Discovering Annapolis' Bookish Secrets
Exploring Annapolis opened the door to unexpected bookish treasures that enriched our days in this maritime city. Our primary book destination, the library, nestled conveniently adjacent to West Marine, became a haven of knowledge during our extended stay while tending to boat matters.
After searching the map for West Marine and better grocery options, we were delighted to realize the library was nearby our stops!
Although the library wasn't within immediate walking distance, a quick Uber ride led us to West Marine, where we discovered that several other essential spots were just a stone's throw away. Notably, the grocery store awaited us a mere 10-minute walk from West Marine, while a handful of restaurants were nearby (our common choice while at West Marine was Grump's Cafe). However, the true literary treasures of Annapolis were found at the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library within Anne Arundel County Public Library. This library was connected to the West Marine parking lot by a short sidewalk through the grassy library lawn.
Before researching, we must find and read a few graphic novels! Gwynnie found one about cats, while Ewan enjoyed Big Nate and a book with dragons.
Our afternoons at the library offered a refreshing change of scenery. The cozy ambiance welcomed us as we immersed ourselves in graphic novels and dove into research on the life cycle and historical significance of oysters – a subject introduced to us back in St. Michaels at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The library staff proved incredibly helpful, offering their assistance with a warmth that resonated with our family. The kids could even "check out" computers for focused research an hour at a time. One of the librarians went the extra mile, researching supplementary material about oysters, suggesting websites to look at, and printing handouts for the kids to read.
Our oyster research led us to learn about estuaries. This was helpful and foreshadowed our experience in the Hudson River, which is a tidal estuary!
The library wasn't Annapolis's only literary haven in store for us. Our journey through the city led us to Capital Comics on Main Street, where Ewan and Gwynnie discovered an array of engaging comic books. The man running the shop was very helpful, pointing us toward the appropriate comic books for the age group and suggesting series based on what the kids already enjoyed. Science Comics, a favorite educational series, offers captivating insights into diverse subjects – from dinosaurs to coral reefs, flying machines to the solar system. We found a couple of new topics that we hadn't read yet that also felt "right" for boat life.
We found new series to enjoy at Capital Comics, thanks to recommendations from the shopkeeper. We also added two new Science Comics to our collection that felt fitting to our boat life education: Bridges and Sharks!
Nestled just a few blocks from Main Street, another treasure awaited us: the Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse. This enchanting establishment captivated us with its magical setting that felt like stepping into an old-world storybook. Seamlessly blending a coffee shop with a curated selection of titles, this haven celebrated the enchantment of storytelling, the joy of connecting with friends, and the comfort of excellent coffee. Each corner of the shop radiated the belief in stories' transformative power and their role in nurturing our shared humanity. As we explored the meticulously chosen books, unique stationery, and thoughtful gifts, we found ourselves enveloped in the inviting atmosphere that truly embodies the essence of literary exploration. A step outside revealed a fairytale outdoors, complete with a little house made out of books!
Gwynnie explores the enchanting “book house” in the garden behind Old Fox Books. The shop itself felt like one from a story where a character might stumble upon an important and magical book (like the shop in The Never-Ending Story or Flourish & Blotts from Harry Potter).
From the libraries that fueled our quest for knowledge to the quaint bookshops that cast their spell on us, Annapolis proved to be a treasure trove for every book enthusiast, inviting us to journey through pages and paragraphs as captivating as the city.
