Powell's City of Books
About
Powell's City of Books is a wonderland for young readers, spanning an entire city block with over a million books. The dedicated children's section features cozy reading nooks, regular storytime events, and a thoughtfully curated selection that makes discovering new favorites an adventure. Kids are enchanted by the treasure-hunt atmosphere of navigating the color-coded rooms, and the friendly staff excels at helping families find age-perfect reads.
Highlights
- ✓Entire children's room (Orange Room) with thousands of picture books and chapter books
- ✓Cozy reading nooks perfect for previewing books before purchasing
- ✓Free author events and children's story times throughout the month
- ✓Treasure hunt atmosphere with color-coded rooms spanning a full city block
- ✓Mix of new and gently used books at various price points
Pro Tips
- 1.Grab a free store map at the entrance,the color-coded rooms make it a fun scavenger hunt for kids to navigate to the Orange Room (children's section)
- 2.Visit weekday mornings for the quietest browsing experience; weekends can get crowded, especially in the afternoon
- 3.Check the events calendar online before visiting for author readings and children's storytimes, typically held on weekends
- 4.Bring a tote bag or small backpack,kids love filling it with their discoveries, and used books offer great value
- 5.The rare book room (Pearl Room) fascinates older kids interested in historical treasures and first editions
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10am-noon) offer the calmest atmosphere for browsing with little ones. Visit on weekends if you want to catch special story times or author events, but arrive right when they open at 9am to beat the crowds.
What to Know
Entry is free and you can browse for hours without pressure to purchase. The bookstore is stroller-accessible with an elevator, and there's a café inside for snack breaks. Street parking and nearby paid lots are available, with the store being just a few blocks from MAX light rail stops.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Holiday season (November-December) features special gift displays and extended author events, making it magical but busier. Rainy Portland days make Powell's an especially cozy indoor destination.
Nearby Eats
Walk two blocks to Kure Juice Bar for healthy smoothies and acai bowls kids love, or head to Prasad for kid-friendly vegan comfort food and fresh-baked treats. Both offer quick, healthy options perfect for refueling young readers.
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