Some children are natural bookworms, while others might need a little more encouragement to read. No matter which way your child leans, make reading something to celebrate on National Book Lovers Day, Aug. 9
We explored five Baltimore bookshops that will get your child excited about books while teaching them the importance of supporting local businesses.
Atomic Books
If your child is a fan of quirky reads, then this is the place for them. Self-marketed as a bookstore that specializes in “literary finds for mutated minds,” this shop is home to an eclectic mix of graphic novels, coloring and activity books, toys, manga, books on art and design and more. The bookstore also features a section titled “Books for Strange Children.”
Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
3620 Falls Road
Bird in Hand Café & Bookstore
Part café, part bookshop, Bird in Hand is the sister store to The Ivy Bookshop next to Johns Hopkins University. Grab a snack and hot beverage for you and your little one, then peruse the bookshelves lining the walls.
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
11 E. 33rd St.
Charm City Books
Situated in historic Pigtown, this family-run bookshop offers both physical reads and audio books for bookworms of every age. The store features various fun programs and events for kids, including a monthly book club, writing workshop, music lessons and acting and film workshops. Young bards can also recite tales as part of the shop’s storytelling series, “Baltimore Bards,” and enter a storytelling competition.
Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
782 Washington Blvd.
Greedy Reads
Owned by Julia Fleischaker, the former director of marketing and publicity at Melville Publishing House, Greedy Reads operates two locations filled with vibrant colors and a bevy of book genres. The shop also hosts a mix of free in-person and virtual author talks and story times for readers of all ages.
Monday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
Fells Point: 1744 Aliceanna St.
Remington: 320 W. 29th St.
The Ivy Bookshop
Located in a sage green house near Roland Park, The Ivy Bookshop is a sanctuary for readers with three floors of books and 2 1/2 acres of green space for families to read and picnic. Kids can enjoy various book-related events, including a weekly “Storytime in the Garden” with children’s book authors. The shop also has a sister store, Bird in Hand Café & Bookstore (see above).
Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
5928 Falls Road
