Best Bookstores & Libraries in Portland, Oregon, United States

Portland, United States, Portland, Culture & Entertainment, Best Bookstores & Libraries

Best Bookstores & Libraries in Portland, Oregon, United States

1. Powell's City of Books

America's largest independent new and used bookstore with over a million volumes. Features a unique Yellow Star Reading Room.
  • Size & Diversity: Offers an immense collection of books across various genres and topics.
  • Location & Accessibility: Centrally located in downtown Portland, easily reachable by public transportation.
  • Events & Community: Hosts numerous author readings and events throughout the year.

2. Multnomah County Central Library

A modern library with a stunning architectural design and an extensive collection of resources.
  • Architecture & Amenities: Features a rooftop garden, multiple meeting rooms, and state-of-the-art technology.
  • Resource Availability: Provides access to books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, and digital resources.
  • Programming & Services: Offers educational programs, workshops, and services for children, teens, and adults.

3. Green Bean Books

A quaint, locally owned bookstore specializing in new and old books, including staff recommendations.
  • Local Ownership & Support: Supports local authors and the Portland community.
  • Personalized Service: Knowledgeable staff provides personalized book recommendations.
  • Book Selection: Features a diverse and carefully curated selection of books across various genres.

4. Broadway Books

A community bookstore featuring new releases, staff recommendations, and local author readings.
  • Community Engagement: Actively engages with the local community by hosting events and supporting local authors.
  • Book Selection: Offers a thoughtfully curated selection of books across various genres.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Provides personalized recommendations and book-related advice to customers.

5. Left Bank Books Collective

A volunteer-run, collectively owned bookstore focusing on feminist literature, social justice, and more.
  • Collective Ownership & Values: Operated by a collective that values social justice, community engagement, and inclusivity.
  • Resource Availability: Offers a wide selection of books on feminism, social justice, and related topics.
  • Community Programming: Hosts workshops, discussions, and events focused on social justice and activism.

6. Heliotrope Books

A small, curated bookstore specializing in literature, poetry, and art books.
  • Curated Selection: Features a carefully selected collection of literature, poetry, and art books.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Provides expert recommendations on literary works and artistic trends.
  • Artistic & Literary Events: Hosts readings, signings, and discussions with authors and artists.

7. Powell's Hawthorne Books

A Powell's satellite location featuring new books, used books, and rare finds.
  • Size & Diversity: Offers a large selection of books across various genres and topics.
  • Location & Accessibility: Conveniently located on Hawthorne Boulevard, easily accessible by public transportation.
  • Rare Finds: Features a selection of rare and out-of-print books.

8. TaborSpace

A shared workspace and library dedicated to the arts, literature, and community engagement.
  • Community Engagement: Fosters collaboration, creativity, and social connections within the Portland arts community.
  • Resource Availability: Provides access to books, art supplies, and other resources for creatives.
  • Workshops & Events: Offers workshops, classes, and events focused on the arts, writing, and community building.

9. The Secret Garden Bookshop

A cozy, locally owned bookstore specializing in rare, used books, and literary events.
  • Rare & Unique Books: Features a collection of rare and unique books, often difficult to find elsewhere.
  • Community Events: Hosts author readings, signings, and literary discussions.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Provides expert advice on rare and out-of-print books.

10. In Other Words Bookstore & Cafe

A feminist bookstore and café focused on promoting women's voices, queer literature, and social justice.
  • Feminism & Social Justice: Offers a wide selection of books on feminism, queer theory, and related topics.
  • Community Engagement: Actively engages with the local community by hosting events and supporting local authors.
  • Cafe & Space: Provides a welcoming café space for reading, writing, and socializing.

11. Another Read Through Bookstore

A used bookstore specializing in mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres.
  • Genre Focus: Features a large selection of books within the mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres.
  • Book Selection: Offers both popular titles and hard-to-find gems in each genre.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Provides expert recommendations within the mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres.

12. Little Free Library PDX

A network of tiny, free libraries scattered throughout Portland for neighborhood reading enjoyment.
  • Neighborhood Reading: Provides a convenient and accessible way to borrow books within local neighborhoods.
  • Community Engagement: Encourages community members to share their favorite books with neighbors.
  • Size & Accessibility: Compact, free-to-use libraries that can be easily accessed by pedestrians and cyclists.

13. Rip City Books & Music

A used bookstore and music shop specializing in pop culture, Portland history, and local artists.
  • Pop Culture & Local Focus: Offers a wide selection of books and music related to Portland and popular culture.
  • Used Books & Music: Features a vast collection of used books, vinyl records, and CDs.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Provides expert recommendations on Portland-related literature, music, and culture.

14. Powell's East Burnside Books

Another Powell's location featuring new books, used books, and rare finds.
  • Size & Diversity: Offers a large selection of books across various genres and topics.
  • Location & Accessibility: Conveniently located on East Burnside Street, easily accessible by public transportation.
  • Rare Finds: Features a selection of rare and out-of-print books.

15. Portland State University Library

A university library with extensive resources for research, learning, and study.
  • Resource Availability: Provides access to books, journals, databases, and other research materials.
  • Study Spaces: Offers various study spaces, including quiet rooms, group study areas, and computer labs.
  • Research Support: Provides research support services, including reference assistance, library instruction, and more.