Powell's Books Haul - World's Largest Independent Bookstore

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There’s no shortage of wonder at Powell’s Books, Portland.

Of course I knew about the famous bookstore before I ventured to Oregon, but it was so much better than I could have possibly hoped for.

Powell’s Books is the world’s largest independent bookstore. It’s a multi-floored building in the heart of Portland that takes up an entire city block and has every book you could possibly think of, and even some you can’t. As you wander through the main doors, you’re greeted with a large foyer with Featured tables, and a hide pastel sign behind the registers saying POWELL’S BOOKS. If this first impression doesn’t immediately draw you in, then a short walk through to the books will have you rescheduling the rest of your day so you can get lost among the shelves.

And lost you very well might get.

There are multiple levels which cover about 1.6 acres of space all up, and 9 different coloured rooms so you can wander through genres with colourful ease. All the aisles are numbered, so if there is a specific book you’re after, all you have to do is call it up on the computers scattered around the building, note the room colour and the aisle number, and you’ll be in the right place.

As well as brand new, hot-off-the-printer books, Powell’s buys nearly 5,000 used books a day, and incorporates them into their catalogue. This means you can score yourself a used book at a lower price if you’d prefer. I managed to pick up a copy of The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern in the used books in the Blue Room, but it was in such good condition it might as well have been new.

In amongst the stories and the tomes there is every kind of book-related item you could wish for. Games, posters, Funko Pop Vinyls, stickers, mugs, bookmarks, reading lights … the list goes on. And on and on. I could have spent all my money in there quite easily. It was probably a good thing that I had limited baggage allowance. Goodbye money.

The Powell’s Books Haul

I actually ended up going to Powell’s twice, the second trip with a little more time to wander a bit more. But both occasions I picked up some things, and I thought I’d share with you what I bought.

The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern

Are you proud of me? Considering my hauling past, the purchasing of just 2 books is incredibly rare for me.The main reason I didn’t go mad with the book buying was luggage allowances. With only 23kg allowed on the way home, that would quickly be taken up with heavy books, even paperbacks, should I have splurged. But I’ve always wanted to read The Night Circus, so as I had finished Six of Crows the day before my visit, I thought it was perfect opportunity to pick up a copy.

The Cartoon Introduction to Philosophy, by Michael F. Patton and Kevin Cannon

On my return visit, The Cartoon Introduction to Philosophy jumped off the shelves and into my basket and there was nothing I could do about it. You can read more about that on Blogger’s Bookshelf.

Magnetic book tags

These are super neat. They were on special so I bought a whole bunch of different ones. These are the two packs I’m keeping for me, but I also bought some for friends and family. Hopefully I’ll actually use them. I love the idea of just popping them into books; I often find quotes that I can never re-find when I’m finished, so this might be a good use for them.

Llama Sticky Notes

Because everyone needs sticky notes in llama form. AmIRight? If you know me, be prepared to find llama notes stuck to your belongings. Forgot to take a proper picture, but you can see them sticking out of the Powell’s mug.

Powell’s Tote Bag

Technically I didn’t need to buy a bag with my purchases, but it wasn’t very much and it’s such a fun addition to the rest of my tote bags that I thought ‘why not’ and caved. I love this sky blue colour.

Ginny Weasly Funko Pop Vinyl

Harry Potter pops are my favourite. There were quite a few HP pops in Powell’s, but I had a list of ones I really wanted, and Ginny was at the top. I could have splurged and bought Fred and George too, but I was getting nervous about the weight of my luggage, so only Ginny was packed.

Powell’s Books Yellow Rain Mug

The size of this mug is fantastic. The perfect size for morning coffees and evening hot chocolates.

I’m quite pleased with my Powell’s Books haul, and proud of myself for reigning it in and only buying 2 books. If you’re ever in Oregon (even if it’s the other side of the state) you have to find a way to visit Powell’s. It was definitely a highlight of my 2 weeks away, and I would go back there in a flash. It’s a good thing I don’t like there, otherwise the bank account would be empty more often than full.

Have you been to Powell’s? What did you buy?