Best Bookstores & Libraries in Portland, Oregon, United States

All Topics about Portland All Cities in 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.