A pop-up book sale with live music and deals at local businesses is happening in Crystal City this week.
Stalls selling over 5,000 donated books, DVDs, CDs and vinyl records, all for under $8, will be set up in the courtyard between the Grace and Reva buildings at 19th Court S. from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Thursday.
The event, called “A Novel Find,” will support Turning the Page, a nonprofit that promotes literacy at public schools in D.C. Book drop-off sites are currently accepting donations at various locations around National Landing.
“The community will see a history section, general fiction, pop fiction, young adult, junior reader, kids, picture books, Black studies — really every genre you can think of,” Turning the Page founder Jason King told ARLnow. “People love the books and the media, and they usually leave with armfuls of both.”
The following businesses will be offering deals to customers showing proof of purchase:
- Bar Chinois: Receive one complimentary cocktail or appetizer with the purchase of an entrée. (Offer valid July 30-August 2, 2026. Limit one redemption per guest. Valid for dine-in only.)
- Bar Colline: 10% discount with proof of purchase + special cocktail offer, La Vie en Rose
- Colada Shop: Free regular mango iced tea or spritzer with any food purchase of $12 or more
- Constellation: Receive a complimentary pastry with any drink purchase
- Flight Wine Shop: 15% off purchase
- Toastique: 20% off orders $15+
- Daydrift Books & Cafe: 50% of pastries on Thursdays and the “Carpe Latte” special menu offering
Local musician Dallas Smith will also perform “live acoustic guitar stylings” in the courtyard from 4:30-6 p.m.
“Imagine the joy of stumbling upon an outdoor bookstore of this scale,” National Landing BID President Tracy Sayegh Gabriel told ARLnow. “This event is going to bring the surprise and delight of an unexpected bookstore, activating our streets while also helping support the surrounding small businesses.”
King says his organization’s current focus is helping families in D.C., but Turning the Page has partnered with Arlington Public Library in the past and is hoping to engage more with Arlington families.
“We aim to build a community of parents, caregivers, public schools, and community partners, leading to improved academic performance and social-emotional well-being,” its website reads.
Donation drop-off sites supporting the event will remain out until Wednesday. A list of locations is below.
- Bar Chinois, 244 19th Court S.
- Colada Shop, 244 19th Court S.
- Daydrift, 1550 Crystal Drive
- Drybar, 269 19th Court S.
- Flight Wine Shop, 269 19th Court S.
- Grace Apartments, 269 19th Court S.
- PLNTR, 269 19th Court S.
- Reva Apartments, 244 19th Court S.
- Valen Apartments, 2050 S. Bell Street
- Zoe Apartments, 2051 S. Bell Street
- 220 Apartments, 220 20th Street S.
