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Read To Travel

Powell’s City of Books in Portland, Oregon

If you identify as book lover, bookshelf porn junkie, independent bookstore seeker, or overall nerd in love with the written word, you have probably spent your fair share of time exploring the stacks of little shops.  I visited Powell’s on a recommendation from a traveling friend who recognized my obsession with reading and knew I would be heading to Portland, Oregon for the first time.

Open since 1971, Powell’s Books exists as the United States’ largest independent bookseller.  The company’s mission “is to be the world’s best destination for readers, a place that fosters a culture of reading and connects people with the books they’ll love.” The store houses something for every taste.

Multi-level, with nine large rooms devoted to different genres of works, Powell’s is a place one can wander for days.  The on-site coffee shop serves as a wonderful spot for nestling up with a hot-cuppa and a potential new paperback best friend or a place to discuss writers, ideologies, weekly reads, and more.

I fell in love at first sight with this place.  Books. Everywhere.  Personally, I was particularly drawn to the Local Reads shelf where I was introduced to the work of Miranda July (an author I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of before!).

Powell’s is a must-see for any literary lover visiting Portland.

Have you been to Powell’s?

Tara Higgins

Tara Higgins

Tara loves all things London and wants to spend the rest of her life reading books in beautiful places. She can often be found nestled up in a bookshop, drinking a pint at the pub, or searching for the best pizza slice in town.

2 Comments

  • Courtney Minor

    Powell’s is SO COOL. I spent such a long time browsing, and I want to return to Portland just do I can go back to Powell’s!

    July 24, 2017 at 9:19 PM
    • Tara Higgins
      Tara Higgins

      I agree 100%. I didn’t quite get enough of Portland the first time around. My second visit will include hours spent in Powell’s.

      July 25, 2017 at 4:51 AM

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