Powell's City of Books
Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (503) 228-4651
- Best of Citysearch:
- Used Bookstore 2008, Budget Date Spot 2008, Used Bookstore 2008
- Hours:
- Daily 9am-11pm
Editorial Review for Powell's City of Books – by Jennifer Boyd
In Short
Billed as the nation's largest independent bookstore, Powell's occupies an entire city block and requires a map to navigate. Though Powell's size and reputation draws tourists by the busload, it's the monthly exhibitions, regular readings and comfortable atmosphere that keep locals coming back. Nine color-coded rooms, 3,500 specific sections and more than a million new and used titles virtually ensure that shoppers find what they're after.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
ParkingStreet parking can be hard to come by, so use the store's garage on NW 11th Avenue.
The ExtrasIf you can't find that elusive book, Powell's out-of-print and rare-book specialists will search the book-selling world for any title.
Know Before You GoYou can get cash or trade for used books--trade offers more bang for your buck. Book-buying hours are 9am-8pm daily.
User Reviews for Powell's City of Books
02/24/2008 Posted by shhambo
Powell's touts itself as a used bookstore. In reality, maybe 1 in 50 books are used and the used books cost the same as the new books. The selection is great, and it is a blast to peruse the shelves for hours on end. But if you want to find a bargain, find it elsewhere. I usually find the books I want by going to Powell's then go online to buy them. In short this place is priced for tourists with fat wallets. I have to say, I miss musty used bookstores with shelves and shelves of roughly organized books for a good bargain. If you're ever in Eugene, go to Smith Family Bookstore. That place is book love.
Pros: Great Selection
Cons: No Bargains Here
12/08/2007 Posted by kerrilyn
Although I hate driving downtown I love the Powell's on Burnside. They have their own parking garage and have the largest selection of books I have ever seen. Also, every year around the holidays I trade in my used books for Christmas presents (books, gift cards, gifts). They really do have something for everyone. I have found the staff very helpful.
Pros: I love the downtown store!
Cons: Hawthorne: someone always hits you up for money outside and line is in doorway.
Schedule
| 05/14/2008 | Hardcover sale | |
| 05/15/2008 | Hardcover sale | |
| 05/16/2008 | Hardcover sale | |
| 05/17/2008 | Hardcover sale | |
| 05/18/2008 | Hardcover sale | |
| 05/19/2008 | Hardcover sale | |
| 05/20/2008 | Hardcover sale | |
| 05/21/2008 | Hardcover sale | |
| 05/22/2008 | Hardcover sale | |
| 05/23/2008 | Hardcover sale | |
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