This quaint, little book store is a treasure trove packed not only with books but unique side items. A perfect place to find one-of-a-kind tchotchkes for perfect gifts. Prices are extremely reasonable and there's the huge benefit of staff who are lovely and helpful. Check it out. You'll be glad you did! read more

This bookshop is so cute! I've been here twice, and there is a nice selection of various, unique goods with journals, bags, and other trinkets downstairs and majority of the books upstairs. In terms of books, there is a selection of both used and new books; the used books are reasonably priced to me because I got two used books under $20. The interior is so spunky with its cool decorations, and all of the books are well-organized and easy to find. Also, on both visits, the lady working there (I'm not sure if she's the same lady both times) was sweet! Overall, it's a cute bookstore, and I'd highly recommend visiting for unique goods and of course, books! read more

Kensington Row Bookshop - One of the cute rooms upstairs! - Bookstores Near Me - Kensington, Maryland

This is a great little book shop - well organized and nice gift selection! For example, I went to find a book for a gift and found these great posters of vintage book covers. This is a great place to find a treasure- nice selection and easy to shop! read more

Cozy bookshop alert I'm a bookshop fiend, TBR a mile long. I was driving from DC to Kensington to visit Babycat brewery (see my glowing review on them) and immediately pulled over when I saw this book store. There are so many cute nooks here, the type of place you can tell was a labor of love. I loved their selection of books and bookish gifts. I've already told my DC book club we're making the drive for a book store and Babycat day. Can't wait for my next visit! read more

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I emailed Kensington Row Bookshop to inquire about selling 25 or so German books, 100+ years old. The owner did say I could "donate" them to her, but I never dreamt that a for-profit company would just take them and not offer me a percentage of the sale. After all, they were MY books! Belatedly, AFTER she picked them up from my house, I inquired about a consignment agreement. She said there wasn't one; she would keep 100% of any sales. When I insisted, she took the books to Prevention of Blindness Thrift Shop, a block from her, which IS a bona fide charity. But I think she kept one set. Admittedly, I was naive and careless with this transaction, but her entitled, arrogant attitude was a real turn-off. read more

This bookstore is incredibly vibrant yet cozy and welcoming. Kensington has a street dedicated to antique retailers, consignors and upcyclists which goes by "Kensington Antique Row." More information can be viewed at: kensingtonantiquerow.com. read more

Love this bookstore's ambiance and a relaxed, enchanted vibe. Great location in the heart of Kensington Antique Row!

Such a magical place. Makes me feel like I am walking into the Narnia wardrobe and entering some magical world. Great selection of books and fantastic atmosphere! Love the stunning exterior wall mural by our local artist! read more

This isn't just a bookstore, it is an experience. Such a beautiful and charming little place, it is the perfect setting to make you feel a sense of comfort and contentment. Great selection, friendly staff, and adjacent to a cluster of antique stores and artists' studios. One of the sweetest and most beautiful stores in the US. read more

I was looking for independent bookstores in the area and after a quick google search, I found Kensington Row Bookshop and decided to go simply because it was close to me. I did not expect to be blown away by how great of a selection they had not to mention how affordable the prices were. The employee immediately asked how she could help me and was very knowledgeable and was able to find what I was looking for. I loved this shop and I will definitely be back! Shop local! read more

Comfy, homey, used book shop with vintage patriotic prints decorating the two levels, almost all of which is to sales. I found a couple of really cool bio books (guide to Galapagos) and cookbooks. Boyfriend found geeky sci-fi books he's never seen before (Babylon-5) in the upstairs section. We flipped through the prints and they ranged from cool, dated ads that ran in the 40s to prints of the amendments. The coolest part is the upstairs game room where you can relax with a board game or sink into a comfy leather couch with your find. They are currently featuring a Catalonia library upstairs with books on loan about the beautiful, historically rich country of Spain. How cool is that?! Customer service was le excellent with a sweet lady at the front to check us out. Very organized and fairly priced selection. Neat find!!! Tips: parking can be difficult at peak hours- limited street parking in side streets. Next to the gas station and around the corner from JennyCakes (yum!) read more

What a pleasant book store this is! The collection is thoughtfully curated--this isn't just a junk shop full of battered copies of Nora Roberts novels. It's full of odd but interesting academic (and Italian- and German-language) texts along, of course, with the expected classic literature and philosophy. The building itself is full of charm (it's on a street of old buildings with other book stores and antique shops), and the collection has a distinctive character: it includes a library of books in Catalan, for example. On the day I visited, old Simon & Garfunkel songs were playing--reminding me of my childhood. The book prices were reasonable, too. read more

Absolutely love this book shop. My wife and I come here regularly and highly recommend. It is small, quirky, and has a great selection of books. read more

3 because it is not accessible. 4 otherwise - A charming used book shop. Enjoyed the eclectic feel.

A great second hand book store along Antiques Row in Kensington. The upstairs is home to the Catalan Society of DC so all you lovers of Barca and San Jordi can go and converse there. Great selection of history, military, biography and fiction - also a decent kids section. I picked up a George Orwell's 'Coming Up for Air' and Hanif Kureishi's 'Buddha of Suburbia' for less than $10 the pair. They also have a massive selection of historical photos and prints and old newspaper front pages - definitely an interesting place to spend a relaxing couple of hours serendipitously mooching around. read more

Very pleasant bookstore, in a rambling old building. The front room is antiquarian books but could use a more lighting because it's not very browsable as is. The back rooms and upstairs sections are very reasonably priced and diverse general used books, with a nice selection of literature and history. Spoiler Alert -- don't read if you enjoy random cultural encounters: Several large rooms are a reading/lending library for books in Catalan (you know, the language of Barcelona). read more

What a beautiful old house, turned into a store that rewards its character. You just want to grab a book, pull up a chair near a window and sit in a sunbeam for a while. Solid fiction section, fairly well-organized. Some old, musty dusty titles that'll likely never sell, but enough decent inventory to make up for it. If you're looking for an offbeat title -- the odd Henry Miller or that Annie Proulx book you can't remember the name of -- it's likely here. read more

This is one of the most wonderful used book stores still open. It's in a beautiful building, it's decorated like a living room! There are two floors- and the walls are painted nice colors, they even have a bathroom you can use, and free wi-fi. The store also hosts various events, like hosting author talks and visits, check out their site for up to date info. read more

I absolutely adore this bookshop. I've been coming here for years but it never really occurred to me to write a review until now. Even when I'm just popping in for something specific I end up spending another 45 minutes in here as they're jam packed with all sorts of goodies. The owner is super nice and helpful. Despite the magnitude of books she somehow knows everything that is in stock. She even gave me a Johnny Cash Christmas album for free a few years ago when I was checking out because she knew I was a fan. It was really nice and unexpected. That's describes this lovely store in a nutshell. The books are very well organized. In addition to all that one would expect from a used bookstore, they also have a fantastic collection focused on local Maryland/DC history. Those random finds have been some of my favorites. The children's book section is also really good. Not that I buy those books at the moment but whenever I'm in that room I get all happy and "I remember that one!" Back when kids read books and not just screens. In addition to books, they also have vintage postcards and photographs (CDVs etc.) which I always go through. I actually go through them on occasion (NERD ALERT!) and I'm sure it's beyond annoying. But I buy them for art purposes and the owner is totally cool about it. I'd give them five stars except: 1. They're closed on Mondays. And naturally I always happen to be in the area on Mondays so it's a bit of a bummer. 2. I usually come here for random books and leave beyond happy. The few times I've come here specifically looking for a classic bit of literature that's on my bucket list, get this, they never have what I'm looking for. Even when I have like five books on my list and want to leave with just one of them. They need to stock up on the classics as I definitely don't want to read those on a Kindle or iPad! 3. They don't accept used books. Which makes sense as they're sort of exploding at the seams. On the other hand, I get so many books here, finish them, and don't necessarily want to keep all of them (including some of the more collectible expensive ones). It'd be cool if they had a program to bring those sorts of books back or something for a credit. read more

Nice selection, kind staff! Cool posters/prints and good selection of children's books!

Absolutely a hidden gem! if you live within a 3-mile radius and have not or do not plan to go here you are really missing out!!

What a treat to have this Bookshop in Ktown! They may not have the exact book you are looking for because it is a used book store, but if you come with an open mind and open heart you are bound to find an amazing read! The owner is very friendly and helpful. I attempted to buy a book and she mentioned I could just borrow it from her Free Little Library around the corner. I brought the book anyways. Will be definitely going back! read more

Well-organized and beautifully curated selections of old and new titles, along with a fabulous collection of art prints from the archives of the New Yorker, Vogue, etc. Owner is helpful but unintrusive. read more

A jewel in Kensington. I always find fabulous titles here! Love the cozy atmosphere too. Definitely stop by. You won't be disappointed!

I love how have a wide selection of books to choose from. They're really amazing. Plus the ambience of the place is welcoming to everyone. You guys should really check out this place. read more

This is a great place. You can buy a theremin; what do you think of that? If you don't know what one is, go and listen to a master play one: Art Harrison plays in front of the shop; you won't be displeased. You could also mosey around the Catalan library and reading room of the Fundacio Pauli Bellet. Don't speak Catalan? Doesn't matter; it's still so worth checking out and there's load of books that you can read to pore over. Come. Stay. Read. Buy. Enjoy! read more