Show me the person, Ill show you the right book for them Twice Sold Tales begins 35th year on Capitol Hill

Jamie Lutton celebrates 35 years of running Twice Sold Tales, a used bookstore on Capitol Hill, facing numerous challenges from online competitors and the pandemic. Lutton recalls a time when her store coexisted with many other local bookstores, which have since closed due to rising rents and digital sales. She began her journey in 1988 with a cart on Broadway, where she was reprimanded by a city official for not having a vendor’s license. The pandemic forced a six-month closure, but government assistance helped her reopen, with the support of her manager, Ben. Lutton takes health precautions seriously, maintaining a mask mandate in her store and addressing shoplifting issues.

She remains dedicated to helping customers find the right books, often directing them to libraries for more extensive research. Unique items continue to inspire her, such as a humorous book on teaching anesthesiology. Lutton's commitment to the book community and her personal collection reflects her enduring passion for literature.