We have a deep commitment to showcasing books and authors - on a local and national level - who have contributed to 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, throughout the year you will find us featuring titles, authors, and events that highlight these struggles for awareness and justice. 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!

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BUSBOYS AND POETS BOOKS IS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK.

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 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 are a company that spans across all three states and pride ourselves on partnering with community 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 with and would like to have a bookseller present to sell books, please contact Offsite Request and use the subject line "Book Offsite Proposal".

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

BOOK SELECTION CRITERIA AND REVIEW PROCESS

Q. What criteria do you use to determine which books you will carry?

We use a combination of criteria to determine what titles we will carry.  Books must be in line with the Busboys and Poets Tribal Statement. We are a community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted…a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body, and soul…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 this 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. 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.