Ah, Powell’s. Wonderful Powell’s. For the Portland book lover, there is no better place. For many Portland visitors it is a must-see during their stay. Looking to impress your hippie friends with your mad mulching skills? Powell’s has it. Searching for the book that you told your date the night before that you just adored (but haven’t actually read)? Powells’ has it. Need to find “New Survey of the West-Indies: Being a Journal of Three Thousand and Three Hundred Miles Within the Main Land of America” by Thomas Gage? Powell’s has it!
Open 365 days a year, the original store was founded by Walter Powell in 1971. Inspired by his son Michael’s successful book store in Chicago, he founded the Burnside location which over the years grew, blob-style, into the surrounding buildings, eventually encompassing an entire block. Later, the Pearl district would grow, blob-style, around Powell’s.
You can wander the aisles forever, either just looking at titles, or asking the advice of the well-read employees. But is Powell’s just a giant book warehouse? No, no, no! They also have great book clubs, book signings, and other fun events. And if you are stuck out in a suburb, they have several other locations for your perusal. Also, in this economic recession, you can make a little bread (or store credit!) by selling your used books.
Powell’s is just tops, and it is truly one of the things that makes Portland such a fun place to live.
Things About Portland That Rule 
Best. Bookstore. Ever.
I’ve been told its the largest new and used bookstore in North America. I haven’t been for a few years but I ought to go again.. I’d have to plan it well, though, because I’d be there at least a few hours. @_@
I do not understand what people see in this place. You can get cheaper books on Amazon and have them delivered to your doorstep for free.
I was looking at a Powell’s promoted book for $25. They may ship it for free, I don’t remember as it was on Amazon for $12 and change.
The store itself is ok but not great. The lighting is garish, I do not recall ever actually getting any service there and I couldn’t find anything there that I cared to purchase. What, precisely, is so interesting to people about Powells?
I would like to know because I cannot figure this one out. Is it just because it is on the tourist list of places to see? Is it just because it is large?
I do think that it is nice that they have events but is that enough to recommend it?
I see where Forte101 is coming from, but you don’t really go to Powell’s to buy new books, you go there to look at the rare books, the used copies, and admire the phenominal organizational skills of the staff.
The whole allure of Powell’s is the fact that its a crossbreed between a library and a bookstore. Plus it’s massive, there are books, and everything is for sale.
I spent a decent 3 hours sifting through a variety of book sections, purchased 1 book, and quite enjoyed myself. :p
Very good blog you have here but I was curious if you knew of any discussion
boards that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get feed-back from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you!