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Hey, Bookworms! Here Are D.C.'s 10 Best Spots for Reading

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The weather is warming, the buds are popping, and the stack of books you've been meaning to read isn't getting any shorter. Put all this together, and it's time to go outside and find some peaceful public places to get some quality reading time in. Whether it's a secluded park or a lush garden, here are 10 locations for those who wish to break away from the city and escape into their next novel of choice. If we happened to miss your favorite reading spots, feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments.

· Curbed Maps archive [Curbed DC]

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Kogod Courtyard

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This indoor-outdoor courtyard is located inside the National Portrait Gallery. The undulating glassy ceiling and fauna create a tranquil, unique setting for reading.

Dumbarton Oaks

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In Georgetown, you can find Dumbarton Oaks, a 19th century estate-turned-museum that offers tucked away gardens. Inside, you can expect Byzantine and pre-Columbian art, while outside there are fountains and lush foliage.

The Bishop's Garden

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At the National Cathedral, you can find the Bishop's Garden. This tucked away space offers a perfect place for peace and solitude.

Tregaron Estate

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This 20-acre estate is located on the edge of Rock Creek Park and offers enough wide open space for any one looking to get away from it all. The Tregaron Estate features pedestrian trails, two streams, over 150 new trees and over 8,000 daffodils.

Meridian Hill Park

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In Columbia Heights, you can find Meridian Hill Park. One of its most notable features is a 13-basin cascading waterfall. In case you need silence for when you read, it may be best to avoid this park on Sundays. Otherwise, you may catch the Drum Circle, which entails a group of musicians and dancers who perform and liven up the area.

The Capitol

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Sit down, relax, and enjoy the well-manicured lawn outside the Capitol. The expansive space allows enough room to lie down without disturbing any passing joggers or tourists.

National Arboretum

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If you really want to go out into the great outdoors, visit the National Arboretum. It features an incredibly lush landscape with bonsai trees, azaleas, and herbs.

Hunter Courtyard

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Grab yourself an espresso from Tryst and head out into the Phillip Collection's Hunter Courtyard. You won't need to pay the museum admission to enjoy the public space and relaxing, artsy atmosphere.

Theodore Roosevelt Island

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This is one of the most secluded areas in the District. If you're avoiding any distractions or interruptions, Theodore Roosevelt Island is your best bet.

Crispus Attucks Park

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This Bloomingdale alleyway park offers lush flora, benches, and — most importantly — silence. [Photo via rockcreek]

Kogod Courtyard

This indoor-outdoor courtyard is located inside the National Portrait Gallery. The undulating glassy ceiling and fauna create a tranquil, unique setting for reading.

Dumbarton Oaks

In Georgetown, you can find Dumbarton Oaks, a 19th century estate-turned-museum that offers tucked away gardens. Inside, you can expect Byzantine and pre-Columbian art, while outside there are fountains and lush foliage.

The Bishop's Garden

At the National Cathedral, you can find the Bishop's Garden. This tucked away space offers a perfect place for peace and solitude.

Tregaron Estate

This 20-acre estate is located on the edge of Rock Creek Park and offers enough wide open space for any one looking to get away from it all. The Tregaron Estate features pedestrian trails, two streams, over 150 new trees and over 8,000 daffodils.

Meridian Hill Park

In Columbia Heights, you can find Meridian Hill Park. One of its most notable features is a 13-basin cascading waterfall. In case you need silence for when you read, it may be best to avoid this park on Sundays. Otherwise, you may catch the Drum Circle, which entails a group of musicians and dancers who perform and liven up the area.

The Capitol

Sit down, relax, and enjoy the well-manicured lawn outside the Capitol. The expansive space allows enough room to lie down without disturbing any passing joggers or tourists.

National Arboretum

If you really want to go out into the great outdoors, visit the National Arboretum. It features an incredibly lush landscape with bonsai trees, azaleas, and herbs.

Hunter Courtyard

Grab yourself an espresso from Tryst and head out into the Phillip Collection's Hunter Courtyard. You won't need to pay the museum admission to enjoy the public space and relaxing, artsy atmosphere.

Theodore Roosevelt Island

This is one of the most secluded areas in the District. If you're avoiding any distractions or interruptions, Theodore Roosevelt Island is your best bet.

Crispus Attucks Park

This Bloomingdale alleyway park offers lush flora, benches, and — most importantly — silence. [Photo via rockcreek]