of the reasons why I choose Barnes and Noble over the Starbucks almost next to my house. They have a lot of tables that you can do all your work at, and so much access to books and other resources. You can't go wrong here. I purposely buy all my books from this Barnes and Noble to support them. read more

i like the set-up of this bn. they have the mega-starbucks on the right with tons of seating (yes, still not enough considering this is rio, basically an outdoor strip mall and an mega-hangout place.) that said, there are people sitting here who have neither purchased anything and are hogging tables for hours. which is fine because i can get a dollar cup of coffee and also sit here for two hours. but i agree with reviewers about seating inside the bn. i swear they used to have couches!!! what gives? i say they should change those stupid benches in front of the magazine rack and make rows of not-too-big armchairs. they could fit a good eight there. i guess i'm torn. i mean the extra space isn't going to help them sell more merchandise, they have multiples of so many things that don't need it, and their aisles could be three inches smaller. hello, extra room for chairs!!! yes i can't find anyone to help in the aisles either, but the help desk (duh) is quick and very, well, helpful. like! parking sucks here. don't come during peak hours. i mean who can compete with target and restaurants? read more

Save your money, to Amazon.... Poor management. Avoid at all costs. Overly priced books and bad general manager. Very rude.

I love the selection of books that they have for sale and they have a kid section that is just to die for. They also have a train toy set up were kids can play with the trains and the occupied while the parents look for books which is so conveniently thought up of buy them read more

Beautiful location, free parking garage, friendly staff and extensive selection! Not the largest barnes and nobles but it has everything and is very welcoming. read more