Anacostia’s first bookstore in over two decades will open November 24

The Anacostia Arts Center will soon host a brand new bookstore, the first in the neighborhood in over two decades, according to a press release. MahoganyBooks is expected to open November 24 with the expectation that it will host virtual book events with authors, livestreamed events, and a long-term pop-up, called Duende District, which is a mobile bookstore by and for people of color.

In a statement, MahoganyBooks Co-founder Derrick Young said, “It is important we create a rich, concerted space where readers and writers connect and discuss issues of yesterday and today that impact our culture and how we see ourselves.”

With a location at 1231 Good Hope Road SE, the hours of operation for MahoganyBooks will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Tuesdays through Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

MahoganyBooks was founded in 2007 as an online bookstore that specializes in literature written by, for, or about the African Diaspora.

In Anacostia, there are also plans for a Busboys and Poets at 2004-2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. Originally, the delivery expected for the project was the spring of 2016, but there have been numerous delays. UrbanTurf predicts that that the restaurant and bookstore won’t open until maybe next spring.

• MahoganyBooks opens East of the River [The Urban Marketing Group]

• About [MahoganyBooks]

• Anacostia’s Busboys and Poets Opening Date Likely Pushed Back [UrbanTurf]