Old Town Books has a long-term home in Alexandria, owner (and Alexandria native) Ally Kirkpatrick announced Tuesday.
Old Town Books opened at 104 S. Union Street in November 2018 as a six-month pop-up shop through the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership's pop-up program.
The program helps new businesses get a start in available storefronts in Alexandria, helping small businesses test their fit in Alexandria's retail market without making an expensive long-term commitment.
Kirkpatrick, who grew up in the Fort Hunt area and is a graduate of West Potomac High School.
Kirkpatrick said that Old Town Books had such a successful first six months in business that the bookstore will stay open— and remain right where it is now for at least another year.
Over the past six months, Old Town Books has produced nearly two-dozen book events, hosted several award-winning authors for readings and book signings and has started a new partnership with a non-profit literary arts organization (Moonlit DC) to host writing workshops.
"Expect to see us expand our free literary arts programming, invite even more of your favorite authors to town, and produce our first summer writers festival. We're still on the hunt for a more permanent spot — one with room for a bookstore cafe! — but till then, another year means more time for bookish fun," Kirkpatrick wrote in an email to supporters and customers.
More information about upcoming Old Town Books events is available at www.oldtownbooks.com.
