Five stars for charm, three stars for function…read more I do really want to see small bookstores like this thrive, so my overall star rating is based on the former but I'll include some notes on the latter. Let's start with the charm. This adorable small bookstore with a hand painted window is just east of Belmont's most popular dining strip. They've got packed shelves, hand written labels on shelves, and the super cute merch items. Book prices are written on the first page. I couldn't possibly browse everything but it seems like they have a wide array as well as some niche items. That said, the organization is a little wild. It's by subject but I personally didn't understand how those genres were laid out and the small labels mean they're hard to find. That said, the helpful staff know their store and are happy to point you in the right direction. But then there's piles and piles of books on the floor - not very accessible. They do put out boxes of free books so they're at least trying to get more inventory moving out.

I visited during Portland Book Week. While an interesting store, the experience was not positive…read morefor me. 1) other than a brief goodbye as I was leaving, I had no interaction with staff during my visit. 2) A regular customer seemed to monopolize much of the staff's attention. In such a small space, he was often seated or standing in areas that made browsing more difficult, and his easily overheard comments at times created an uncomfortable atmosphere. I understand that loyal regular customers are important to a small business's success. However, it's equally important to ensure that the atmosphere remains welcoming and accessible for new visitors, especially for an event. Unfortunately, that balance didn't seem to be there during my visit.

This is the modern day Shop Around the Corner of Portland. My family was greeted upon entering and…read moreoffered recommendations. The knowledgable staff member sparked a memory when they mentioned a few books from my own childhood. They then instantly reminded me of a real life Kathleen Kelly. They ended up showing us a few books based on our daughter's interests. My daughter loved their suggestions. We ended up purchasing one book that they suggested because of their interaction with us. The store is cute itself but having someone with that excitement and knowledge makes you want to come back. Overall review: Very cute children's bookstore with fun creative displays. Great selection of books and calming patio. Highly suggest this store.

Need to find the perfect book for a young reader - or older human who needs the warmth, and…read moreelegantly simple punch that only a kids' book can bring? Go to Green Bean! The team there are readers, love kiddos and all kinds of families, and celebrate the magic of reading and play. From the vending machine of finger puppets, to the multitude of "minis" (tiny colored pencils, axolotyls, organs), and of course the books from baby to middle readers, you cannot go wrong! Plush-plushies, stickers, and tactile educational toys! We all need this place!

Reasonable prices and a good cause, even if not the widest selection of books. The workers here…read morewere friendly enough, and I enjoyed browsing. May be worth visiting frequently to find an occasional gem.

Friendly volunteers and irresistible book paraphernalia. Portland literature goodies for everyone…read more Careful. It's addictive!

So many bookstores get love for having a massive selection, but what does that massive selection…read morereally do for me? Selected Stories takes a completely different approach by offering very smartly curated shelves full of exceptional reads. Walk in, find the shelf with your preferred genre, and you'll undoubtedly find your next favorite book. The sheer value in the time I've saved can't be overlooked. Once upon a time I loved spending the day wandering the aisles of much bigger bookstores, but these days I'd rather have a little more guidance. Selected Stories is VERY good at giving that guidance. BONUS POINTS: I've met only two staff members in my half dozen visits and they've both been phenomenal.

New neighborhood bookstore alert!! I'm so absolutely delighted we have this gem on Division…read more This is the spot I'd show to a friend who's REALLY into books. The curation is incredibly thoughtful with a great mix of literary fiction, nonfiction, translated works, local, national, and international book prize winners. They even have a small section for children's books. All new books. All with fantastic covers somehow?? You just can't go wrong with whatever you pick up here. The space is so inviting, warm and chic. Small, but mighty! Reminds me of a McNally Jackson, which is A+++.

Years ago, I was able to attend Literary Arts' summer festival programming, where I saw Tom Hanks…read moreand Abbi Jacobson on stage. It was so fun to see these actors-turned-authors speak about what drew them to the written word. Fast forward to today, Literary Arts has a new location on SE Grand. After finding free street parking and walking through some stinky streets, their store was a welcome destination. The space is warm and thoughtfully designed. While it's not the biggest bookstore in town, it's well stocked and is a more welcoming space to hang out in to read, work, or have a sip of coffee from their in-house cafe. These days, a lot of my reading is done via the library. But I love that they host events here for folks to meet authors or discuss topics of interest. I hope bookstores continue to stick around and act as multi-faceted community spaces more than one-note commercial operations. I'll try to do my part in supporting their mission and I'll always keep on reading!

My family and I visited Portland this summer, and we were excited to explore the city's amazing…read morebookstore scene. Literary Arts was one of our favorite stops! The interior is spacious, bright, cozy, quiet, and well organized. There are two floors to explore, as well as a cafe with comfortable seating areas that make it a great place to relax, read, work, or simply browse around. The staff were very welcoming and friendly, and there was a wide variety of books to explore. I also noticed signs for workshops and author events they host. It was great to see that they serve as a hub for the local literary community. This place truly feels like a haven for book lovers -- a welcoming space that celebrates stories, creativity, and connection.

I learned of this small bookstore from my friends. It is a small storefront in the vintage…read moreapartment building resident between Broadway and Park. They have art journals and books placing them in my small bookstores collection. They have a specialty in contemporary Japanese artists. Their selection is continuously rotating so stop in often.

This place is a real gem. Tons of comics- rare, local, indie, classics, the whole works! I love all…read moreof the Showa-era retro paraphernalia they carry too, although I do find those to be a little bit over-priced. That said, I usually come in here to kill time thinking I won't buy anything, but then I find something amazing and can't resist because I know it'd be just about impossible to get anywhere else... Last time I managed to find a volume of エコエコアザラク (Eko Eko Azarak). They also sell some of my favorite art books, like Curses by George Wylesol and Vermis by Plastiboo... If you're interested in manga, it's definitely worth visiting. I've seen them selling works by some of my favorite classic mangaka like Leiji Matsumoto, Shigeru Mizuki, Kazuo Umezu, Junji Ito, etc. and they even have things like GARO magazine back issues lying around.

I think I heard it's in Lloyd center probably year or 2 ago, but last year I take a good look at…read moreit, that is I'm surprised that Kanegon from Ultraman series & when I look around this comic book that it's not comic but there's also some a bunch of retro stuff from Japan & some Ultraman stuffs. And they good amount of price & nice cashiers as well.

Some stores just pretend to be in business. Example: I went to the Paper Moon Bookstore, in…read morePortland. I was the only customer in the place. Me: Hi. I'm looking for ephemera from the World War II era. Paper Moon Bookstore: Oh, yeah, we have lots of that. Me: Great, can I see it? Paper Moon: Sorry, no. We only sell that through the internet. Me: Is the material here in the store? Paper Moon: Sure. It's in this box. (Reaches out and touches the box.) Me: Could I look through it right here, in front of you? I'll be really careful. Paper Moon: No. Me: Could you look through it, and see if you have any XYZ in it? Paper Moon: No. You'd have to go online. Me: And if I find something online, could I come and pick it up? Paper Moon: No, you'd have to buy it through the mail. Me: But I'm here, with cash. Paper Moon: Shrug. Me: (I went to their website later. There was nothing there. )

Stopped in today for the first time -- and so wish I'd done so sooner! Great little neighborhood…read morebookstore with a very unique selection. My partner and I popped in just to browse and ended up buying about 8 books between us. If you like indie bookstores, you'll enjoy Paper Moon!