Books, Portland

It is said that "No stay in Portland is complete without a visit to Powells", well as an advid reader I would have to agree.

Powells is huge!! With over one million used, new and out of print books in stock, you will definitely find what you are looking for in one of their many rooms. The bookstore provides you with a map of the store so you can find your way around the 68,000 sq. ft. space and over 4,000 subjects spread out in nine large rooms. (Yes, you heard right).

The Washington Post referred to Powells as "one of the best bookstores in the English-Speaking world".

Open 365 days a year, 9 am-11 pm, there is even store tours available. There is also a "Powells Technical Books about two blocks.

What to buy: Why, books of course, but they also have a large selection of audios and videos as well and anything that is printed.

Powell's City of Books is heaven for bibliophiles. It is the largest independent bookstore in the world and is so huge -- it takes up an entire city block -- that you actually need a map to find your way around.

Each section in the maze-like interior is named after a color. In the Rose Room I found a lovely little paperback about a Thai girl's struggle to adjust to a new country, for only $2.98, and in the Purple Room I was astonished to see on display a used copy of my own out-of-print book.

If you're shopping with other people, keep your cell phones with you. It's very easy to lose track of each other.

The largest new & used book store in the western half of the nation. It's a department store for book lovers so take a day off because this place makes Barnes & Noble look like an underfunded public library.

What to buy: All the books you want & need, cheaper...

What to pay: $5 to $15 for an average used paper back

First, stop by Reading Frenzy. It's one of the first magazine stores that stocks 'zines (small magazines dealing with specialized subjects-from collecting Menudo dolls to starting a revolution-and printed in small presses or zeroxed) exclusively. Also, a wall of small press books that can't be found anywhere else. Upstairs is the IPRC, or Independant Publishing Resource Center, a not for profit resource center for making your own zine. This is where some serious creativity happens. They have all sorts of resources available. See their website under "other". Two doors down is another pulp shop called Counter Culture. This one sells all kinds of media, but specializes in erotica from the fifties.

What to pay: A few bucks

As any literate Portlander will tell you, it’s absolutely essential that you visit Powell’s. Why? Because it’s the biggest single independent bookstore in the world. Because they have entire shelves dedicated to any obscure topic you could think up. Because their rooms are color-coded. Just go.

Powell’s. Oh god, it’s like you’ve died and gone to book-heaven. Stretching over an entire city block this mammoth bookstore has subject/genre areas the size of your average bookstore. If you love reading there is no way will be able to exit this store without having found at least a handful of things you want, have never found anywhere else or can’t really afford (but are going to buy).

For a book-lover, it doesn't get any better than this. The selection of a box store and the character of an independent. The size of the store can be intimidating, and the layout is a bit confusing, but - hey - if you want the same old same old, go to one of those chain book barns out by the mall.

What to buy: 9 am - 11 pm Mon-Sat
9 a, - 9 pm Sunday

yes they do have a coffee shop

Powell's Bookstore
1005 W Burnside Portland, OR 97209 USA
http://www.powells.com/
One of the world's largest collections of new and used books in buildings that encompass a city block plus, this store holds over a million books. Nine color coded rooms house over 3,500 different sections, offering something for every interest, including an incredible selection of out-of-print and hard-to-find titles. Each month, the Basil Hallward Art Gallery (located upstairs in the Pearl Room) hosts a new exhibit, as well as dozens of author events featuring acclaimed writers, artists, and thinkers such as Roddy Doyle, Susan Sontag, Robert Olen Butler, Annie Leibovitz, and former President Jimmy Carter. The City's Rare Book Room gathers autographed first editions and other collectible volumes for readers in search of a one-of-a-kind treasure. This of course is my all time favorite bookstore. A must to visit anytime in Portland. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

Powell's City of Books truly lives up to it's name. And what more could you expect from somewhere that claims to be the largest new and used bookstore in the world? Not only does it occupy an entire city block, but the store is three stories tall, with nine color-coded rooms, and still they have separate stores simply for cooking & gardening and technical books! The store provides a free map, aptly titled "How to get lost in the city of books." Not only is it possible to get browsing, but to lose track of time as well! With such a large selection you're bound to find any book you're looking for, and likely a bunch you didn't even know you were looking for.

Check their website for a list of in-store events, book reviews, or take an online tour.

What to buy: Rare and collectible books, first editions, signed copies.

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This is a huge independent bookstore, supposedly the largest independent bookstore in the country. It has several branches in Portland, but the original, main, and largest is the downtown store - Powell's City of Books. This huge maze of books and books is truly impressive and large. It is easy to get lost and they provide free maps. It has not only sheer volume, but a truly impressive range of choices, with outstanding variety. For those who love books, it is easy to spend hours here. The children's section alone is amazing, as are the history sections and every other.

What to buy: Books, etc.

What to pay: Prices are reasonable and generally on the lower end.