Privately owned usually means small, but not with this Portland Oregon Icon of book shopping paradise!
Powell’s Books had its beginnings in 1971 when Walter Powell, a retired painting contractor, wanted a new venture.
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Together with his son Michael, Powell’s Books opened its doors on Northwest Burnside.
![](https://roguevalleymagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/usednexttonewpowells.jpg)
Over the years Powell’s grew to the size of an entire city block featuring more than 1 million used and new books side by side.
![](https://roguevalleymagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/childrensculturebook-300x225.jpg)
Information stations and helpful employees help people find their way to the type of books they want.
The many rooms at Powell’s divided by color-coding. Let the shopping begin!
Plan an entire day for this store on Burnside!