Powell's City of Books
Oregon
Powell's City of Books is a landmark bookstore located in Portland, Oregon, renowned as the largest independent new and used bookstore globally. Founded in 1971 by Walter Powell and expanded by his son Michael Powell, the store has grown into a sprawling literary haven spanning an entire city block. It offers an extensive collection of books across genres, including rare, academic, and discounted titles, attracting bibliophiles worldwide. Architecturally, the store features unique elements such as the 'Pillar of Books' carved from Tenino sandstone, symbolizing the joy and cycle of book ownership. Powell's has embraced both traditional and digital realms, establishing a strong internet presence since 1993 and integrating print-on-demand technology. The bookstore is celebrated not only for its size but also for its cultural impact, being recognized among America's best bookstores and a 'cool' global bookstore destination. Its continuous evolution and community engagement make it a vibrant hub for readers and tourists alike.
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Tipp: Visit Powell's City of Books during weekdays or mornings to avoid crowds, especially during special sales events. Consider purchasing tickets or vouchers online if available, and explore their website for special offers and events. The store offers a vast selection, so allocate ample time to browse. Discounts are often available for educators and students. Parking can be limited downtown, so public transit or walking is recommended.
Interessante Fakten
- •Powell's City of Books claims to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world.
- •The store features a 'Pillar of Books' carved from Tenino sandstone, depicting eight of the world's great books.
- •Powell's website was established in 1994, predating Amazon.com.
- •In 2016, CNN named Powell's one of the "coolest" bookstores worldwide.
- •The store held its first-ever used book sale in 2024, attracting over 10,000 attendees with wait times exceeding four hours.
- •Powell's was a charter member of the Google eBooks service in 2010.
Geschichte
Powell's Books was founded in 1971 by Walter Powell in Portland, Oregon, with expansion led by his son Michael Powell, who joined in 1979.
The flagship City of Books location was established after securing its current site in the early 1980s.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Powell's expanded with multiple branch stores and grew its reputation during the resurgence of independent bookstores in the U.S.
The store underwent a major expansion in 1999, adding iconic architectural features.
Powell's embraced online retail early, launching its website in 1994.
Leadership transitioned within the Powell family and management over the years, with significant developments including the adoption of print-on-demand technology and participation in digital book services.
Ortsführer
Pillar of Books1999
A prominent Tenino sandstone sculpture at the Pearl District entrance depicting a stack of eight of the world's great books, inscribed with the Latin phrase encouraging the cycle of buying, reading, enjoying, and selling books.
Main City of Books Store1980s–1999 expansion
Spanning an entire city block, this flagship store houses over a million books in new, used, and rare categories, organized into color-coded rooms representing different genres and themes.
Kontakt
Telefon: (800) 878-7323
