Guide to Independent Bookstores in Annapolis

Last updated: July 23, 2026

Annapolis reads. Between downtown's historic storefronts, Maryland Hall, and (yes) the mall, the area now has a half dozen independent bookstores – including two that opened this year. Here's every indie bookshop in and around Annapolis, what each one does best, and why it's worth the trip.

Old Fox has anchored Maryland Avenue since it opened on Small Business Saturday in 2016, selling new and used books out of an 1870s-era building between the State House and the Naval Academy. There's a coffeehouse inside called Brown Mustache (same owners as Curate), a garden out back, and oodles of the charm you expect from a local bookstore. Our favorite easter eggs: all of Voldemort's horcruxes are hidden around the store and the kindle with an arrow through it on the wall.

Rare, used, and out-of-print books with an emphasis on Americana, military and naval history, and all things nautical – plus historical maps and artifacts, with editions dating back to the 1700s. It's the closest thing Main Street has to a museum where everything's for sale.

Melody Wukitch opened her third Park Books location inside Maryland Hall on April 30, joining the original Severna Park shop and Park Books on Main in Sykesville. Expect new releases, a deep children's section, literacy programming, and soon – if all goes to plan – a café. Open six days a week.

The family-owned indie moved from Marley Station to Annapolis Mall this summer, bringing used and new books for all ages plus vinyl records, comics, audiobooks, and an antiquarian section. Proof a great unplanned decision is still possible at the mall.

Hundreds of new and used books across every genre, and if they don't have it on the shelf, they'll order it for you. Summer hours run 10 AM–7 PM Monday–Saturday and 10 AM–5 PM Sunday, with online ordering launching in August.

All Aboard offers more than just books. They have toys, clothes, and all sorts of fun stuff for kids. And obviously there's a heavy train theme!

Bonus: Books for International Goodwill (B.I.G.) runs warehouse book sales at 451 Defense Highway, where donated books at deep discounts fund literacy projects worldwide.