Story Time 

Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Place, Kensington; 240-773-9570), originally built in 1893 and endowed with its first 1,600-title collection by Washington Evening Star publisher Crosby Noyes, is a one-room cottage that features books, games, toys and more dedicated exclusively to children. Check out the free programs and story times for all young ages. 

Indoor Spaces 

Founded by Starbucks alums, both of Bethesda’s Quartermaine Coffee Roasters locations will satisfy your caffeine cravings, but the larger Georgetown Square shop (10400 Old Georgetown Road; 240-396-6319)—which seats 53—has more tables and an outdoor patio. If you’re looking to really linger, order up a pour-over at Kaldi’s Social House (918 Silver Spring Ave., Silver Spring; 301-557-9991), which seats 150, and sink into one of 20 plush leather chairs. More reason to stay: After 4 p.m. it will do what Barnes & Noble never could—add alcohol to your beverage at the full-service rooftop bar. If it’s the quiet—and the sweets—that you miss most about Barnes & Noble, try Tout de Sweet (7831 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-951-0474) for delicious mousse cakes, macarons and seasonal lattes, plus a bright, white laptop-friendly space that seats 23. If it’s the literature you miss, browse the latest in highbrow nonfiction—or attend events featuring high-profile authors—at Politics and Prose (5015 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-364-1919). Then pop downstairs to The Den café that seats 50, and order up an inventive seasonal drink, such as a ginger rosemary latte. Also on the menu: Belgian waffles, salads, sandwiches and Instagram-friendly open-faced toasts.

Outdoor Spaces

Designed by architectural technology students at Montgomery College, downtown Silver Spring’s Outbox is a covered open-air space that features tables, electrical outlets and free Wi-Fi. The brightly colored installation, which made its debut in the spring of 2016 and seats 12, pops up from April through October on Ellsworth Drive. Another open-to-the-public lounge is located at Congressional Plaza on Rockville Pike. Twelve padded lounge chairs are shaded by two pergolas, and 18 dining tables—with seating for four—are covered by umbrellas and other structures. You can enjoy a Starbucks drink or a fast-casual meal from an adjacent eatery, such as Marvelous Market, Chopt or Honeyfish Poke, in Adirondack chairs this winter.