... Record Store Day ( April 22 ) and Independent Book Store Day ( April 29 ) are just around the corner , though Charm City ’ s indie shops are worth a visit any time of year .
KEN STANEK
ATOMIC BOOKS
With a slogan like “ literary finds for mutated minds ,” it ’ s no surprise that this Hampden shop houses a wide selection of quirky reads you won ’ t find in other bookstores . Pick a title from their “ Atomic Canon ” collection , a smorgasbord of books with arty covers and edgy titles like “ Memoirs of a Sword Swallower ” and “ Scum Manifesto .” Atomic Books is also the place to purchase any John Waters-esque books and art , as it serves as the Baltimore visionary ’ s fanmail collection site . After shopping , grab a drink at Eightbar , hidden at the back of the bookstore . 3620 Falls Rd .
SHOP
18 BALTIMORE . ORG
Baltimore has been home to many legendary artists , from the father of detective fiction Edgar Allan Poe and beloved jazz singer Billie Holiday to journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates and indie pop duo Beach House . Much of that talent is cultivated in and supported by the city ’ s independent book and record stores , which also serve as creative community hubs . Whether you ’ re looking to complete a collection , find a gift , grab a pick-me-up or just browse cool titles you won ’ t find anywhere else , you ’ ll want to add these shops to your Baltimore bucket list .
BONUS
DON ’ T MISS the inaugural WAVERLY BOOK FESTIVAL April 28-30 , with author meetand-greets , panel discussions and more ways to celebrate all things literary .
BABY ’ S ON FIRE
The product of owners David and Shirlé Koslowski ’ s dual investment in Baltimore ’ s punk music and culinary scenes , Baby ’ s On Fire is a coffee shop plus record store located in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood . The carefully curated new and used record selection spans genres , and the shop will even special-order items to help you complete your collection . As you flip through Baby ’ s bins , sip on Maryland-based Open Seas Coffee and snack on housemade sandwiches and pastries , including ample vegan options . 1010 Morton St .