For as long as I’ve run this blog, people have been talking about wanting an independent bookstore in the area — and it looks like one may be coming to Upshur Street NW!
Paul Ruppert, the man behind Room 11, Petworth Citizen and the new Crane & Turtle, wants to launch Upshur Street Books, an independent bookstore at 827 Upshur Street NW. Calling it the first new independent bookstore to open in DC to open in 20 years, it would be next to the Petworth Citizen, and separate from their Reading Room, which is more of an event space/free library (and also quite cool.)
Aside from books, they’ll stock indie publications and gifts and will host events like readings or book clubs. “We want Upshur Street Books to become a central gathering place for the community and we need your help to do it.”
Ruppert and team launched a Kickstarter to help with the build-out and acquiring books to stock. There are 25 days and about $10,000 left on their goal of $17,000. He’s joined by Kristina Bilonick from the Pleasant Plains Workshop art space, who will be managing the project, and Nick Pimentel, a co-owner and designer of Room 11 and other spots, will be the creative director.
Check out the full details on the Kickstarter (and the stuff you can get if you donate.) They also launched a website for the store.
