Powell's Books

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CLOSED NOW - Opens atTomorrow 9:00am

Matt,I am wiping away the tears having just finished your new book.I do so because it feels like the lives we live are always a question, and this is a glimpse into and from one step outside that helps me/us understand that our lives have impact and make a difference.The voice you carry is consistent and authentic. I am not sure everyone will empathize or relate to your story, but that matters less than that they will understand how throwing yourself into the things you care about can make all the difference in whether you can feel more real each day. It seems that is a struggle for most people no matter what they do, but hearing someone else characterize something you may have witnessed or have experienced as well helps. It is one of the roles of literature to portray life and its foibles so we can view it and thoughtfully connect to and about it. Thank you for sharing your world through this chronicle. It has touched my life and challenged me to chronicle my world more and

So many books!! And nice helpful staff to help you find the books you want.

More than an entire city block just with this one store on Burnside. Plan your trip in advance by making out your must buy list, checking stock online and taking a chance it will still be there by the time you get to the store. Departments are color coded to help you keep track of where you are. Get a map of the store and collect the postcards that match the departments -- very cool graphics -- I have a complete set. Frequent author visits so get on the email newsletter list to plan your week. Oh -- you can sell your books too so bring a box of your specials! Powells will validate your parking ticket in the adjacent parking deck which is very, very tight but helpful given increasing popularity of the Pearl District.

You can get lost at this store, it is so big! They have just about everything, though finding it can be a challenge. Wonderful employees, and in general they seem pleased to be able to look up the item you are searching for and direct you (or lead you) right to it. Good on-line service, too, and they will let you pick-up in the store to save time and shipping charges. Not only the new books, of course -- Powell's is well known as a used-book center and also for buying books. Their "events" are frequent, varied, and almost always free, a great bonus. Although parking can be a challenge, the store has pretty good mass transit and a couple of extra lots open after 6 or so in the evening to help out.

Powell's City of Books is a book-lover's paradise, combining the selection of a "big chain" store with the personal touch and atmosphere of a small used book shop. Covering an entire city block, it is the largest independently-owned bookstore in North America, if not the world. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and usually available to offer prompt help. With over a million volumes in stock, there are more books in its nine cavernous rooms than in most public libraries. New and used books are shelved side by side, allowing a dedicated book browser to find occasionally surprising bargains. The rare book room yields occasional literary treaures. More than a mere retail outlet, the store hosts regular literary events that make it a cultural center and a community magnet. Well worth the visit; you may well join the many regulars who drop by several times a month, or even the pilgrims from around the world who make a special effort to visit Powells whenever they are in Portland.