Portland Bookstores, Beyond Powell’s
Don’t stop with the largest independent bookstore in the world; these shops offer an abundance of literary riches.
Katelyn Best
There’s no better place to while away a rainy afternoon than in one of Portland’s many locally-owned bookstores. The essential and most obvious stop is Powell’s City of Books, which, with more than 1 million new and used volumes, is the largest independent bookstore in the world. But don’t stop there! Venture a little further afield, and you’ll find an abundance of literary riches at these Portland bookstores.
Favorite Portland Bookstores
Annie Bloom’s Books
A Multnomah Village staple since 1978, Annie Bloom’s is a friendly, independent shop packed with fiction, travel guides, cookbooks and kids’ books. Don’t miss the frequent author readings — or the friendly resident cat!
Broadway Books
This female-owned shop on Northeast Broadway has drawn in shoppers since 1992 with a wide array of new fiction and nonfiction titles. Brightly lit and welcoming, Broadway Books attracts families with its exceptional customer service and a vast selection, including sizeable travel and kids’ sections. The shop also hosts author events that have featured the likes of Floyd Skloot, Cheryl Strayed and Diana Abu-Jaber.
Daedalus Books
For the scholars in the group, don’t forget to stop by Daedalus Books in Northwest Portland. With a great selection of used art, philosophy, and music books, this independent seller has kept Portland’s bookshelves well-stocked since 1997.
Friends Library Store
Hidden away on the main floor of the Central Library, the Friends Library Store sells new and recent fiction and nonfiction, textbooks, vintage, signed, and occasionally rare titles and ephemera. Sales from the bookstore fund library programs and services for the local community.
Green Bean Books
The impossibly cozy Green Bean has the distinction of being the premier kids’ shop among Portland bookstores. Inside a little red house on Northeast Alberta Avenue, you’ll find shelf after shelf of new and used picture books, graphic novels, nonfiction for all ages and a small but eclectic foreign language section that includes books in Vietnamese, Spanish, Chinese and more. In addition to literary treasures for the whole family, Green Bean stocks a selection of whimsical toys. Shop for finger puppets, hand-painted dolls and fake facial hair (some of which are sold from vintage, coin-operated vending machines). Settle into a couch or armchair for story time or an author event; check their site for an up-to-date calendar.
Monograph Bookwerks
The petite Monograph isn’t a shop to get lost in, but it’s full of rare, unexpected finds. This tidy, stylish shop just off Northeast Alberta specializes in art books, retro posters and ephemera. The owners display $1 vintage postcards with the same care as antique opera posters and catalogs from Marcel Duchamp exhibits.
Mother Foucault’s Bookshop
As the name implies, Mother Foucault’s is a haven for lovers of philosophy, but they also stock fiction, poetry, nonfiction and foreign-language titles. This relatively young shop feels like it’s been at its Central Eastside location for decades. Revel in the well-trodden rugs, worn wooden shelves and piles of dusty, leather-bound tomes. Their event calendar features readings and performances by bands from Portland and around the globe.
Third Eye Books
With a focus on African-centered books, accessories and gifts, Third Eye Books has a great selection of Black writers and philosophers, writers from the African diaspora, and books for allies. Located on Division Street, this bookstore is more than a shop; they are a community center with readings and events.
More Portland Bookshops
Portland boasts an abundance of bookstores — build up your library at these local shops.
Bridge City Comics
Rose City Comics is a graphic novel paradise. Comics from a wide berth of publishers like Marvel, DC and smaller labels like Oni Press line the shelves, with new material arriving every Wednesday. Join like-minded comic enthusiasts on the second Thursday of every month for their Graphic Novel Reading Club, or peruse stacks of used comics for sale at a discount. Whether you’re a collector looking for hard-to-find titles or are just starting to explore the world of comics, Bridge City Comics is the place to go.
Floating World Comics
Known for its large selection of small press, self-published and underground titles, Floating World Comics provides a home for underdog authors and little-known artists, as well as big-name titles from local publishers like Dark Horse. Their all-ages section offers a wide variety of youth and YA graphic novels, and new authors are welcome to bring in their own mini-comics or zines to sell on their shelves.
Readings & Talks
Listen to more of Portland's literary landscape at these local readings.
Vanport Mosaic Festival
The Vanport Mosaic's annual exploration of little-known local histories and celebration of the communities' resilience returns in spring 2024 with a rich program of performances, exhibits, tours, screenings, dialogues and gatherings. The events, hosted in various venues in N/NE Portland, are offered to the public free/sliding-scale, thanks to the generous support of our funders and…
OMSI Science Pub: Measuring the Taste of Beer
Measuring the Taste of Beer dives into the science of assessing beer quality by examining it through the lens of the drinker. Explore the main beer ingredients and how the science behind those ingredients play a role in the sensory experience of the final product. This easy-to-follow talk uncaps the secrets behind what makes a…
Storytime with Sara Behrman
Join children’s book author Sara Behrman as she reads from her newest book ‘The Sea Hides a Seahorse.’ Hosted by PJ Library, this event is perfect for kids ages 4 – 8 and will include a seahorse craft and seahorse-themed songs. Hidden in the ocean of colorful fish, octopus, kelp, sea sponges, and other sea…
Kathleen Hanna in Conversation With Fabi Reyna
Trailblazing feminist icon, musician, outspoken women’s rights activist, and original rebel girl Kathleen Hanna’s band Bikini Kill embodied the punk scene of the '90s, and today, her personal yet feminist lyrics on anthems like “Rebel Girl” and “Double Dare Ya” are more powerful than ever. But where did this transformative voice come from? In Rebel…
Oregon Contemporary Artists’ Biennial
The Artists’ Biennial is a survey of works by visual and performing artists who are defining and advancing Oregon’s contemporary art landscape. Jackie Im and Anuradha Vikram are the curators of the 2024 Biennial, which is focused on themes of networks, community, care, and support. Rather than a hierarchical approach to artists' works, the curators' goal is to…
Weekend Wicca Workshop Series
Welcome, Aspiring and Seasoned Wiccan Witches. Join a transformative experience at a 4-part weekend Wicca workshop series designed just for you. Unlock your inner witch and embark on a magical journey with these enchanting workshops. Register for the next life-changing weekend Wicca workshop series event. Registration is open until the venue is full, so…
Queer Movie Night
Every Fourth Sunday of the month, Fuse will be presenting a celebrated film from Queer cinema. After the film, there will be trivia and discussions about the movie and the evolution of the depiction of lgbtqia+ characters over the last 50 years. Check the website for each month's film.
Greg Wrenn and the Portland Psychedelic Society Reading and Q&A
What part might psychedelic medicines have to play in healing the relationship with Mother Nature and offering much-needed hope for the future? Join author Greg Wrenn and the Portland Psychedelic Society at Mother Foucault’s Bookshop for an intimate evening of storytelling, psychedelic science, and ecological exploration as he discusses ayahuasca as a trauma medicine and…
Fonograf Editions Fundraiser w/ Eileen Myles, and more
Please join Fonograf Editions for a very special night of readings, music, libations, raffle prizes, and support for this small, non-profit literary press/record label. The line-up of artists and writers joining includes: Eileen Myles (virtual), Brandon Shimoda (virtual), Dao Strom, Neal Morgan , Emilly Prado, Connect on Instagram @fonografeditions, Twitter @fonograf_ed, Started in 2016, Fonograf Editions has always focused…
HOCUS Fifth Anniversary Bash
Portland's best-publicized secret society celebrates its fifth year with prizes, live readings, a book launch, music, and arcane literary rituals. Tickets are free, but those who sign up through the Eventbrite page will double their chances of winning.
Petals and Thorns Film Screening and Poetry Open Mic
Join The Poet Lady Rose and Black Earth United for the screening of Petals and Thorns: A Spoken Word Journey, followed by a poetry open mic. A mini-poetry workshop will also get your creative juices flowing. Donations are welcome. About the Film: The brainchild of first-time filmmaker La Toya A. Hampton, MSW, aka The Poet…
OMSI Science Pub: Cosmology with the James Webb Space Telescope
The second phase of the golden age for modern cosmology began with the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope last year. The JWST has met and exceeded all its designed capabilities and provides a window back into the very beginning of the Universe. The JWST allows us to study the era of galaxy formation,…
Froelick Gallery: Japanese Artist Takahiko Hayashi
The solo exhibition Takahiko Hayashi's "Breath of Life, Breath of Line” features new paintings on parchment and celebrates 25 years of representation at Froelick Gallery. Hayashi’s compositions are known for fluidly patterned lines drawn from the observed natural world and inspired by the perceived ethereal life. His works are often described as representing flowing water,…
John Green: A World Without Tuberculosis
John Green (the bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars and The Anthropocene Reviewed, etc. and one-half of the Vlogbrothers) has become one of the leading voices in the fight against tuberculosis, the planet’s deadliest infectious disease, annually killing more people than COVID, malaria, or HIV. Green asks us to consider what it will…
Live Wire with Luke Burbank
Join Emmy award-winning host Luke Burbank for the taping of Live Wire, the fastest-growing entertainment show on public radio. With a late-night stride, an Oscar Wilde wit, and the charisma of Ferris Bueller grand marshaling a parade. Music, comedy, and conversation live and packed with surprises.
Nicholas D. Kristof
From New York Times columnist, Pulitzer Prize winner, and bestselling author Nicholas D. Kristof comes an intimate and gripping memoir about a life in journalism. Since 1984, Kristof has worked almost continuously for The New York Times as a reporter, foreign correspondent, bureau chief, and now columnist, becoming one of the foremost reporters of his…
Berthe Morisot, Angel of the Unfinished
Today, few people are familiar with the name and work of Berthe Morisot, one of the founding members of the artists collective known as the Impressionists. Yet Morisot not only exhibited in more Impressionist shows than such famous friends as Monet, Renoir, and Degas, but was lauded by many critics in her time as…
Paul Rusesabagina: Reconciling the Unimaginable
Paul Rusesabagina (whose story inspired the film Hotel Rwanda) reflects on reconciliation, forgiveness, and lessons yet to be learned from the Rwandan Genocide 30 years later. Released from prison in 2023 and now living in the U.S., Rusesabagina delves into the need to provide a voice to victims of genocide and support peace efforts, and…
The Usual Unusual
The fourth of the OUTwright Theatre Festival Reading series, "The Usual Unusual," by MJ Halberstadt, is about community, growth, and change in a changing world. The Usual Unusual is a scrappy and quaint bookstore where Boston’s LGBTQ+ community has gathered to shop, organize, and flirt since the 70s… but it's 2017, and times have…
Backfence Storytelling
Backfence is closing down the Pearl Room at Powell’s to bring you a private storytelling event featuring authors and stellar community members telling 8-10 minute personal stories. Get Ready to hear stories based on the theme MISTAKES WERE MADE from these incredible storytellers. Returning audience faves Jason Rouse, Actor, Teacher, Writer and all-around sweet person, will tell…
Circle Round
Join host Rebecca Sheir and composer Eric Shimelonis, plus a talented cast of actors, as they bring two Circle Round stories to life on-stage in Portland! This event features a live recording of one of the tales, allowing you to be a part of the Circle Round magic. Meet us in the lobby after the…
Our Bold Voices Presents: An Afternoon of Queer Storytelling
LGBTQ+ history will come alive when Defining Moments authors share their first-person experiences from their recently published short stories, followed by Q&A and book signing. Come celebrate Pride Month
The Tarot Show
Join Kate Mura as she reads the cards for the audience. Every Group Tarot is different, as every group and every tarot reading is a unique constellation. Stories, anecdotes, conversation, philosophy, questions, history, herstory and ourstory come out specifically for your audience, your day and time, your season. By picking cards, conversing, asking questions, and actively,…
Old Gods of Appalachia
Old Gods of Appalachia is an award-winning and critically acclaimed audio drama podcast produced by Asheville, NC-based DeepNerd Media. Old Gods of Appalachia was the first professional podcast nominated for a World Fantasy Award in 2022, has received numerous Audioverse Awards (and is nominated for 32 more for 2022), and won Best Overall Podcast in…
Food Waste Workshop
Learn how to save money and the planet with a 9-Step Food Waste Prevention Program with the Author of No Scrap Left Behind: My Life Without Food Waste.
John Lydon
Legend and icon John Lydon — aka Johnny Rotten — will talk about how he sees life, along with his unique and extraordinary career. Lydon will reflect on the Sex Pistols, Public Image Limited (PiL), his art and his life’s story during informal evenings of conversation and audience questions. An icon, a revolutionary and an immortal,…
Fall Writer Retreat
A two-day writing retreat designed for novelists who identify as a woman. Gather together to… Have dedicated craft sessions on story structure, character development, and how to ‘show, not tell.’ , Have the time and space to write., Learn the tools for taming self-doubt and imposter syndrome. , Have a meaningful dialogue about our writing journeys within…
Richard Dawkins
Settle in for an unforgettable evening with Richard Dawkins, the world-renowned evolutionary biologist, author, and public intellectual, as he embarks on a highly anticipated tour across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, starting September 2024. Renowned for his unapologetic advocacy of science and reason, Dawkins is celebrated for groundbreaking work…
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