In 2017, Ally Kirkpatrick, CAS/BA ’10, had an epiphany: it was time to start a new chapter.
As a new mom, Kirkpatrick was in transition, personally and professionally, and found herself “orbiting around” Community Bookstore in Park Slope, Brooklyn. “It became a place where I felt seen and connected to others,” says the literature major. “I thought, ‘Dream job.’”
The following year, Kirkpatrick turned her dream into a reality, moving from New York back to her hometown of Alexandria, Virginia, and opening Old Town Books just blocks from the historic waterfront. With its author talks, book clubs, and curated selection, the store quickly drew locals and tourists alike into its orbit.
“Our product is available everywhere, but the experience is not,” she says. “Indie bookstores are a source of discovery, of community. People feel good shopping local; it becomes part of their identity.”
Kirkpatrick will double her square footage in September when Old Town Books Junior—inspired by her three daughters—opens next door. Despite her expanding business, however, the bookseller still finds time to worm her way into a good read.
“I’ve always loved literary fiction, but one of the joys of owning a bookstore is that you can’t just stick to your niche.”
Shop local, read local. Check out Kirkpatrick’s favorite DC area authors:
Katherine Marsh: The DC-based middle-grade author’s fantastical adventure, Medusa, is one of the selections for Camp Bookworm, our children’s summer reading program.
Angie Kim: The Northern Virginia author’s latest literary thriller, Happiness Falls, is being adapted for TV, and Miracle Creek won the 2020 Edgar Award for best first novel.
Leslye Penelope: The Marylander’s latest historical fantasy, The Monsters We Defy—one of NPR’s best books of 2022—is set in DC in 1925.
Elle Cosimano: A writer of fun, funny thrillers, Cosimano grew up in the DC suburbs. Her Finlay Donovan series—the latest installment of which comes out in March—is set in Northern Virginia.
Brendan Slocumb: A longtime musician and teacher in the Virginia suburbs, Slocumb’s follow-up to The Violin Conspiracy and Symphony of Secrets is due out in early 2025.