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ALEXANDRIA, Va. - A Black-owned independent bookstore specializing in horror, science fiction, and what its founder calls "strange stories" is set to open this fall in Old Town Alexandria, adding another themed literary destination to a city that has increasingly become a haven for independent booksellers.
Long Dark House has posted a sign in its storefront window at 1510 King St., where the shop will occupy space alongside Madame Coco Emporium. The store will carry horror and science fiction at its core, with a curated selection of author events, book clubs, gifts, and more. A cafe concept is also part of the plan.
"Something strange is coming," founder Chanthal wrote on Instagram this weekend, noting that founding memberships are available and that a Founding Member Preview Night is in the works ahead of the fall opening.
The store's name draws on the idea of the liminal — the threshold between what was and what comes next. Long Dark House describes itself as more than a bookstore, aiming to be a literary hub and third space for readers, writers, and what it calls "curious minds."
Before the doors open, Long Dark House is building its community through a series of pop-ups and events across the DMV. This Thursday, July 16, the store is co-hosting Petals & Potions: A Witchy Summer Soirée with Hemlock & Hearth at Hummingbird Bar & Kitchen in Alexandria from 7 to 9 p.m. On Aug. 1, a quarterly gathering called Scent & Stories: Smoke & Fireflies comes to Elaine's Restaurant. And on Aug. 13, the store is hosting Patricia's Sunset Cocktails at Hummingbird Bar & Kitchen — an evening of themed drinks, tarot readings, 90s music, and coastal horror vibes inspired by a fictional town called Widow's Bay. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Once open, Long Dark House plans to launch several book clubs, including a Coastal Horror Book Club, a Black Horror Book Club, a Final Girl Book Club, a Strange Futures Book Club, and a Teen Horror Society, along with author readings, writing workshops, and tabletop gaming nights.
Long Dark House joins Friends to Lovers, the DC area's first romance-only bookstore at 301 Cameron St., as part of a growing wave of genre-focused independent bookstores taking root in Alexandria.
More information is available at longdarkhouse.com or on Instagram at @longdarkhouse.
