Busboys and Poets Bookstore

Progressive books to activate your mind and community

The Busboys and Poets Bookstore, operated by Teaching for Change, is Washington, DC area's best source for books and films that encourage children and adults to question, challenge and re-think the world beyond the headlines. The bookstore is located in the Busboys and Poets (14th and V Streets NW) restaurant, performance space, and coffeehouse, which features a dynamic events schedule.


Meet the Authors

Busboys and Poets has three locations in DC and Virginia which host a rich array of authors with readings, discussions, and book signings. Check out the list of just a few of the authors we have hosted. Sign up below for the weekly email calendar which lists these and other events at Busboys and Poets.
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Book Selection

We carefully select every title to ensure access to:
  • High quality progressive politics, poetry & literature
  • Anti-bias children’s books
  • Young adult literature with real-world themes
  • Multicultural titles for pre-K–12 teachers & parents
  • Independent publishers
  • People’s history including African American, Latino, Asian-American, Arab-American, Native American, workers, women and more!


Location

Busboys and Poets - DC
2021 14th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 387-7638
(The bookstore is at this location. There are two other Busboys and Poets in DC and Virginia.)

Busboys and Poets is a venture of peace activist and local businessman Andy Shallal.

Find out more at: www.busboysandpoets.com


Support Independent Bookstores

We encourage schools and other organizations to place their bulk or special orders through the bookstore. Please download (in PDF), copy, and share our ordering information packet.

You can also place an online order for ANY title at this commercial site for delivery directly to your home or office. Your purchases at this site provides needed support for Busboys and Poets Books.

Accolades

Brunch and books? What could be better? Busboys and Poets Books is my favorite place to find new, inspiring books for my students. I feel good about supporting a non-profit that works to promote social justice, and the great neighborhood atmosphere outshines the big, crowded bookstores.
— Lindsay Kopitzke, Alternative School Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools

Busboys and Poets Books provides our teachers the materials we need to make our very diverse classes welcoming to all our students. The resources we got from the bookstore fill in what the textbooks leave out so that our students can see themselves and their issues in the curriculum.
— Erin McVadon Albright, International Baccalaureate Diploma, Coordinator, Annandale High School, FCPS

The empowering and provocative books that I have found in Teaching for Change’s bookstores at Busboys and Poets have been incredibly useful in educating, motivating, and inspiring my teachers to look at the purpose of education in a revolutionary scope.
— David L. Heiber, Director of Student Support Services, Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy

Busboys and Poets is on the lips of every major publisher from New York City to Los Angeles. Busboys and Poets Books supports local authors, promotes books not readily available in other markets, and hires a staff that is conversant in these titles.
— Scott Wythe, The Empire Group

I loved the art, books, stage, plans, whimsical touches, comfy seats, superb wait staff, top flight food, in a word the whole exciting place!
— Kathryn Williams, art teacher, Norwood School

I was just in Washington, DC and delighted with my visit to Busboys and Poets. Powerful, enlightening, and overall an awesome place. I look forward to return visits in the future and could only wish for a similar place here in New Mexico.
— Gregory Webb, Executive Director NM Commission for Community Volunteerism