It is difficult to call The Book Thing of Baltimore a bookshop. It is true that the large warehouse-type building near Johns Hopkins campus is packed to the rafters with books. But, the books are not sold – they are free to anyone who wants them. In fact, customers are forbidden from paying a cent for anything they find on the shelves. This book lovers’ heaven was founded in 1999 by Russel Wattenberg and is operated entirely by volunteers. The store has an extensive collection of books and magazines, and new ones are constantly added through a system of donations. The Book Thing has only a few rules: visitors are not allowed to pay for books, they can choose whatever book they want, and they are absolutely not allowed to resell them.

The Book Thing, 3001 Vineyard Ln, Baltimore, MD 21218, Phone: 410-662-5631

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