Fenwick Street Used Books & Music — Local services in Leonardtown

For Leonardtown Square, the Fenwick Street Used Books & Music is something of a precious gem tucked away from the bars and restaurants of the main street, but also hidden very much in plain sight for the right customer.

Offering predominantly used books, with the occasional chance at a new book, the store offers the ideal experience for those like me that takes no pleasure greater than that of being surrounded by words: narrow aisles with books stacked above your head, the smell of the pages, and the promise that your next favorite novel is a moment away and always within arm's reach.

Since completing my bachelor's degree several years ago, I have always found challenges in searching for classics, modern classics, and lesser-known moments of genius in literature, especially when searching in the sterile environments of large chain bookstores that seem to have reams of pages, overly elaborate covers, yet nothing that you want to actually read. For this reason, I would always take the opportunity to roam the aisles of the Fenwick Street Used Books & Music over any more commercialized bookstore.

I have not had a single visit to the store where I haven't left still thinking about a book that I saw on the shelves and been filled with an overwhelming...

I moved away from Maryland a few years ago, so it's been a while since the last time I was able to drop by Fenwick's, but when I was a regular, I spent countless dollars and hours in this shop.

I'm not going to lecture you on the importance of buying local, and how supporting local vendors enriches your community, because you can discover that for yourself by setting aside an afternoon to peruse the expansive selection, and by having a conversation or two with its owner and its full-time employee, Joe. I've had many conversations with Joe, and he's one of the most affable, patient, and knowledgeable people I've ever met.

This place has the most calming and friendly atmosphere, charming aesthetic, and a distinct aroma that I so badly miss. And, of course, the selection is amazing. Easily cracks my top five favorite stores...

Wont be going back! Walked in & wasn't greeted at all (BIG PET PEEVE)! There were 3 ladies in there & nobody said nothing. But the cashier was having a full-blown conversation with the couple at the counter. We walked around for a few mins looking & figured someone would say something like "can I help you?" "are you looking for anything special?" But nothing. I found the book I was looking for & went to the counter, the lady scanned the book asked me if I had points I wanted to use? I said "no this is our first time here!" She goes oh your total is blah blah blah. I looked at her & said k tapped my card & walked out. I thought when I said 1st time here one of the 3 would say something or ask a question. NOPE! Great customer service for a small time book...