Busboys and Poets Books
Busboys and Poets aims to be not only a restaurant, but also a space in which intellectual, cultural, political, and social issues can come together for a discussion that benefits everyone. Our bookstore, Busboys and Poets Books, has space at each of our seven locations and engages with literature, politics, society, and social justice in a productive and exciting atmosphere.
We have a deep commitment to showcasing books and authors—on a local and national level—who have contributed to conversations concerning great social struggles. Prominently featuring the black struggle for civil rights, this also extends to issues of women’s and LGBTQ+ liberation, and more generally to the experiences of all the dispossessed and marginalized in this country.
As part of our bookstore’s mission, we feature titles, authors, and events throughout the year that highlight these struggles. We also feature a diverse selection of children’s and young adult books that help to engage the community at all levels. Learn more about what we do below!
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK.
Help us send The Vagina Bible to
every member of the House and Senate!
Busboys and Poets Books
Author and Literary Events
We host a variety of literary events throughout the year (a full list of events can be found here). From book discussions to literary panels, we aim to provide inclusive events for introverted bookworms and talkative academics alike! Events include, but are not limited to:
- Book Clubs
- Author Events
- Literary and Local Author Panels
- Youth Events
- And More!
If you would like to organize an event at Busboys and Poets please submit an Event Request.
Other Literary Services
Offsite Events
Busboys and Poets Books is proud to offer off-site book sales across the DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia area. We pride ourselves on partnering with our community and organizations just like yours!
Busboys and Poets Books will provide a bookseller for the duration of your event along with your desired quantity of books.
We’re happy to sell at conferences, book talks, festivals, private homes, and more!
If you are holding an event and would like to have a bookseller present to sell books, please complete the Event Request form and enter "Book Offsite Proposal" in the Nature of this Event field.
Bulk Book Discounts
Busboys and Poets Books can fulfill bulk book needs. We offer bulk order discounts for Book Clubs, Professional & Leadership Development, Corporate Retreats, and more! Please email books@busboysandpoets.com for more information.
Books To-Go
Would you like a book with that? Don't just feed your body—feed your mind, too! Busboys and Poets is thrilled to announce that when placing a takeout order on our site, customers may now order from a selection of Busboys and Poets Books' top recommended titles. Busboys and Poets is the first restaurant in the Washington, D.C. area to offer books as an immediate delivery order.
Would you like to see your book on our shelves? Please find our book selection criteria and details on our review process below!
Q. What criteria do you use to determine which books you will carry?
We use a combination of criteria. Books must be in line with the Busboys and Poets Tribal Statement. We are 1) a community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted 2) a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body, and soul & 3) a space for art, culture, and politics to intentionally collide. Additionally, we look for books that are high-quality in terms of literary craft, presentation, research, and scholarship.
Q. What do I need to do to get my book carried by Busboys and Poets Books?
Please fill out our Consignment Application form.
If you would like to submit a physical review copy, please note that due to the volume of books submissions that we receive, review copies will not be returned.
We'll be in touch with the next steps!
*Note that the review process may take four to six weeks. Please do not email us regarding your application’s status before this review period has passed. If we decide that a book is a good fit, we will move forward with the acquisition process. As an independent bookstore, we prefer to purchase books directly from publishers, so we may pursue publisher-direct ordering. If publisher-direct ordering is not available, we will be in touch regarding our Consignment Agreement.