Welcoming staff. Uplifting environment. Terrific selection. So much to love about this breath-of-fresh-air bookstore!

Stopped in because the shop looked like a cute local bookstore. I found a few coloring books and games I was interested in purchasing, even though I could have easily ordered them online but today I didn't mind spending a few extra dollars to support a small business. While shopping, I had to go to the bathroom but wanted to keep browsing so looked for a bathroom. I saw a couple of people (white people) come out of the restroom, even though the door said "Employees Only." I asked the woman at the register if there was a restroom available, and she told me, "No, our bathroom is not public but you can go to California Tortilla and use theirs." I returned to my fiancé, who was waiting near the bathroom, and overheard another employee tell a different customer, "We don't normally let people use the bathroom because there are boxes in there, but we can make an exception (white customers) I mentioned that I had just been told the restroom was not public, and the employee responded, "Yeah, but we can make an exception for her, not you," in what felt like a very dismissive and condescending tone. The interaction left me feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome. Consistency and respectful communication with customers of all skin tones is important, and unfortunately that was not my experience here. Definitely recommend buying on stores like Amazon and not supporting this behavior. read more

While I do go to the library regularly, I do enjoy a good bookstore find. Recently while walking to brunch, I walked past this store. Such a cute bookstore find! I loved perusing their selections within various genres. My kids also enjoyed the children's section. Ended up buying a book I had been looking to get for a while. Can't wait to go back! If you're in the area, check out this gem. read more

Wonderland Books - Bookstores Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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Adorable place! Parking is a little difficult as expected of the area (spoiler - it's street parking with a meter). I visited on a rainy Friday morning (closer to noon), and even then I was barely able to find a nearby spot. However as soon as I walked up to the bookstore, I got really excited because of the displays and the look of it. Before coming here, I had looked online to see if they had the book I was looking for available for purchase (they did)! There were some complications finding it, but the staff were all so nice and helped me eventually get it. I was able to get a gift for two friends because the overall selection was pretty good -- socks, trinkets, calendars, notebooks, puzzles, stickers, etc. I had bought a puzzle in the shape of a robot for my friend, which he thought was really niche and cute once he opened it. As for the pricing, it was a little on the pricier side but that's expected. I didn't get much time to peruse but I'd definitely come back again read more

Wonderland Books - Outside - Bookstores Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

I love that there's a cute and cozy independent bookstore less than three miles away from my home. There is so much to explore here. They have a great selection of children's books. I came for a meet the author Q&A with Sarah Pekkanen, a local author that I love, and have met several times. One of the two owners asked questions to this #1 New York Times best selling author. It was very interesting, but unfortunately, I couldn't wait in line to buy her book today because I had to be at another event. I will be back because I love supporting small independent businesses. read more

Wonderland Books - Sarah Pekkanen promoting her newest novel, The Locked Ward. - Bookstores Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

A gem of a bookstore. I've spent all afternoon here. The world needs more bookstores like Wonderland.

I'm usually going to enjoy visiting any independent book store. The place is small but has a great selection and is in an easily accessible location. Decent amount of street parking with a big garage only a block away. Jeffrey was very helpful and they didn't seem to mind that I showed up 15 minutes before they closed. I hope to visit again very soon! read more

I could get lost in Wonderland Books for hours. An women-owned, independent bookstore in Old Bethesda, Wonderland Book is the only one around. Surrounded by local restaurants, shops, and art galleries, Wonderland Book is a must-visit spot while in Bethesda. The bookstore is one large room with shelves and shelves of new books organized by genre. There's mystery, non-fiction, and every topic you can imagine. An avid traveler, I appreciate their travel nook in the back with travel novels and guidebooks. They also carry a good number of local travel guides. My eight-year-old daughter loved the kids section with its little reading nook and plenty of books to pick from. Nearby are stuffed animals, crafts, toys, and other wonders for children. Staff are passionate about reading and their love is contagious. They are more than happy to recommend a title or show you around. read more

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You miss places like these. Very comforting to see a shop with a great collection of books to feel, touch and cherish. The book shop owners also have their favorites mentioned on each shelf and clearly the have good taste. Parking is in front or there are two garages nearby. You can visit here before or after a drink or a meal at any of the restaurants nearby. read more

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I'm so happy to finally have an independent bookstore in Bethesda, especially after the closure of the Amazon bookstore. Even better, this is a true independent bookshop with wonderful staff, great recommendations, and a very friendly atmosphere. I was able to pick up a book for my mother for Christmas on my first visit, and got some recommendations from a staff member. The only negative is the space is small, so they don't have a large childrens area, or room for a lot of inventory. HOWEVER the website is excellent, you can browse current books in stock with ease, and you can even order books for later pick up in store. Please come and support this wonderful business, American needs more independent and local bookstores! read more

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Highly recommend this women-owned, longtime friends and book lovers, Amy and Gayle, independent bookstore Wonderland, regardless of your location. I live in another state and needed a book delivered or shipped in the area. They have a huge inventory of a wide range of genres and books for all ages including children. They also sell cute and useful book related items. They have a wonderful up-to-date online store with product details and in stock or order time listed for each. You can purchase online for pickup at store. Easy process. They have reasonable prices. Good sales. And wide range of prices. You need to call for shipping, so they can validate the items and obtain shipping details. The staff were so helpful. They pulled the items while on phone. They verified address, they provided shipping options and timelines. They wrote a gift card and wrapped the items. They are a community hub hosting author chats, book clubs, game nights, and other events. They are a literary, heaven, that encourages browsing and discovery of stories. Checkout their webpage. Stop by if you are in the area. Please tell your friends. read more

Fantastic shop. Very well-curated selection, friendly and helpful staff, and cool non-book accessories too (chocolate bars, kiddie stuff and more). Lives up to its name - a wonder-ful addition to the community. read more

Wonderland Books - Bookstores Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Super cute book store! A lot of popular well known books and also many I hadn't seen before but were eye catching from their cover/name/display placement. Shop workers were also helpful and had a welcoming vibe. Great addition to the downtown Bethesda area! read more

Wonderland Books - Bookstores Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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Welcome to DT Bethesda, Wonderland! This independent bookstore has a good selection of adult, YA, children's books, as well as cards, stationery, toys, and other various gifts. Reminded me of one of the bookstore setups that we like to visit in Brooklyn. The space is well-organized, and the staff were helpful! +good selection of books +helpful staff read more

Such a lovely addition to Bethesda! I love libraries but when you want/need a book asap, this is the place to go. Staff is super nice and knowledgeable. I always find what I need. It's also fun to just browse! read more

Very cute and well organized bookstore. The books they promote are very interesting and well selected. Customer service was very friendly, absolutely happy to support them! read more

Wonderland Books is great. I highly recommend coming here. There are plenty of options to choose from regarding books, and there are other fun items to browse around as well. read more

Such a cute book store with amazing staff. Not huge but tons to select from. I overheard the owner multiple times offer to order specific books for customers who came in for something specific. Planning to go back. read more

Exactly what Bethesda needed! Well curated selection, great set up, really friendly and helpful staff. A little on the small side but they make good use of the space. Organized by category with write ups on a good number of the books. A few places to sit, and a really cute kids section. Nice little selection of cards and trinkets/gifts. I am excited for their growth and when they start doing events! read more

I loved the free book marks and the vibe was soooo polite and I found everything I needed. they had a wide selection of novels, fantasy, and I got a book about dinosaurs. Plus independent bookstores in Bethesda NEED a comeback. I will return. read more

As 2025 arrives, I vouchsafe assure you all that Wonderland Books in Bethesda is not just Great but Magnificent! They've had almost all the books I've been seeking. and--if not-- quickly took my order for the two books they did not have on hand. This brand new store is comfortable for shoppers who wander here with some idea of what we want to find! Those looking for books for Children and Young Adults will discover an endless supply of new ideas and suggested readings for All! If you need a book or just a card or miscellaneous tchotchke, then walk, drive, bike, ski, ski, skate, or run to Wonderland It's superb abd easy to find online or in person. Nevertheless... Do be careful, for a Big Green Monster has already begun to pretend they're the Wonder--land of books ! read more

This place has a little bit for everyone. Over all the selection was decent. The staff was friendly, and helpful.