Portland bookstore adapting with the times
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
- Michelle Miller reports from Powell’s Books in Portland, Oregon, a bookstore doing everything it can, despite online competition, to keep the experience of buying and reading books fresh.
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I lived in Portland for 7 years and I knew people who moved to Portland because of Powell's. It is a treasure.
I visited Portland twice. Each time, Powell's Books is my first place to go to!!
I hope she's getting sales and people are not JUST reading books.
I've ordered books from them online.
I lived in Portland for twenty-six years. I miss Powells passionately. It is still my preferred place to buy book, though I now order them through the web site.
I went last year and did not like it. Bookstores/libraries are my absolute favorite places in the world. They bring so much joy and comfort. But Powell's was too big and seemed...cold? It just didn't have that warm feeling I get when I go to other bookstores.
One of the world’s greatest bookstores. Three floors, a whole city block, new and used books. A legendary mecca for book lovers.
Yes. One store the BLM wont loot
@@colinthomas867 MAGA would burn this place tho
@@colinthomas867Show me on the doll where BLM hurt you.
@@colinthomas867 what does BLM have to do with this? Your comment screams unhinged and chronically online, I pray for you.
@@gbaker9295 hahah good one.
So great to see Portland get some positive national exposure. One of the few icons of Portland I truly miss. I hope it never goes away.
Right? I don't think the book store has to worry about Biden supporters smash and grab...
Lots of the negative memes are a deliberate campaign by the right to attack every city they consider left and trash their reputation. Take the protests. most were a 4 block area in the downtown that I had not gone near in 10 years of living and commuting to the downtown. I walk all over Portland and yet that area had nothing but law offices, the cop shop, the court house and one irish pub I vaguely remember. Oh and one 80's nightclub. Its all BS. Like people talking about SF being trash, poop and needles. Its a city of a million people spread out over approximately 7 x 7 square miles (46.9 square miles)
Where are you from? In which state do you reside?
@@ceooflonelinessinc.267 I grew up outside of Portland, and have lived in Portland for about 25 years. I recently moved to the Monterey Bay Area for work...and the mild climate and beautiful scenery.
@@Domin8trix Nice. Whats your job?
Bookstores and record stores, we need them now more than ever!
100%
@1973 thunderbirds thank you. Books will never die!
I agree with you! ✌
A Powells record store would be something amazing!
Hipsters and old farts are trying to bring back vinyl, this is stupid and pointless. Books are another matter, holding and reading a paper book is different than watching an LP spining.
I live in Portland and go to Powell's at least once a week. It is a unique experience and always crowded, staff are courteous and very helpful.
I spent a week in Portland, but we were on campus on lockdown, and we only got one night after in the week to go into the city center. After dinner, Powell's was the only thing open! 😄 That being said, I had heard of them before, and yes, I can spend hours in any bookstore!
Consider me jealous!
Out of curiosity, what does it provide that a library doesn't?
@@RB-kh6fo Personally, I love them both. I’m lucky that I have two libraries near me that are each an oasis. Re a bookstore … sOmetimes I want to own a book I might crave at an odd hour. To know it’s nearby is soothing. Cheers!
@@RB-kh6fo Well you can drink a hot beverage, they also sell used and new together(haven't seen that anywhere else), and you can talk as well(most people don't though, that part is like a library). You can also sell books and make some money, even if then you use the money to buy more books! Its also really big , bigger that most libraries, only college libraries seem bigger.
Portland's culture in general is also very relevant to this whole story. There is deep sense of value in physical things, personal touches, direct experiences and supporting local institutions, artists, businesses and workers. The community at large will tend to make intentional effort to both invest in and personally enjoy all of these things. This is often true of the PNW in general, but PDX is noted as one of the bigger metro areas to share such an ethos so widely in its collective consciousness. This is why the community and everything connected to it are exceptionally resilient for a big city.
It is definitely true that Portlanders are really big on shopping/eating local. But this is something everyone, everywhere should do, that is, if you want a better world. Go local! 68 cents of every dollar you spend with a locally owned business/product stays in the community, versus only 40-42 cents spent with a corporate chain. Portland had a $44 million business tax surplus in 2020/21, in large part because of our support of minority businesses during the lockdowns and BLM protests, and a campaign called "Here for Portland" supporting local business. It's about investing in your neighbors.
Truly a trust-fund hipster baby paradise.
Now 3rdcwhirled
There are a number of book stores in Portland, Oregon. I love Powell's, when they announced that they may close for good during the pandemic, I ordered a number of Christmas gift books online from their website to support them. I am so glad that they came back beautifully. Most tourists that come to Portland, stop there too. They are a real International gem :) At the same time, if you are a book lover, search other book stores too in Portland. There are many interesting and worthy ones.
I used to travel a lot on business--Anchorage to Seattle and beyond. Booked Portland to Anchorage once or twice just to visit Powell's--my dream trip! I spent hours in Powell's and that wasn't long enough.
I came to Portland for my birthday and my mom’s birthday. Top on my list whenever I visit is always at least an afternoon, preferably a whole day at Powells. I can’t leave with out at least 1/2 my suitcase filled with books from Powells.
I keep an extra responsibility at my job that I could say no to because it includes an annual meeting in Portland and I can't let go of my annual trip to Powell's. I know my employer thinks I'm weird, but I don't care. It's a free trip to Powell's every year!
@@diyac9554 But you can buy they on line, you don't have to take them on a plane!
I was raised in Portland and the little hand written staff recommendations will forever be a cherished memory.
Yes, I liked those. I like them at the library too
Literally one of the most exceptional bookstores in the entire world! I order from them, their customer service is stellar.
As a native Portlander, Powell’s was my sanctuary. Sadly, working for the company removed almost all the joy from those hallowed halls. Corporate greed and anti-worker rhetoric took over long ago. It’s one of the first things you learn when you start at Powell’s- the walls have ears and they won’t hesitate to hurry you out the door, especially if your hourly rate is high. What happened in 2020 came as no surprise for current or former employees.
Don’t get me wrong, the workers of Powell’s are amazing. They, and not the Powell family, are the real heart of Powell’s. Despite terrible mistreatment, they’ve persevered because they truly love what they do. If only the company would reward that loyalty instead of punishing it…thank goodness for the ILWU.
I worked there and agree. Had a layoff announced on Christmas Eve. Almost everyone picked were about to be eligible for profit sharing. This was before unions.
This.
I’ve been on both sides of the equation. And I can see that workers generally have no concept whatsoever of the crap that business owners have to put up with. I used to employ 6 people pretty steadily. Now it’s just me working alone. I took pride in helping people through life, often rough patches, I gave them training and a craft. I contributed to the tax base and city coffers. No more. I’m exhausted. I work solo. And although I support the concept of unions, mostly they seem greedy to me and never stop wanting more more more.
As a Portland Native I have never liked the store. They charge way too much for a used book and give you next to nothing when you sell. I'd much rather donate books to a library or put them in one of those little libraries a lot of people have in their yards.
Yep. This piece doesn't report about this. Things got so ugly some years back.
I hated Amazon because it put so many of my favorite used books stores out of business.Then, I discovered Powell's about ten years ago and ordered books online from them. Then about 5 years ago we drove up to Portland to visit a friend, and when we parked downtown I spotted Powell's a block away. We went over there and I loved it!!!
I quit shopping from Amazon after the pandemic. I try to shop from smaller retailers whenever possible.
It put them out of business because their prices are more affordable
@@calisongbird Not really. The books are the same price and all the rest of their crap is cheaper cause its all made in china. You get what you pay for.
@@karasuthedreamer6353 why did anyone EVER BUY ANYTHING FROM AMAZON????? I never have. Such evil!
This book store is HUGE! New and old books. It occupies a full city block, and is a multi-level, wonderful maze. If you love books, this place is a dream…..and if you go with someone, be sure to setup a meeting time/location if you ever want to see them again.
It is. Wait until you see it. It's even better in person.
It's too huge, you will lose the people you go there with and spend all your time looking for each other. Not to mention crowded, unpleasantly so, really works against the bookstore mood.
And let us not forget the neighborhood, downtown Portland, it used to be nice, not any more.
I don't care if Powells is open or closed, I went there twice, didn't really like it.
But I don't like anything here in Portland, I hate this vile, unpleasant city, trying to convince my family to move, they are the only reason I stay.
@@peterbelanger4094 it's not crowded all the time. If you go on the weekend, sure it will be. But that's a given, so if you go then it's your own fault. A weekday evening in the middle of the week (or first thing in the morning) would be best.
@@peterbelanger4094 as a native Oregonian I have to
Jump in here on a few points that you touched on ….
Yes, Powell’s is huge…. It’s literally called “the city of books”…. Can you get lost in there, or separated from your party in there? Yep…. It’s happened to me MANY times…. And each time it was our own fault….
When you enter a huge store like that, you need a game plan…. Say to the members of your party “I’m going to the purple room (or whatever room is your favorite) so let’s check back here at this spot in 45 minutes”….. whala…. Problem fixed…there are also maps in every room at Powell’s and also you can ask the book attendants there for help, they are so very kind!
That part of Burnside and Portland in particular has NEVER been safe…. That has ALWAYS been a bad area, it’s always had loads of homeless people, even going back 45 years….Again, I’m a native Oregonian and I’m 53 years old…. It’s not a safe area, just be smart about it…. Don’t go alone if you’re new to the area, or if you don’t know your way around pdx, etc…. It’s always been that way…. Growing up, I was NEVER allowed to go to Downtown Portland alone, ever….
As for Powell’s being always crowded, I would disagree with that, it isn’t ALWAYS crowded…. Typically on a weekend it will be…. Also, during the classic “after work” hours 5-7PM…on a week day…. Other than that, I’ve been in there hundreds of times when it’s slow, over the last 51 years…(it opened in 1971) … I’ve been going there since I was a toddler with my family, to purchase our books or trade them in….
@@peterbelanger4094 Definitely take the bus or walk if you go. Parking is ridiculous and stupid.
My favorite book store!!! My granddaughter can still spend hours in there...which she has been doing since starting to read
Why isn't she in the library????
This is so wonderful. My husband is 7th generation Portland; Powells is a part of the family. So grateful for Michelle, her entire team and of course everyone who supports them by going out of their way to get their latest read at Powells.
I went to Portland for a conference (coming from Europe). The highlight of the city for me was Powell’s. Found a few rare books there, plus several new ones. Just spending time there was inspiring, and I felt at home at the same time. Please, never go away. You are a true gem in the world.
Whoever thought to do this segment-👏👏👏👏👏❗
All media should, yes should, highlight the significance of literacy (and quality of) and the importance of inclusion (a place for those who need to read but can't or won't go to the free library. A very thoughtful piece and seemingly everyone who has been is a huge fan. No endorsement like a referral.
This! 💜
it's a feel-good superficial piece.
Powell's City of Books has been my default bookstore for rare, out of print books. They've always had great books for everyone at great prices with fast shipping.
Books can be a lifeline, like the people who sell them. We can be all we need to be if we read, whether with a book in our hands, online or read to us.
Thank You wonderful people of Powell's City of Books.
You don't use Abe or Thrift?
I lived in Portland for 18 years and this made me nostalgic 💛. Best place ever to get presents!
Thank you for highlighting reading and physical books as relevant, and brick and mortar bookstores as valuable beyond their purpose as a bookseller.
As a native Portlander, Powells is part if our identity.
I don't like in PDX anymore but right after Thanksgiving my brother and I made the trip and I spent about $60 on books.
It is a great memory and I will always treasure things like my trips to Powells.
YES1 YES1 YES1 Powell's is a wonderful experience! The physical turn of a printed page far exceeds any electronic experience. Books owned by me frequently have bent corners marking a section, highlighted passages, notes in the margins that provide my personal connection to the topic, etc. The smell and feel of the paper is part of the whole book experience. I have lived around Portland for these last 27 years and Powell's is an iconic treasure!! The term "messy middle" aptly describes our current lives of change...well spoken. Thank you for this feature!
Yes, the feel of the pages and the look of the ink and the heft of the spine! All of that from libraries and LFLs!
I love books...would NOT want to live in a world without books, music or art. Me I still love to have the actual hardback book in my hands. I have a ton of books. Love love love to read 📚 💕
This made me cry. You’re absolutely right… I would not feel like living if the world was devoid of books, music, and art. ❤
If you are someone who values art and writing, please support artists as we deal with a new wave of AI technology that disrespects copyright and makes it harder for artists to make money from and be the best we can be at our craft. We want better copyright protections and opt-in only ai services! This will come for writers, too, eventually.
I too love books. I do not want to live in a world without libraries! Hardback books, though....not ideal. Harder to deal with in bathtub, in bed ... heavier to hold and manage. Softcovers rock! Save paper and shipping costs!
@@diyac9554 You make me think of Burgess Meredith in that Twilight Zone episode
I bought used French books from Powell's for my classroom -- $1.99-$4.99 each -- before getting to make a pilgrimage there in 2019, which was cross-country for me. Such a magical place, and they helped me create a library of great books for my students when I never would have been able to afford it otherwise.
What a great interview! I frequented Powells in the 70s before it was on Burnside. I would wander into what I remember as a somewhat dimly lit,dusty building downtown seeking a book and visit Walter (Emily’s grandfather). He would ponder for a slight moment and most often would disappear back into a room (or unknown rooms :-) and bring out the book I had inquired about frequently a book that was rare or even out of print! One of the magical things was how he (seemingly) kept track of all the books he had in his head. I am ever grateful that my parents read to me, taught me how to read and instilled the value mystery and magic of reading and that legacy lives on in my grandchildren (sixth generation Oregonians) who, if given the choice between a candy store a toy store and Powells would choose Powells hands-down.
YES, you were there when Powell's was Powell's! Dusty, dimly lit -- exactly! THAT is the Powell's now gone forever ;-(
Growing up as a farm girl in a small town… books transported me around the world. In the summer the Book Mobile was a huge hit!
Ditto - farm kid here and loved the book mobile! Luckily we had a nice library in the nearest town and got to go in person every two weeks in the summer.
I’ve always frequented my local library. Always surprised other people are unaware. I lived on military bases around the world & later in very small, sparsely populated towns. Our libraries are crucial.
They lost me at, it was part of the contract. They made everyone reapply and start from the beginning, loosing all seniority and the benefits that come with that? Sounds a little harsh...and they skipped right past that like it was nothing.
I was grossed out by that, too.
Evidently the employees chose a union and agreed to a contract with the company. The owner didn’t have a choice but to abide.
That's not true. That's the company spin. They mistreated employees because they wanted to, not because the union forced them too. In what universe would that make any sense.
Seniority and employment rights expired for laid-off former employees during the pandemic, including any rights under the recall process.
*losing
My husband’s favorite mug, for coffee, is from Powells. Bright orange with the Powell’s logo in bold blue letters. He broke it. Can’t begin to tell you how devastated he was. Shhhh! Guess what he’s getting for Christmas.
Just going to post that I would drive from Olympia, WA down to Powell's Books several times a year. It was where my friends and I sold books, bought books we needed for classes, or just bought books we wanted to read or own. Some Hardback First Edition collections were started from those visits. I bought and sold almost everything LeGuin wrote, bought and sold an entire set of Star Trek pocket books. Powell's, some of Portland's record stores, and restaurants were our quarterly reward and pleasure.
Over a decade ago I lived just outside of Portland and went to Powell's every time I came downtown. I love children's books, so I would always bee line for that department first. I bought many used copies of favorites from my childhood, which I still have. I also loved to browse the rare book room. I could spend hours and hours at Powell's!
Lived 2-3 blocks from Powell for 8 yrs couple decades ago... Loved going there. Probably visited couple times a week Thank you Powells.
Thanks CBS for this awesome story, I love Powell's so much and walking in and wandering around this book haven is pure joy!
I'm from Oakland CA and when I visited Portland this place was on my list to visit!!
I used to drive to Portland on a weekend just to go to Powell’s. I wish the city of Portland a speedy recovery from its current unfortunate predicament, so I could start coming there again.
I love Powell’s!!
This is making me homesick for Portland! This was my favorite place.
Portlander here, powells is an incredibly special place. When I go in I enter a happy alternate universe where I lose all track of time and stay in the moment.m
Downtown Powells is the number 1 place I recommend tourists to go
While I did not grow up there, I moved to Portland for college and lived there for 11 years. I consider it home still. Powell's is a real treat to go to when I visit from overseas. In fact I have to tell myself I can only get 4 or 5 books because of the weight limit on my bags flying back. I usually have a pretty good idea what I want and occasionally will find a book that I like that was not on my list. I haven't been there for over 3 years now. Hoping to visit next summer.
This summer, our daughter visited from the bush in Australia. From the get-go, Powell's Books was one of her primary destinations! Having grown up in Oregon, the pilgrimage to Powell's Books was "coming home."
The pilgrimage didn't grow up in Portland.
I have bought about six to eight books from this store, rare books, online, this is the first time to actually see it. Thanks, couldn't have wrote my book without them.
Where are you from? In which state do you reside?
@@ceooflonelinessinc.267 When? And this second question reminds me of that film Just Married where that fast chick whips off her red bra. I live mid way of the contiguous maybe three degrees past the 45th parallel. Why?
@@bardmadsen6956 Zip Code?
I have lived in Portland all of my 62.5 years. I knew Ms Powell's father. He use to be a customer at the bar that I worked at. He was a very nice man.
Been to Portland twice, visited Powell's both times and it was the highlight of my trip. Will definitely be back again!
Powell's Bookstore was the foundation of my life in Portland, Oregon, after I graduated from the University of Notre Dame and began my year of service with the Holy Cross Associates. I worked at the DePaul Center for Alcohol Treatment on SW Washington. My girlfriend and I would go shopping there, often meeting after noon mass at the Downtown Chapel. I bought books there which educated me to Native American Spirituality, and inspired me to go on a vision quest. That event fueled my continued involvement with the poor in Tacoma & Seattle, Washington. When I returned home to Minnesota and Wisconsin, I told people about Powell's Bookstore in Portland. It lifts my heart to know it is still a beacon of light on the Portland cityscape. Thank God for it! Thank God for our deep attachment to books and the life experiences they inspire, reveal, and develop.
It also helps that the flagship store downtown is in an old warehouse. It gives Powells an old industrial building feel. And it rehabilitates it, so the city doesn’t have to tear out still another potential landmark to build another postmodern eyesore.
I thought the building formerly held an automobile dealership
@@davidbondehagen1616:
‘Sounds good to me…old buildings are still better than cardboard boxes.
@@TheTrueOnyxRose big orange boxes at that.
@@davidbondehagen1616 When remodeling in about ‘90 they had to remove a huge gasoline tank that was underground.
One of the first things I do when I move to a new city is get a library card. I'm now 55 and I love moving up and down the aisles finding new things to read.
when I visited my daughter, one of the first things I did was get a library card. Good role modeling for granddaughter too.
Yes, LIBRARIES
Powell's bookstore has a very special place in my heart, and likely always will. I can't always make it out to the flagship store on Burnside, but I more often visit the Cedar Hills location and it's smaller, but equally as magical.
This report is almost as good as Powell's itself. When my sister comes to visit, Powell's is what she wants to do first. Thanks.
One of the very best stores in Portland!!!
I lived in Portland in 2001 for a year and worked a block away from Powells. I went every morning and read my way through the world mythology section and bought many cookbooks. Now when I want great books for my classroom, I always order them online from Powell s. I would love to be able to visit it again.
Powell's is a national treasure. I've been twice, when my parents lived in Portland. It's transformative.
Thank you for this story. I love books and bookstores.
My dear friend used to manage a few sections at Powell's and she was absorbed with the creative and dynamic nature of working there.
'So proud of Powells. It is one of the iconic jewels of Portland. I've loved it ever since I moved here way back when. I will buy books from no where else! (unless it is another independent local bookstore) If I'm not mistaken, Emily herself once helped me find the book Mornings in Jenin: A Novel By Susan Abulhawa, which I'd just heard about on KBOO, another iconic jewel of Portland.
Yes they should come back to do a story on KBOO radio.
I grew up in\around Portland, moved away over 25 years ago, and THE ONLY thing I miss about that city is Powell's. I used to spend hours and hours in there. A true gem.
I'm sorry!
My daughter lived in Portland from 2005 through 2012, and I visited her at least once a year, sometimes twice. My visits ALWAYS included a day at Powell's. A magical place, truly.
Love Powell's ! Went to Portland primarily to shop in that iconic bookstore on my first trip to the Nortwest. Hope to go again some day. Love the way it smells in there. Glad they made it through the pandemic.
LOVE this store! It's enormous! ❤️
Love Powell’s. One of the few things I miss about Portland, OR.
I've found Powell's to be a totally dependable source for mail order used and rare out of print books. I have always received books from them that are exactly as described at a fair price and they ship immediately.
I agree; the online purchase experience is good! But sometimes Abe or Thrift is better ;-)
I have an e-reader I use for one and done reading. Items I want to savor, I prefer paper. Libraries and bookstores are my jam!
Oh wonderful Powell's !!! What an incredible place.
Nothing can replace the experience when you walk into your favorite book store.
I used to live in Portland in the 1990's and Powell's was a favorite of mine. In those days they used to have what they called a "technology annex" in a separate building a couple of blocks away which was very special too. But I remember hearing that Portland is just about the most literary town in the U.S. for some reason?
It’s a great store, I visited Portland a few years ago and was taken there to indulge. What a treat it was. ❤️
Visited in Sepember 2022 and loved it there. It's the heart of the city to me and my family of writers and readers. Happy to learn It's a family business and hope they live forever. 💙
Going to Powell books was a amazing treat - I wish I still lived close by. I lost track of how many times I have visited the Portland Powell’s book store. I recommend anyone, everyone go to Powell’s books. It is an amazing experience - thank you Powell’s books for still being there - power to you for eons to come!
I lived in Portland a few years ago, and each time I go back to visit I try to hit a handful of my favorite restaurants, the Portland Japanese Garden, and Powell's Books. It's like a small pilgrimage every single time.
Forever a loyal Powell’s customer. A true gem in Portland.
Truly a sort of cathedral for books. Its one city block physical size gives it an aura of a holy temple for book lovers. I’ve made pilgrimages to this a number of times. Thank you, Powell’s!
I have lived in the Portland area most of my life and Powell’s is a beloved bookstore for me and my family. It truly is home when you walk in there.
I was a fashion design major at the Art Institute of Portland from 2005 to 2009 and I spent hours and hours of my life in Powell's bookstore and I loved it.
Back when Portland was awesome
As a local portlandian, can confirm how magical this store makes you feel. It’s almost nostalgic.
I can still remember, over 20 years ago, when I moved to Portland and I first went to Powell's. I spent 9 hours roaming the stacks and still went back the next day. It's readers heaven. I love seeing first time visitors with their maps and absolute awe in their eyes.
may we never ever stop having books
well read ... well bred
This is certainly the next best thing to the public library.
Awwwe Thank you Powell!! I love you guys. I have always had a closeness feeling to Powell books ( thanks to my Mother for bringing me here with her) but this clip really opened my eyes to the passion, and the tradition that you are continuing. Much love! ❤
Thanks Powell books 📖
I always loved wandering around. Soo much to experience. A must go to place when ever in Portland!
I have to say, I visited Powells in Portland a few years back and it was incredible.
I watched this program on TV. I plan on purchasing books online from them. 📚
I am delighted to hear about this bookstore! It sounds wonderful! Thank you!
I was on a business trip in Portland years ago and spent every evening after work at “Powell’s City of Books.” Loved it.
Where are you from? In which state do you reside?
I first went to Powell's in 1974, when I was in college. It was in a smaller building across Burnside from where it is now. It's been an important part of my life, and even though I've been gone for 20 years, a visit to Portland without going to Powell's is incomplete.
A little dishonest. Unions don’t fight owners who do more for employees, only the ones who do less.
I lived in Portland from 1991-2016 (25 years) Powell's is a Portland institution, that we are so proud of.
I live in Portland and am only a half mile away. I go here every week and have my spot. I look forward to the weekly book recommendations. I have purchased so many books from here. I love this place! I am so glad it's still here and survived!
grew up in portland going to powell’s (and my neighborhood’s broadway books, a gem in its own right) and now live in new york and still order from them! best catalogue of used books in great condition at great prices! i truly believe it has no equal and it will always hold a special place in my heart :))
My 2 favorite book stores: University of Washington Book Store in Seattle and Powell's whenever I drive the 4 hours to Portland. The chain book stores don't stock thought-provoking books.
When you come to Portland, search other independent, used and new book stores in Portland. They are all very interesting :)
And then have dinner at that Peruvian restaurant just around the corner. It's wonderful!
@@LindaC616 is the restaurant Andina?
@sherryann4697 yes!!! I had the arroz con pato (duck with rice) early in the 2000s, and I'm still dreaming of it. When I went to visit my friends in Perú, theirs just didn't compare with Andina's!
Powell’s is wonderful. I’m so glad they found a way to stay afloat during the pandemic, as hard as it sounds like it was. Years ago, I went there while visiting Portland, and I went looking for an author I enjoy, whose books are largely out of print. I think they had every single one of them.
I used to go to the chain bookstores in my area and sit for hours reading a variety of books (I liked Borders over Barnes and Noble, they had a much larger selection of technical books and also music). But I noticed a lot of college students coming and not spending a dime (I would at least buy a food, coffee or water to support the place, and I would purchase enough books and music over the years as well, to support both places). Now most of the books stores in the area have closed (Borders has closed for good, which is a shame, I really miss that place).
Powell’s has always been the best bookstore. They used to be able to find any out of print book for you.
Downtown Portland was my sales territory over 35 yrs ago. Every chance I got I would go to Powell's to get my favorite Sci Fi authors of the time. Never did I walk out without finding what I wanted to read. By the way I want to say it was nice to hear something nice about Portland. Especially after all the trouble the town has had, in all ways, over the past years. I enjoyed my area, and the store was a good place to get out of the weather on a bad day. The people were always happy to see you when you came in. I'm so glad they are still around.
Yes, I waited every October for the Gardner Dozois anthology
I am so glad that Powell's is still in business. Twenty years ago I went there and bought some Buddhist texts that were printed in the 1890's. After reading them I had a spiritual awakening so Powell's will always be a special place to me.
I had my first date as a teenager in Powell's with another fellow book lover. 💙
Every time I have to visit Portland, OR for work I stop by Powell's. Even if I don't buy anything, I gotta go. Love that store.
Great store. So welcoming and complete. Would love to see a profile of City Lights Books in SF.
Or Green Apple.
@@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive Absolutely. Love Green Apple and its Inner Sunset offshoot.
I use to go to Powells in Chicago growing up and now living in Oregon for 15 years it’s my favorite bookstore. I’ve also learned that people in Oregon are well read.
I absolutely LOVED Powell books when I lived in Portland.
Powells is an amazing bookstore!! Worth going to even if you are just passing by Portland!
When I was broke and falling in love witth poetry I spent all day discovering greatness in Powells Books.
Everytime I go to powells im overwhelmed with a feeling of magic. I can’t spend any less than two hours in there. I love it. The staff is so friendly and great at recommending books.