Microcosm Publishing published my book for me and I am very pleased and satisfied with how the project went and with my resulting zine.

Great people, ground-breaking books. In complete transparency, I worked here for a while. I feel that this give me deeper insight into the business, though, and I can say with certainty that this publisher means what they say with their words and in their books. Not only are they a bunch of rad punk-loving bookworms, but they truly care about giving voices to those otherwise without them. Which, obviously, leads to some of the most interesting books/zines you can imagine! read more

What a wonderful place. This is officially one of my top 5 places in Portland. I wandered in on a lazy Saturday having been aware of Microcosm Publishing and it's awesomeness but never actually going into the store *(shame. shame on me.)* Walked in and was casually greeted by Elly (who by the way turns out to also be a book editor of one of the many books I picked up on this visit). So basically I was greeted by a celebrity.... I digress (and I am also suddenly worried if she sees this review she would red pen it all up...) She totally isn't that type.... (punny) ok, ok.. back to the visit.... Elly asked if I needed help, which I did as I was in the market for some books for my daughter's upcoming 21st birthday. Elly asked specific questions and pulled out great work I wouldn't of otherwise known about or considered. Ultimately making me look like a super hip mama and gift selector extraordinaire to my bookworm offspring. I cannot say enough positive things about this shop, how they do business and the ideals they represent. We are so lucky to have them in Portland. If you've made it thus far here's a pro-tip- check in on your yelp app for a discount. I am so going to make this a regular trip for all the rotating out of town pals that visit- as well as for my own personal book buying. Love. This. Shop. read more

Updating: As you can see, they did finally get back to me and explain what happened. As far as I'm concerned, they're forgiven, and I wish them well. read more

Awesome DIY book resource. Sliding scale to acknowledge that people are often in different socio-economic situations but should still be allowed access to information. Great zines, great books, neat shirts, nice people. read more

I have been a repeat customer of Microcosm Publishing for several years now.. I was really happy to see a sign posted outside the vegan mall describing how to get to their business front. I had no idea it was there and was very happy to find it was in walking distance. So we walked over and entered a very welcoming little room with books, zines and tshirts in hefty stacks. The staff was a very nice guy who welcomed us and left us alone to browse. I was pleased with their selection of books but extremely blown away by the huge selection of zines of various categories. I left here super impressed and will be back. read more

I came from SF to visit this shop and I am so happy I did. Nathan was extremely helpful and accommodating. I sat down on the floor and poured over the store's stock for hours. I took home so many great resources and with sale items and sliding scale pricing only paid $30. I felt this place well organized and accessible. Can't wait to come back! read more

This place is the coolest--and not the average bookstore. Microcosm publishes most of the material on the shelves, including the edgy, off the wall zines about strippers and menstruation and domestic violence. I fell into a state of awe when I dived into the wacky selection of zines they offered, and left with about a half dozen to read. They also offer everything on a sliding scale, choose-what-you-pay type of method. I honestly could spend hours here... This place is so unique and original... It feels like something that truly is still underground. read more

Microcosm Publishing - A sampling of the zines available. - Bookstores Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I don't even say I love you to my parents, but I think I just might (be in love) with Microcosm Publishing. Ever since they got those blue staple bike racks out front, I've been coming on the reg'. For me the allure is hunting for zines I've never 'zeen before. But I also peruse the choice quality selection of novels and non-fiction which cover the social justice angle of history, politics, and social reform. Seems like I find myself in here at least a few times a month to work my way slowly through Papercutter, which is awesome for learning about new artists in the graphic literature world. Besides some other quality, longer format texts, I love hunting through the little free box for some hilarious tidbits. I always check out the assorted buttons and stickers. My bicycle helmet is plastered with stickers. Thanks Microcosm. read more

Gave the bookstore a second try today and it was well worth it. I received great service which included friendly help. I felt welcome.

Great place to check out if you're a zine fanatic or like to browse catalogues of quality ideological, anarchist, environmentalist, civil rights and tons of other categories of independent literature. The books and zines are pretty cheap and they also sell shirts and coffee. Really liked the atmosphere in here - it's a great hangout to just check out the variety of independent media offered. Can't wait to come back. read more

Buy online because they overcharge you here, half of their stock doesn't have prices on them. I got home and looked up every item I bought and was overcharged $10, I genuinely feel it was intentional. I know some items are 'sliding scale' but seems like that scale slid upwards for me without my awareness. Most of these things are already vastly overpriced for the content, quality. read more

Love this store! They have everything you could want: tshirts, hoodies, books, zines, buttons, patches, stickers, magnets, gift cards, notebooks, posters, small bike supplies, etc. The employee behind the counter was very nice and informative. read more

located in the tiniest little store youve ever been in...well besides that 3x6 ft store in canada. this independent publisher and distributor has got zines, books, and films by a lot of local and independent authors. my fiancee told me about this place when he discovered they were the only pace in town selling this independent film we wanted to see. they had it, and a million other cool books on subjects from politics, sex and gender, environmentalism; all the hot buttons. and.... they are ridiculously cheap. we got this awesome little book on sustainable stuff and how to make it (like dish soap). the staff is very nice and laid back, playing their own music and just hanging out; cool vibe. i also loved their signs for the different book sections: "half-off" or "new shit". i suggest using cash if youre in a hurry though because their credit card "machine" is kinda slow. go check it out if youre even a tad interested in supporting local businesses with way cool stuff. read more

i'm sorry, i love microcosm publishing and everything it stands for and all the nifty little zines and books in there. it'd be five stars if not for the cashier/bookkeeper/owner. that man will take an hour (not hyperbolic) to ring you up to the point where you'll think you're maybe the victim of some sort of cruel joke on a hidden camera show. he will ignore your humanity and just when you've finally decided this can't be real and decide to walk out the door with the books and never come back, he'll look up and ask how he can help you. you should definitely pay this book store a visit but be warned once you commit to standing in front of him and waiting for him to ring you up, you've entered a contract with yourself that you cannot break. you will have to wait it out. and it will. be. painful. read more