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Turn the page and be transported at @motherfoucaultsbooks #ThisIsPortland

Literary Portland

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

i
Turn the page and be transported at @motherfoucaultsbooks #ThisIsPortland

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 guides to the city’s literary offerings, then check out our events calendar to discover even more things to do on your next visit to Portland.

Literary

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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

Peruse thousands of titles at these local bookstores and cozy reading nooks.

Powell\'s City of Books

Powell’s City of Books

Covering an entire city block, Powell’s has grown into a Portland landmark and the world's largest new and used bookstore — and its location is at the heart of the city, bridging the Pearl District, downtown and the West End.

Three people sit and read a book at Mother Foucault\'s bookstore in front of a wall of books.

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.

Exterior of a coffeeshop with two benches, hanging plants and a striped awning

Quiet Places 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.

Read on

Lit in the Limelight

Well-crafted words on the page transformed into live literary adventures.

a man speaking on stage with a gameshow wheel behind him

Live Storytelling Events in Portland

Hear true stories about love, sex, history, movies and even middle school at six regular live storytelling events in Portland.

Portland musician, artist, and author Amy Subach performs at Future Prairie.

Future Prairie: A Collective of Women and Queer Artists

Portland’s Future Prairie is a collective of women and queer artists that presents chautauqua-inspired live shows, as well as a podcast.

Man speaking into microphone on stage

Live Wire Radio

Enjoy original comedy, local music and captivating interviews at live tapings of this weekly variety show.

5 to Try

Destinations for Book-Lovers

Grab your favorite book and head to these locally beloved reading spots around Portland.

  • 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.

Readings & Talks

Enjoy author talks and book discussions at these upcoming readings and talks in Portland.

Go To Events
Editor's Pick
The Moth MainStage
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

The Moth MainStage

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall $21 – $85

Literary Arts and The Moth are bringing a new lineup of storytellers to Portland. Each Moth Mainstage explores a central theme through true stories told by five storytellers who developed their stories with a Moth director. This year’s lineup will be announced soon. Purchase your tickets today and look forward to an evening of storytelling!…

Editor's Pick
Performing Arts
Readings & Talks
Editor's Pick
TEDxPortland
Saturday, May 20, 2023

TEDxPortland

Keller Auditorium $79 – $300

In a world that’s often polarized and divisive, choose to come together. At the intersection of skepticism and curiosity are understanding and innovation. The power of ideas is what propels everyone forward. Inspired by the confluence of water where the Willamette River meets the Columbia, purpose and persistence find their way to the sea. Year…

Editor's Pick
Readings & Talks