Washington Street Books & Music

Category:	Music Store
Address:	131 N Washington St, Havre De Grace, MD 21078, USA
Phone:	+1 410-939-6215
Site:	washingtonstreetbooksandmusic.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	11AM–6PM Closed 11AM–6PM 11AM–6PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 12–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Sedgewick Lee

Large selection of books and comics, along with some CDs, DVDs, and various other doodads such as incense, MtG cards, and dice. They also carry some rather old and most likely rare books, to be found in a glass display case for your ogling pleasure Also: props for apparently being one of the only (non-religious) independent bookstores in Harford county. The owner is very friendly, and will often strike up a conversation with you at the register. But for the downsides? The owner is very friendly, and will often strike up a conversation with you at the register. This can often be troublesome if youre an awkward person such as myself. But seriously. Downsides: they seem to be in a perpetual state of unpacking, which means that sometimes youll have to contort your way around boxes to get at the shelf you want (unfortunately for me, its usually the horror section thats blocked off). Many of the books are sealed in plastic bags, which can be a bit annoying if, like me, you like to know what the inside of a book looks like (font size? margins? that sort of thing). And, you know. Smelling. That a big part of the whole used book store experience. Its also a shame that they only carry older comics, not new releases, as the area is terribly bereft of comic stores.

Tom Johnson-Medland

Great store. More of a culture than a store. The space is filled with what first feels an unlikely collection of books, music, memorabilia, religious statues and chacki, art, games, cards, but then you start to get it. It is a commentary on culture and all that drives us. Not just knowledge and wisdom from books, - which they clearly have and represents the bulk of the offerings. But, also the music, the movies, the gaming and comic sub/supra-cultures, the fantasy and fantastical lives we have grown to include in our own like Batman, Spiderman, Anakin and Luke Skywalker. Americana at its fines. I loved the collection of Buddhas and the costumes purchased from movies companies. There was a weeks worth of digesting to do here - wish I had found this earlier on the trip. John, the owner, is a great Bookseller and aficionado of all things present in his realm. If hes got it, you should ask him about it if you wanna know. Cause, he is THE MAN - KNOWLEDGEABLE! The first edition and signed books were enough to keep you busy for one visit. The Marian Shrine was also a nice touch. Incense and jewelry also available. If you are in Havre de Grace, you shouldnt leave without a stop here. THE BEST.

A Private User

Friendly "family" type of atmosphere with HUGE selection, It seems almost like Cheers (the show from the 1980s with the bar where "everybody knows your name") but replace the booze with a huge collection of books, comic books, and antiques. I go into this store almost weekly just to meet nice and interesting people. The owner is very friendly with his customers and encourages chit-chat and discussion with himself and among his customers. There is an ABSOLUTELY HUGE selection of books and hand made jewelry. His selection of books is so large that whenever I have an unusual/obscure topic I want to read about, hell have the book. While I mostly look at books and jewelry while Im in there, there is also an entire room devoted to comic books/collectibles and the owner regularly hosts Magic the Gathering tournaments.

A Private User

Owner was super rude, he talked down to me as if I had never seen a book before. When I went to leave he asked "didnt find anything you wanted"? I said no, that I was just looking, and the one book I was looking at was in not so good shape so I didnt buy it. He told me not to open the books, and yelled at me in front of other customers, saying "cant you read the sign!" I was so shocked, I have never been treated so rudely. I f his business is going so bad, trying to force people to buy things and getting mad at them when they dont isnt going to help. Do your self a favor and stay away from this guy, or he might try to humiliate you for not buying anything. Also, his prices on antique books are sky high, go to the other store down the street, or get it on ebay.

josh morris

This store is definately the friendliest around with a great selection. They have music, movies, books, comics, and many hard to find collectibles varying from WW2 to Star Wars. The store can seem overwhelming at first but it delights me to see someone bringing in so much unique merchandise to help their customers find what they need. The staff has always been friendly and very knowledgable. Ive seen a few reviews about people saying the opposite but I will whole heartedly disagree. This isnt your run of the mill barnes and noble or other large commercial outlet. I think thats what I love about it. Its family run and you can tell they love what they do. I hope you all get a chance to go in and find something great to take home.

matt braun

Went here for the first time today. What an AWESOME store. They have everything from comic books to Star Wars to GI Joe to Transformers. The comic books are well organized and fairly priced. I didnt even get to look at the other side of the store. People who have given this place bad reviews NEED to give them another chance. I just wish it didnt take me so long to discover this store. John the owner took the time to talk with me and made me feel very welcome in his store. This store has something for everyone. You just have to look and find it.

A Private User

Great store,friendly family environment,my 9 year old son plays magic the gathering here twice a week with people of all ages and he and myself are always made to feel welcome and at home. I have purchased many items from the vast array that makes up this store and have found the prices to be in par with others (but with a much wider selection) also being there twice a week I am still surprised to find something new every time that I browse the many shelves, nooks and corners. Paul L. 12/5/10

Valerie Walls

I just left after visiting the store for a second time. I really adore this shop. My only complaint is that I dont live in the area and cant visit more often! The owner told me some interesting information regarding the Alien comics I purchased and Im so excited to read them later. Its definitely my favorite place to shop, Id love if there was some means of learning when other niche Alien products came around. I could hang out in this store for hours!

A Private User

The reports on the owner are inaccurate, hes one of the most outgoing owners Ive ever met. Very very rarely do I go into a gift shop and strike up a conversation about music and books that makes the visit worth it alone, so much so that I ended up interviewing him for an article for a college class. Plus the CD selection is great for those looking for CDs that mainstream outlets cant offer - my CD collection is the better for it.

A Private User

Go here if you like being treated like a potential thief. I had a few CDs and was twice asked if they could take them to the front for me. I declined because I wasnt sure which I was going to buy. Then they insisted I put them down, because I might "crack the cases" and devalue them. I ended up just walking out. I dont need to be talked to like a child or troublesome teenager, thanks.