Search Powell’s City of Books
This Portland landmark is also the world's largest new and used bookstore.
Covering an entire city block, Powell’s City of Books is more than a great bookstore: It’s a microcosm of Portland, packed with smart and eclectic offerings and passionate people. And, just like Portland, it’s open 365 days a year!
A Storied Beginning
Founded in 1971 in a former car dealership on a then-derelict corner, Powell’s has grown into a Portland landmark and the world’s largest new and used bookstore — and its location is now at the heart of the city, bridging the Pearl District, downtown and the West End.
Early on, founder Walter Powell made the revolutionary decision to comingle new, used, hardcover and paperback books. This egalitarian approach means you can easily see everything by a favorite author — and often score a great deal by choosing a well-loved edition over a brand-new one. And, in addition to shelves upon shelves of books, the store also stocks wonderful gifts and souvenirs.
Lost in the Stacks
It can be easy to get lost in Powell’s 68,000 square feet, nine rooms, three floors and 3,500 sections.
It can be easy to get lost in the City of Books’ 68,000 square feet, 10 rooms, three floors and 3,500 sections. In fact, losing yourself in the sprawling store (or one of its more than 1 million books) can be half the fun. But for those who prefer navigating over perusing, Powell’s offers a detailed map to its color-coded rooms. Here are some tips to get your foot in the door:
- The main entrance is at the corner of NW 10th Ave. and Burnside.
- Grab a map at the info desk in the center of the Green Room.
- Need coffee, stat? Head to your left and pass through the Blue and Gold rooms to get to Guilder Café.
- Restrooms are on the second level in the Purple Room.
- Every room has staffed information desks and computers for customer searches.
- Cashiers are located near the two entrances, in the Green and Orange rooms.
Happening at Powell’s
Powell’s hosts frequent author readings and events in the Pearl Room’s Basil Hallward Gallery.
Serious book lovers should plan to visit the Rare Book Room, which houses several thousand valuable books.
Beyond the “City”
There is a Powell’s outpost on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard as well as another location in Beaverton, southwest of Portland.
For the Love of the Word
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