In 1984 a bookstore opened. It was Politics and Prose. Carla Cohen and Barbara Meade founded this Washington D C institution. Their humble storefront with its signature green awning became a beloved landmark. Politics and Prose expanded to three locations.
Politics and Prose is more than just a bookstore. It’s a community gathering place. It’s a forum for discussions about literature and ideas. It’s a neighborhood center for civic engagement. Presidents politicos public figures and journalists frequent Politics and Prose. The store even appeared on Saturday Night Live.
Over the years countless authors have graced Politics and Prose. Hillary Clinton JK Rowling and Anthony Fauci have all visited. The bookstore has also been a strong supporter of American University. It frequently hires AU graduates. AU professors often promote their new books there. Politics and Prose hosted events with Alisyn Camerota Dana Fisher Kara Swisher and Jim Sciutto.
Kyle Dargan an AU literature professor remembers his first book talk at Politics and Prose. He felt it was a rite of passage for a DC author. It opened doors in the literary world. His books are now on store shelves across the country. Anna Lapera launched her first book Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice at Politics and Prose. She wrote much of it in the cafe. Her six-year-old daughter proudly announces to everyone that her mom wrote a book at Politics and Prose.
For six years Politics and Prose has hosted an annual MFA graduate reading. Budding writers showcase their work to the public. Sending them out into the world with a reading at Politics and Prose is a huge deal. Politics and Prose isn’t just about selling books. It’s about fostering a love of learning and meaningful dialogue. It’s a testament to the enduring power of community and the written word. It’s a place where stories are shared and ideas are debated. It’s a Washington D C treasure. It’s Politics and Prose.