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Broadway Books in Northeast Portland is a local favorite.

Literary Portland

This book-friendly city is home to an annual book festival and the world's largest independent bookstore.

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Broadway Books in Northeast Portland is a local favorite.

Blame it on the rain … or maybe being home to the world’s largest independent new and used bookstore attracts both writers and readers. No matter the reason, there’s no denying that Portland loves its literature. Plan a book-lover’s holiday with these resources.

The Portland Book Festival

Portland Book Festival (formerly “Wordstock”) returns every November with an impressive (and extensive) lineup of local and national authors.

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Bookstores and Reading Spots

Powell’s City of Books

Covering an entire city block, Powell's is a landmark, a great bookstore and a microcosm of the city itself.

Portland Bookstores, Beyond Powell’s

Don't stop with the largest independent bookstore in the world; these seven other shops offer an abundance of literary riches.

Eight Coffee Shops Made for Reading

Pick up a winning read at one of Portland’s many independent bookstores and curl up in a cozy corner of one of these eight local coffee shops.

Portland Books and Authors

These notable hometown authors capture the spirit of the Northwest and are must-reads for visitors and locals alike.

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5 to Try

Destinations for Book-Lovers

  • Multnomah County Central Library

    The oldest public library on the West Coast boasts historic architecture, more than 17 miles of bookshelves and terrific artwork.

  • Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden

    Three of the characters from the beloved author's "Ramona" books are immortalized in this Northeast Portland park, located near the famous Klickitat Street.

  • The Heathman Hotel

    This stately hotel's mezzanine library features more than 3,000 volumes signed by their authors, all of whom stayed at the hotel.

  • Forest Park

    Visit this Northwest Portland wilderness to walk in the footsteps of characters from the Wildwood Chronicles and My Abandonment.

  • Independent Publishing Resource Center

    Founded in 1998, this nonprofit provides access to the tools and skills to independently publish zines, books, comics and graphic novels.