Washington, D.C./ Retail & Industry
Published on May 22, 2018
Bibliophiles, rejoice: New pop-up bookstore Carpe Librum now open in Union StationPhoto: Rebecca V./Yelp

Stock up your home library on the cheap at a new pop-up bookstore on the second floor of Union Station. Offering thousands of titles at 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, all of the books at Carpe Librum are priced under $5.

Having recently relocated from its bookstore of four years, Carpe Librum — "seize the book" in Latin — continues as a pop-up spot located in the heart of Washington, D.C. A vast and unique selection of used books, CDs, DVDs and vinyl records are available, including best-sellers and hard-to-find classics for the true bibliophile.

D.C. education nonprofit Turning the Page is behind the pop-up, according to its site, with proceeds donated to parent-engagement programs in the city's public schools. There's also a second pop-up location downtown at 21st and L streets.

Whether at the old or new location, the bookstore has gained a loyal following, with a 4.5-star rating out of 71 reviews on Yelp.

Rick H., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new pop-up on April 19, said, "The big bookstores are gone in D.C. but tucked away in Union Station there actually is a bookstore ... with books. I felt giddy!"

And Kathy B. said, "One of my favorite used bookstores in the city! Great deals."

Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. The Carpe Librum pop-up is open from 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)