Curious Iguana

Since opening in September 2013, Curious Iguana has quickly become a popular literary hub for locals and tourists alike. Our globally diverse collection and vibrant events calendar reflect the Iguana’s mission of “Get To Know Your World.” Our welcoming and knowledgeable team of booksellers makes browsing at the Iguana a unique and pleasant experience.

In addition to being a bookstore and a community gathering space, the Iguana is a benefit corporation. Each month, we donate a portion of the store’s sales to international non-profits (more than $43,300 as of June 2017). The pins in the map behind our counter show the countries where our customers’ purchases have helped make a world of difference. We also have a big heart for the Frederick community, offering as much support as we can to local schools, non-profits, and other organizations. That’s why the change jar on our counter doesn’t fund pizza deliveries—it’s for COIPP, a wonderful non-profit that provides much-needed resources for children of incarcerated parents in our community.

Curious Iguana owners Marlene and Tom England are no strangers to downtown Frederick’s business community. They also own Dancing Bear Toys and Gifts, which opened in 2000 and moved from the bookstore’s current location to a larger space at 15 East Patrick Street in the summer of 2013.