Categories > Guides and Tips
Top 10 Used Bookstores in Portland
As a bookworm, I know two true struggles: one, finding a new book to read, and two, finding a new book to read without leaving me scraping pennies off the floor.
Thing is, books are expensive and buying them brand-new really shifts my entire budget. Fortunately, Portland has many used bookstores to explore, which at least helps me score books at a discount.
If you’re like me, then this list is for you. Find hidden gems around the city perfect for that new read hunt on a budget!
Green Bean Books
Website: http://www.greenbeanbookspdx.com/
Address: 1600 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States
Contact details: +1 503-954-2354
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you’re looking for awesome books for your kids, Green Bean Books is where it’s at. It’s known as the top spot for kids’ books among Portland bookstores.
Tucked away in a cute little red house on Northeast Alberta Avenue, you’ll find shelves packed with not just new but also pre-loved picture books, graphic novels, and nonfiction for all ages.
Plus, there’s a cool section with books in different languages like Vietnamese, Spanish, and Chinese.
And that’s not all – Green Bean Books also has a bunch of fun toys. Your kids will love discovering finger puppets, hand-painted dolls, and even fake facial hair (some of which come from old vending machines).
So, if you have a little one who’s fond of reading books and more, bring them to this cozy Alberta Street shop.
Longfellow’s Bookstore & Magazines
– Media by laura_j_donohue
Address: 1401 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202, United States
Contact details: +1 503-239-5222
Cruising down Southeast Division Street, you might have thought that rundown little building was just some old factory. Surprise! It’s actually Longfellow’s Bookstore & Magazines, one of the best used book spots in Portland.
Sure, if you’re on a mission for a specific read, this might not be your jam. But if you’re up for a leisurely browse, Longfellow’s is your spot – you’ll get lost on their shelves, guaranteed.
This family-run joint has been in the game for 35 years and knows its stuff. From the latest bestsellers to quirky hidden gems and vintage classics, you’ll find it all here.
Picture stumbling upon Kathryn Harrison’s controversial memoir “The Kiss” or Simon Winchester’s epic history “Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded”!
Can’t find the right read? No worries – the staff are super friendly and happy to steer you in the right direction.
In addition to their extensive collection of used books, Longfellow’s also offers posters, other paper collectibles, and an impressive array of magazines.
Daedalus Books
Website: http://www.abebooks.com/daedalus-books-portland-or-u.s.a/14318/sf
Address: 2074 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Contact details: +1 503-274-7742
Operating hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
For the scholars in the group, make sure to check out Daedalus Books in Northwest Portland. This independent bookseller has been keeping Portland’s shelves well-stocked since 1997, offering a fantastic selection of used art, philosophy, and academic books.
When it comes to books, Daedalus Books offers an impressive collection ranging from arcane occult and hermetic texts to first-edition poetry and obscure philosophy works.
Some of these gems are tucked away in the owner’s personal library, so be sure to ask specifically for them if you’re on the lookout.
Prices for their used books are reasonable, and rare and collectible editions are offered at market value. Overall, you’ll get great value for your money at Daedalus Books.
Wallace Books
Website: http://facebook.com/wallacebooks
Address: 7241 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR 97202, United States
Contact details: +1 503-235-7350
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Since Julie Wallace opened it in 1997, this beloved Portland bookstore has been a local favorite for over 25 years. Every corner of Wallace Books is filled with used books, and you might spot a few new ones too.
If you’re someone who finds joy in simply being surrounded by books, this place will feel like heaven. Picture books stacked on shelves, piled on the floor, and even spilling over into corners.
In a nutshell, you’ll find a bit of everything here: novels, biographies, history books, young adult reads, and even self-help titles.
Additionally, they have a children’s room full of wonderful and affordable buys for your little ones. Then there’s the mystery room – it’s packed with a great selection of used mysteries, perfect if you’re into that genre.
On top of everything, if they don’t have the book you’re looking for, they can order it for you, usually arriving within 1 to 3 days.
Arches Bookhouse
Website: http://archesbookhouse.com/
Address: 8900 N Wall Ave, Portland, OR 97203, United States
Contact details: +1 503-251-5383
Operating hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Scholars into philosophy, history, theology, literature, and poetry will love Arches Bookhouse. Even though it’s small, this place is packed with used books on these subjects.
You’ll also find sections for fiction, literature, a bit of art, kids’ stuff, and other random topics scattered around.
Their prices are cheaper than new books, but what’s even cooler is how much they value their customers’ money. Every year, they throw a big customer appreciation sale with a massive 50% off used book prices.
So, keep an eye on their website and sign up for their newsletter so you don’t miss out!
Quick tip: They get new used books every week, so the selection is always changing. Head straight to the Used New Arrival section at the front – those books go fast!
Bearly Read Books
Website: https://www.bearlyreadbookstore.com/
Address: 16441 SE Powell Blvd #1724, Portland, OR 97236, United States
Contact details: +1 503-667-9669
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This adorable little used bookstore in Portland is a local gem, and it’s packed with books! At Bearly Read Bookstore, you’ll find huge sections dedicated to sci-fi and fantasy, mysteries, romance, non-fiction, and more.
While the books are organized, part of the fun is still digging around to discover hidden treasures. And if you need a hand, the friendly staff are always there to help.
Bearly Read also lets you trade gently used books. It’s a great way to freshen up your reading stash while being eco-friendly. Just keep in mind that they don’t give cash for books; instead, you get trade credit onsite.
Major bonus: there’s an adorable store kitty to pet while you browse!
Clackamas Book Exchange
Address: 7931 SE King Rd, Portland, OR 97222, United States
Contact details: +1 503-659-2559
Operating hours: Monday – Tuesday and Thursday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Another fantastic spot to browse for a wide selection of used books at reasonable prices is Clackamas Book Exchange. Here, they specialize in selling a variety of used books across different genres, so you’re bound to find something you love.
Their selection is top-notch, mostly fiction but also including nonfiction, religious books, Christian novels, and stories.
What’s even better is that they have a trade-in policy, allowing you to bring in your used books in exchange for store credit. This makes them a great place to refresh your home bookshelves.
When you visit, you’ll be greeted by the friendly lady at the front desk, who is super helpful and always has solid recommendations to offer – you’ll never feel lost among their vast array of books!
Friends Library Store
Website: http://friends-library.org/store
Address: 801 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
Contact details: +1 503-988-5911
Operating hours: Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Tuesday – Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
This sweet little shop is right in the lobby of the Central Library and inside, you’ll find a great selection of gently used books, including YA and kids’ stuff.
But that’s not all – they also offer a variety of literature-related gifts, puzzles, journals, and beautiful local greeting cards. And if you’re into feminist-themed goodies, jewelry, totes, or games, they have you covered as well.
Their used books are perfect for adding to your reading list, and the other stuff makes great gifts or souvenirs for tourists. Plus, you’ll feel good about shopping here because it’s all for a good cause – the proceeds support the Multnomah Libraries!
BOOKtique
Website: http://thebooktique.org/
Address: 380 A Ave Suite B, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, United States
Contact details: +1 503-534-5758
Operating hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
There’s a fantastic used bookstore near Portland that you might not be aware of. The nonprofit Booktique, operated by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library, is a treasure trove of potential gems.
It’s all run by volunteers, and there’s something for everyone: kids’ classics, cool young adult stuff, and even pop culture goodies like Marvel comics and “Star Trek” books.
They also have rare finds, trade paperbacks, romance tales, mysteries, and Western classics.
Non-fiction enthusiasts will especially appreciate Booktique, as their meticulously organized shelves offer a plethora of options. Notably, the political section features a shelf humorously labeled “Axes to Grind.”
And yes, you guessed it right – the prices here are unbeatable. You can snag paperbacks starting at just 50 cents and hardcovers for only a buck.
Mother Foucault’s Bookshop
Website: http://motherfoucaultsbookshop.com/
Address: 523 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214, United States
Contact details: +1 503-236-2665
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
This cozy secondhand bookshop, Mother Foucault’s, is a paradise for philosophy lovers. But, they also have plenty more to offer, like fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and foreign-language books.
Tucked away in Portland’s southeast industrial district, it’s pretty easy to find.
They’re open every day, so just drop by whenever you want and soak up the vibes of the whole place: well-worn rugs, vintage wooden shelves, and stacks of old books.
But if you time your visit between Thursdays to Saturdays, you might even catch a poetry reading or book event that customers are welcome to join.
Good news! If you’re an author looking for a venue for your books, they’re also open to organizing your own readings or launches. Feel free to reach out to them!
