Located in downtown Laytonsville at the corner of Rte, 108 and Warfield Rd., The Brady Readery is a veteran- and woman-owned bookstore and community gathering place, which opened on June 13, 2026. The environment is warm and welcoming, featuring cozy places to sit and connect with others and plenty of decorations throughout the store. Michelle Brady served in the military for 15 years prior to enrolling in law school and served as a judicial clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims.

Despite having a stable job as an attorney, she wasn’t satisfied with the impact she was making on the world around her. She felt troubled by the way people treat each other, which wasn’t an issue that her job addressed. Brady’s passion has always been literature, and it has been a dream of hers to open her own bookstore.

“I didn’t feel like my job was making a difference, and I kept coming back to this question in my mind about what made me different from my family,” said Brady. “What I came back to was books. I grew up reading all the time and my family really didn’t do that.”

This realization led her to open her own bookstore to provide a space that is accessible to everyone, foster a love of reading among her community, and share how impactful experiencing others’ stories through reading can be. Brady believes that reading is important because it allows the reader to understand how the author and the characters feel, which fosters a sense of empathy.

“When you live a thousand lives because you’ve read books, you can see things in a different light. Not only do you learn about other people’s point of view, but you are exposed to things that help you to have empathy,” said Brady passionately.

The store offers a variety of genres such as fiction, non-fiction, history, sci-fi, and romance,  many of which are a good fit for teens. Beyond books, there are puzzles to complete located around the store, a serve-yourself coffee bar, a set of chess, and other crafts and activities that can be purchased. The Brady Readery is beautifully decorated, with book-themed paintings, bookshelves signed by loved ones, and suspended decorations hung around the store for a whimsical and eclectic atmosphere. For younger kids, there is a children’s section filled with comfy cushions, plushies, and a wide selection of books.

Though it is a small business, The Brady Readery has much to offer. What makes the place special is the connection and emphasis on community. Brady describes her store as mission driven to provide a wide selection of new and used books, consistent community interaction, and a space to encourage a love for reading. “It’s not just a bookstore; it’s a place where we can be together,” said Brady.