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Old Town Books
A charming independent bookstore where stories and community come to life in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.
4.8
Retail Store
$$
A charming independent bookstore where stories and community come to life in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.
Old Town Books is a beloved independent bookstore located at 130 S Royal St in Alexandria, offering a curated selection of books for all ages, from children's board books and young adult novels to adult fiction and non-fiction. The store features several cozy rooms, including a dedicated youth space, and hosts events like story time and book clubs. With a friendly, knowledgeable staff, unique gifts, and a welcoming atmosphere that even allows dogs, it provides a warm, community-focused experience for book lovers and casual visitors alike.
No photos available
Handpicked books for all ages, including children’s, YA, adult fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, and bilingual/Spanish titles.
Friendly staff offer tailored suggestions and can order any book not in stock.
Weekly story times on Saturdays and a dedicated youth room with engaging books and activities.
Join our book clubs with member discounts and attend author readings, signings, and community events.
Find stickers, seeds, trinkets, and other fun items alongside books for perfect gifts.
Bring your furry friends—we offer treats and a welcoming atmosphere for pets and owners.
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Overall rating
Lyn A.
It is funny when you are enjoying a stroll around the City and you are not looking for anything in particular that you see a place that may offer something unexpected. I just noticed this charming corner bookstore Old Town Books. I walked in and was warmly greeted. I simply asked if they had any Spanish or Bilingual children and/or teen books. Actually, the answer was yes -- both types. I was escorted to various books located on different shelves. What I noticed is the books were not the traditional American books translated into Spanish that other stores sell, but they offer an array of books for different interests at different reading levels -- yay! I am still channeling my inner Little Person (kid 😉) to learn Spanish so I purchased several Bilingual books today. What a terrific space for Little People and adults alike. BTW it was so nice today I sat outside to read.
Stephanie Bedell
Lovely bookstore with several rooms of books. Excellent selection on books I just took a few photos of children board books and romance(friend likes them). I truly loved the youth room space. They have story time on Saturdays.
Megan Bland
This is a lovely bookstore that always has fantastic variety! The store itself is so cute! The staff are lovely, eager to help or offer suggestions. Just because you dont see something on the shelf doesn't mean they dont have it, ask a staff member and of they don't have it they can always order it for you! The also have a number of book clubs and you get a discount on those books if you plan to go. There are a number of fun events that are worth checking out! Dogs are allowed so it's always fun to stop in during a walk! (They have treats!) It is also located close to the main Alexandria thoroughfare so it's easy to swing by. The junior bookstore is right next door and offers both children's classics and new releases. Basically, if you are a book lover, a visit is more than worth your while! Drag your non book loving friends and they will definitely find something among the stickers and other merchandise!
Mike Wong
Old Town Books in Old Alexandria is a wonderful independent bookstore that quickly became one of my favorite spots during our trip. We loved it so much, we actually visited twice in one week! The store has a fantastic selection for all ages—from children’s books and young adult novels to thoughtful picks for avid adult readers. There’s a little something for everyone, and the curated mix of books, unique gifts, and fun trinkets makes it easy to find something special, whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, especially when it came to picking out gifts. They were patient, kind, and genuinely seemed to love helping people find the right book. I brought a friend who loves reading, and she was so happy with the experience. If you’re in the Old Town area, this place is an absolute must-visit—warm, welcoming, and filled with stories waiting to be discovered
Jocelyn Chang
This place is so cozy and has a unique collection of books too, especially the fantasy and non-fiction section. They have cookbooks, some seeds for gardening, and other cute things as well. The staff is friendly and had a great chat with Rowan about books. Check out the kid’s books section if you have children. It can be a bit hard to navigate the small hallway with strollers for babies, but people are generally nice and will definitely make way for strollers. Overall, an awesome bookstore and please keep local, indie bookstores alive!
