What it’s like at the reopened Politics and Prose

by Marlene Berlin

Politics and Prose is welcoming customers inside again. And to me, it feels like I have my oasis back.

We were never short of great reading material. Politics and Prose customers kept the store busy with online pickup and delivery orders. But there’s just something about being able to hold and page through the books while you browse.

The store’s reopening also provides a semblance of normal. There are changes: You have to enter on Connecticut Avenue, and you might have to wait.

Susan was the greeter in front of the store during my visit.

Only 30 customers may be inside at one time, and everyone is asked to keep their visits to 30 minutes or less. You must wear a mask. You must use the non-touch hand sanitizer station when you enter the store.

And you’ll see plexiglass shields at the reference desk and checkout counter.

But once you get inside, the store largely looks and feels the same.

We’ll know things are truly back to normal when people can gather in the store for book talks, classes and book groups. But those key elements of the Politics and Prose community are still happening online.

It’s a comfort to know this mainstay of our community has opened its doors once again.

Politics and Prose at 5015 Connecticut Avenue is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. The Den Coffeehouse and Wine Bar is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Or, order online.