A huge bookstore. I ended up buying 4 pairs of cool socks, huge Powell's mug, and a sign that says "Be happy for this moment this moment is your life." - Omar Khayam. By the entrance, there's an area where you can sit for a bit which was helpful from all the walking. Plus it was raining so it was very welcoming. Just one of those spots people stop by to visit on their first trip to Portland. read more

I ordered an in-stock book from Powells. I live in FL and we're well out of hurricane season. 10 days later, I'm still waiting for the book - the delivery date has come and gone. Amazingly, Powells uses TWO delivery services for the same item. UPS "Innovations" does the first part and then USPS takes over. My book has gone through an "induction" - I'm sorry I wasn't present for that, but I was at home waiting for the book. As much as I want to support independent bookstores, I would not recommend purchasing online from Powells. read more

Of the most recent reviews, I consider them to be suspect at best. And Amazon acolytes at worst. I am a long time patron of Powell's and am indebted to the intentional curation of literature at this fine establishment. I believe it to be a civic duty to support independent bibliographic artisans, such as Powells. For those who would impugn such a fine community, they are unfit and unqualified to offer opinions of any kind. I will gladly defend this retailer with my last dying breath. For those who disagree with my assessment and accuse me of being over zealous, to you, I challenge to trial by read a thon. Any book. Any text. Any length. Any where. For Alexandria! Semper Reformada! Long Live Powells! Buy Independent! Read! Resistance! read more

You know, I love Powell's. I always have always will. It's the kind of business that keeps me coming back. Easy to shop, never has a long line, decent prices and you can literally find anything. Their employees however, often under-deliver in my experience. Most usually seem to be too busy to bother or just don't seem interested in dealing with customers. The cashiers are usually pretty great. My most recent visit I sold some books back (first time doing that and soo cool that they offer that service btw). I had brought in a couple of boxes and asked my cashier if they could take care of them for me and she said yes so I left them at the end of the counter. As I go to leave another (male cashier) said "sir, actually we don't have the ability to take care of that. Can you take that box with you? I realize this is a bit fickle but cmon man, don't have the ability? You're other cashier just said I could, also I've worked at malls too...ya'll got big ^#* recycling compactors....you've got the skill AND the ability. Just be the pretentious non-customer server that you are and own it...tell me you don't want to deal with my boxes. Stuff like that makes people not want to come back...I still love powells but I'll take my business downtown from now on. read more

This is a large suburban edition of the Powell's. I like to think each Powell's have their own personality. The main one is big, huge and really a mecca. The one on Hawthorne is more like the local corner store, they have everything you need and a great kids section and separate garden and home section. The suburb one in Beaverton, is really large but also really great. It's in between the two mentioned before, large, well organized and definitely a place you can easily spend an hour. I would go there more if I lived closer. If you need a book, a nic-nac Portland gift or some place to find a comfy seat to peruse your book, this is the Powell's for you. I always leave this Powell's with 4 or 5 books, unfortunately for my credit card. read more

While it's not huge like the downtown one, it's cozy and still offers some same services such as free book pick up for powells.com purchases, knowledgeable and friendly staff and used book buying (call for specific hours). The vibe is earthy, laid back and alternative. Great place to browse, LOVE they place new and used books together on the shelf if they have used so you sometimes have a choice in what book you buy! read more

So sad.... but we do try.... Is brick and mortar retail dying? Went into Powells to purchase a couple books and went up to the info person to help locate the books. This person could not have been less unengaged, unfriendly, and inhospitable. Left the store and within 5 minutes purchased the books (needed 2 copies) on Amazon - Will have them tomorrow. So sad. But we do have choices. Service, smiles, engagement - not expensive - need to hire the right people - period. read more

Most Powell's locations are stellar and pleasant. This one was not. The person at the buy back counter informed me that I needed to show them a government ID BEFORE getting a buyback quote, and in which the information would be entered and stored in their system. Being somewhat familiar with laws regarding state/federal privacy acts. I asked them if it was posted in writing that IDs need to be recorded on their system BEFORE ACTUALLY processing the buyback. Surrendering a state ID during the actual transaction of said buyback is reasonable. When I asked about what happens to the information, The person at the desk, became reactive, (tact was not their strong suit) and informed me such privacy concerns should be addressed to the manager. I informed said employee when such things asking to record private information like government IDs on a database, it's supposed to be on writing somewhere adjacent to the registers or at least on a pamphlet that said employee can show the patron in question. I simply told them this was an unpleasant experience and no longer wanted to get a quote on the ONE book on appraisal. read more

I have a love hate thing going with Powell's. Have bought and sold. I love books, and you can get a great deal on a lost treasure here, but what is up with the people? There's always that hint of pretension. I can't recall anyone ever telling me thank you. I leave the register feeling as though they've done me a favor. Not cool when trying to support local. Play nice. Have manners and throw out a little 'thanks' after I give you my money. There....that wasn't so hard, was it? read more

I love the downtown Powell's and the last time I came to their suburban branch, it was still located near Washington Square. Coming here was refreshing, and parking was notably easier (and less sketchy) than downtown Portland. Their selection is about half the size of the downtown Portland store, which means it's about equal to a flagship location of the big chains. I was seeking a small-press book for my sci-fi/fantasy book club (yes, I AM that big a geek.) and word from others was that it was nearly impossible to find. That made me glad I was in the Portland area--Powell's carries EVERYTHING! I liked that the website allows you to check book availability by Powell's location, and that's what brought me out to Beaverton. The store had the spacious, open feel of the big chains, and a very similar layout and color scheme, which actually made me long for the labyrinthine quirkiness of the main Powell's. (I don't want to be a bull in a china shop, just a minotaur in a bookstore.) However,I REALLY liked that this location has kiosks where you can not only look up a book by title/author/etc. but it even tells you what AISLE it's in! I found this out when my book was not to be found in Sci-fi/Fantasy, but over in Aisle 16 - Literature. (Really?!? Um, ok. This ain't no Hemingway...) For this feature, they get their 4th star. Consequently, I got my book quickly and easily, and by the time the book club met, I'd read all but the last 50 pages...which meant more than nearly everyone else there. TRIVIA: I was surprised to discover that there are actually professional associations for book clubs. The American Library Association has a wiki (http://wikis.ala.org/professionaltips/index.php/Book_Discussion_Groups#How_to_Start_a_Book_Discussion_Group) on book clubs, or you can write to the Association of Book Group Readers and Leaders! read more

I helped a friend work on a project or two this morning, and by lunch we were a little at loose ends, so we decided a trip to Powell's Bookstore at Cedar Hills Crossing was just the thing. What a great idea. We're both book fanatics, so it did take some time, and that time felt like a snow day back in school. We took some books to sell and then went aisle by aisle having the best time exclaiming over books and other cool stuff they have for sale (lots of fun gifts for all ages and that would also work beautifully for stocking stuffers). My pal bought a series of young adult fantasy books for herself to read, which she will then share with me - score! I bought a great "how-to-draw" book (dinos, pirates, etc) for a toy drive. The store was not crowded. The clerks were great as always and very kind and chatty. Powell's may be in the main a Portland icon for most, but don't forget this store in Beaverton with the same outstanding experience as the Portland store. read more

Peyton Manning v. Eli Manning. This is how I compare downtown v. beaverton Powells. Peyton: big, showy, older, got the big ad contracts. Full package, everyone knows him. Eli: little bro, smaller, less confident, not as good looking, previously known only due to older bro. But hey Eli, you're looking good, you get the job done. However, in this instance you will never ever be as good as your brother. read more

If I had the authority I would give 4.83 stars to Powell's books at Cedar Hills Crossing. They don't just give that type of power out freely, but they do allow me to write my opinions...which can allow me to explain myself. Perhaps I am the only one, but Powell's over in Beaverton reminds me of being at a nice get together. Sure, it is convenient and the ambiance is such that you have plenty of things to look at and think about. It is wide open and they take care of things inside and out. However, you can't stop thinking about the incredibly fun party 8 miles towards the east. As mentioned before, it would be nice to have a larger selection of used books and they might get some if they would actually purchase a book I try to sell to them (I am hitting about 3 for 28 lifetime). Recently, I was able to purchase about a quarter of my Christmas shopping in one trip at Powell's! I am pretty convinced that there is something for everyone. Enough said. Powell's.....you just gotta swell up with some Northwest pride at the thought of it. :-) read more

I swear I could bring in the original document of the Magna Carta and the buyers at Powell's Books would still find fault with it or reject it!! Done with them- I've brought books in that were not mainstream or damaged...the ones that are I get it. No longer worth the trouble when I end up dumping them at Goodwill anyway. read more

While Powell's Downtown is the mother land, there are things to appreciate about you. - You're parking is slightly less awful than in Portland. - You have a larger space for book readings. - Your heating system doesn't cook me and force me to take off all my winter layers. - You sell books. Thank you for being you. read more

This could have been a 1 star review but because of fantastic customer service by someone who actually cared, it's a 4 star. Heres the backstory....... Was here on a saturday killing time before taking grand daughter to the movies around the corner..lotsa cartoon movies out now. We were browsing amongst the roller set ups at the front of the store when a woman came up and rolled it out from under me..didn't say a word-just rolled the book thingy away. We went over to another one-I buy grand daughter books monthly and guess what-it also was rolled away without saying anything-so I spoke up! "Whats going on? I'm looking at the childrens books and you've shoved the desks over into the corner and I can't get to them?" "Were having AN EVENT and need to set up for it," I swear, the way she said An Event made me think she believed it ought to be in all caps. You'da thunk Stephen King was coming to Beaverton Mall or something. Excuse me..Cedar Hills Plaza or whatever it's name is now. Lady was rude, thoughtless and had delusions of superiority or sumpin. Not Powells material at all IMO. Grand daughter and I dropped our books on the floor (Oh OOPS..bad Nana teaching the 8 year old bad things). Then I went out into the mall and called the store and bitched about the whole thing...Mostly about the way it was handled by the non-Powells material desk pusher girl. They sent me an "We're so sorry" note and a $15.00 gift card. And best of all agreed that the desk pusher needed a customer service and attitude training event. And no-SteveKing didn't come to town that day. read more

Not anywhere close to the extreme awesome of the giant-ass Powell's downtown, this smaller location is still a pretty decent bookstore. I was looking for several titles for x-mas gifts and I found them all quite easily here. I also got gift cards for my entire team at work. This store is on one level, so you don't have to schlep up all kinds of stairs to get from one section to another. You also don't have to call out search and rescue to find your other family members. I like that Powell's is a local business and not a mega-humungo chain. The prices are still reasonable and the selection is up to snuff with any other bookstore I've ever patronized. read more

I had never sold books before and had just cleansed my book shelf's of many many well read paper backs and Hard backs. When I first came in I was greeted professionally and asked if I could be helped. I told the nice lady that I did not know what to do and she walked me thru the entire process even down to loaning me a hand truck to bring in my many tubs of books. She went thru each book with me and told me what was good bad and what she could use and not use. I had the option to take back with me the books that they did not have an interest in and said that if I didn't want to take them home again and try to figure out what to do with them she could donate them for me. I opted for an in house gift card that gave me more on a card than just to cash out, I liked the fact that I got a choice. Very good experience and I recommend that you go here to re-purpose books rather than just toss them or take to good will. read more

This store is pretty spectacular just like the one downtown only significantly smaller. I recently attended an author signing which was arranged very well and the staff were all very attentive and helpful. read more

Powell's Books, in my opinion, has always been one of the better book store chains in the Portland area for their big selection of books. I was happy to see their new location at Cedar Hills Crossing, which was built just a few years ago. One thing I like about Powell's Books is their large selection of books. I've been in there looking for computer books because their section for computer books is considerably larger than most other book stores I've visited. Another thing I like about Powell's is that they buy & sell used books. I've taken used college textbooks there to sell, and I've also bought used books there. Just today I bought a used computer book there and saved about $15 compared to the new book price. The book is in like-new condition, too. Also, if Powell's has a book available at one of their other locations but not another, you can have the book delivered to another one of their locations for you to pick up. Overall, this is a great bookstore and is starting to become one of the first places I check when I'm looking for a book. read more

I have taken my kids here more often than the flagship downtown (but, oh, how I love that place right down to it's creaky floors) because: a) they arguably have just as good of a children's section here b) it is a quicker drive from our house c) parking situation is much easier We usually will check the used inventory online for books on my kids' wish list and almost always find what we are looking for at the Beaverton store. This is a spacious store and still has the 'Powell's" vibe despite being attached to a shopping center. But, what it really comes down to is: There is not much of a reason to go to this location unless you live closer to it, or they only have the book on your list at this store, or there is a reading/signing only at this location. read more

Being a locally owned book store I'm all into supporting it. It is not as large as the downtown Powell's books but is a decent 2nd place. I've found great deals on used books here so it is completely worth checking out. Even a coffee shop on site. It beats Borders Books and it's Starbucks any day. read more

so.... it is not the city block of multiple levels as the one downtown ..... however that being said... there is a heck of a lot of wonders to behold in this store as well. books, books books, trinkets, books books books... There is a large selection of pretty much....everything lol. For a bookworm this place is great. read more

Of course, it's not the same as the flagship store. However, it is very convenient when you don't want to go downtown and you need a Powell's fix! Despite it's smaller size, it still carries quite a sizable collection. The staff are very friendly and helpful. read more

I like this a lot more than the downtown location for ease of parking. Place is huge with nicely organized books. Lots of kids books and toys to look at for gifts. I could spend hours here since they have so much of a variety and I don't have to worry about parking. It's conveniently close to the mall and tasty food places. Nice place to spend a rainy afternoon. read more

This is a great bookstore for the west side of town. I usually find what I am looking for, it isn't a complete bitch to park, and there are plenty of used books for sale. I have heard that selling books can suck here, but I usually either store the books or give them away to someone else. The only downside to this is the technical section. Specifically, the networking section. Very few books here, and what they have is usually outdated. Guess what? I have described every bookstore in every city. So, no loss of stars for that. If you are looking for the more exotic, then you will want to go to the downtown store. However, if you want to support a local store that has a better selection than some of the other chains, you won't be disappointed. read more

I went in just before Christmas to get some stocking stuffers and a Jack London call of the wild book. The place has a great selection and the staff were very friendly and helpful when I went to look for that book. Definitely will be coming back here again . Great little hideaway. Thanks for the great experience. read more

Used books need love too, and I have plenty of love to give. Cover worn? that's okay. Pages bent? that's okay too. Strange stains on a copy of Defoe's Moll Flanders? well...maybe I'll wash with bleach this one time. I love you Powell's, but I put that copy of Moll Flanders back on the shelf. I felt that going steady with it would have been too much for me to handle. I hope you understand. Xoxo read more

This store is great, but could use a bit more selection in many of its genres. The store is always organized and neat. Finding a sales associate is sometimes a bit of a task as many are in the back rooms and the rest are helping someone already. Their used books are generally a good value unless they decide they are magically a collector's item and then good luck paying less than triple the price of the new tag. They could also offer a higher pay out for when you sell your books to them as they make 95% profit while you walk away with pocket change. read more

I went to this Powell's to return a book I got as a gift that I already owned a copy of, and ended up taking home 3 books instead (paid extra above and beyond the refund value, obviously...) This store is obviously not as voluminous as the downtown City of Books, but it's actually pretty useful anyway. Parking is easy, and the store is easy to move around in, and has plenty of places to sit and peruse. read more

Took the boys here last night. We had a blast! They were blown away by a entire level that was theirs to explore. I have never seen so many books in one place. It seems like a maze in there. But I am sure that it only takes a couple of times before you learn the lay of the land. read more

My whole family loves Powell's! My daughter and husband can spend hours in here. There is a huge selection of both new and used books. They also offer games, souvenirs, quirky items, etc... We never leave here empty handed. read more

My family and I love Powell's Books! Now as a fan of the downtown branch of Powells, making the Beaverton one compete would be a tough thing to do. You can still get used books in Beaverton, but it doesn't have nearly the selection as the downtown branch. There will always be something about the downtown branch that the Beaverton branch won't capture. But, because of the drive and parking, this branch of Powells, is always my first choice! i can say I have never been in another book store since they opened the Beaverton branch of Powells, there is no need to go anywhere else! read more

I will never buy new books again! I had always been a Barnes and Noble customer until I discovered Powell's last year. I'm a frequent customer; I would say I pick up anywhere from 2-6 books a month at the Beaverton location. It's always fairly quiet, clean, and organized here. It's easy to find a certain book, and the employees at the help desk are easy to find if you need any help. They almost always have a used copy of books that I want to buy, which is always the better choice! They also have a nice selection of trinkets and gifts for the nerdy side in you or your friends/family. Great place to pick up a gift! This is definitely my favorite spot to go book shopping. read more

A while back...I lived in NE Portland and loved to spend afternoons lost in Powells in downtown ...but now I am living DEEP in the west (Hillsboro) and traveling for a book with a baby can be difficult so I thought I would check out Powells in Beaverton. I am glad I did! It is located in Cedar Hills Crossings...which is apparently a half shopping center half mall type mixture and the parking lot is horrible (as are all parking lots in shopping centers) but I am pleased with the selection of books, the places to sit inside and the attitude of the staff. Of course they do not have the entire universe as the downtown location seems to but they had enough to keep me happy and coming back for more. read more

I have a propensity for romanticizing inanimate things. Books and bookstores are no exception. I know the benefits of going paperless, but Kindles and iPads are not that much better when you look at the big picture (I'm currently reading The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard). Nothing compares to holding a book, flipping through it's pages and getting lost in the words. Kids and adults too, take a moment to unplug yourself every now and then to read a book. Even if it has a lot of pictures. Thank you Powell's for being a beacon in a sea of illiteracy. read more

I went to Powell's at Cedar Hills yesterday and not only appreciated the helpful person checking me out with my gift certificate, but also the person at the information desk who went through my long list of books I was considering for my grandchildren and wrote down not only the location but the authors' names for ease of finding them.  I was thrilled to find them, and many were used so I could get more.  I know my grandchildren will be thrilled as well (and their parents). read more

We were at the Starbucks and my boyfriend wanted to check out the Powell's here. We both didn't realize that there was one here. It wasn't nearly as overwhelming as the one downtown on Burnside. It almost seemed more like a Barnes and Noble in feel, but I'd rather support Powell's anyday! They had a lot of great sales books and it was spacious and clean. read more

Biggest book store. I lost my friend in the bookstore and had to make an announcement for her not meet us in the green room. Hah

This location is not as overwhelming as the location on Burnside but when it comes providing ample prey for my book hunting needs, it gets the job done. I particularly like how expansive their graphic novel section is. The only real complaint I have about Powell's is that the cost for many of its offerings are a good 15-20% higher than Amazon prime and they don't price match. I am willing to pay a higher fee to help support a local institution but after a point the potential savings matter and I start to feel gouged. I sometimes find myself picking out three or four books and then only buying half of them at Powell's, and the rest online. In this way I don't feel that I'm disloyal or a pushover. When it comes down to it this is, hands down, the best Portland area bookstore outside of the downtown location and I obviously recommend it. read more