Hallo ihr Lieben,
ich melde mich heute aus Portland, der wunderschönen Stadt im Nordwesten der USA. Hier bin ich vor ein paar Tagen auf ein wahres Paradies für Bücherliebhaber gestoßen – Powell's City of Books. Wenn du genauso verrückt nach Büchern bist wie ich, dann solltest du auf jeden Fall weiterlesen!
Powell's City of Books ist das größte unabhängige Buchgeschäft der Welt und erstreckt sich über eine ganze Stadtblocklänge. Schon alleine von außen beeindruckt das Gebäude mit seiner auffälligen roten Fassade. Und wenn du erst einmal den Laden betrittst, kommst du aus dem Staunen nicht mehr heraus. Auf über 68.000 Quadratmetern findest du hier eine unglaubliche Auswahl an Büchern – von Belletristik über Sachbücher bis hin zu seltenen Sammlerstücken. Egal welches Genre dich interessiert, hier wirst du garantiert fündig.
Besonders beeindruckend ist die Organisierung der Bücher. Powell's City of Books ist auf vier Etagen aufgeteilt, und jede Etage hat ihren eigenen Charme. Obwohl ich so viele Bücher auf einmal gesehen habe, habe ich mich dank der übersichtlichen Beschilderung nie verloren gefühlt. Und falls du doch mal Hilfe brauchst, stehen dir die freundlichen Mitarbeiter immer zur Seite.
Ein Highlight für mich war der sogenannte "Gold Room". Hier findest du eine einzigartige Auswahl an raritäten und besonderen Ausgaben. Ich konnte es kaum glauben, als ich dort ein Erstausgabe von "Der Herr der Ringe" entdeckte. Natürlich musste ich gleich zuschlagen und habe mich gefreut, ein Stück Literaturgeschichte in den Händen zu halten.
Neben den Büchern selber bietet Powell's City of Books auch eine große Auswahl an Souvenirs rund um das Thema Bücher und Lesen. Von Tassen über Lesezeichen bis hin zu witzigen T-Shirts – hier findest du das perfekte Geschenk für jeden Buchliebhaber.
Ich könnte euch noch stundenlang von meinem Besuch in Powell's City of Books erzählen, aber am besten überzeugt ihr euch selbst von diesem magischen Ort. Und wenn ihr schon einmal hier seid, solltet ihr unbedingt auch die anderen Highlights der Stadt entdecken. Wie wäre es zum Beispiel mit einem Ausflug zu den atemberaubenden Nordlichtern in Anchorage? Oder einem Abenteuerurlaub in Alaska? Und wenn ihr lieber in der Wärme bleiben möchtet, kann ich euch einen Partyurlaub in Miami empfehlen.
Also, worauf wartet ihr noch? Packt eure Koffer, taucht ein in die Welt der Bücher und lasst euch verzaubern!
Bis bald,
Eure Reise-Bloggerin
History of Powell's City of Books
Powell's City of Books in Portland, Oregon is a legendary bookstore that has captured the hearts of bookworms from all over the world. The bookstore was founded in 1971 by Walter Powell and has since become one of the largest independent bookstores in the United States. It occupies an entire city block and has become an iconic landmark in Portland.
As I stepped into Powell's, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer size of the place. The bookstore is spread across multiple floors, with each level dedicated to different genres and types of books. It's like entering a paradise for book lovers, with shelves upon shelves of books stretching as far as the eye can see.
The size and layout of the bookstore
Covering a whopping 68,000 square feet, Powell's City of Books is truly a book lover's dream come true. The store boasts over 1.5 million books, both new and used, which are meticulously arranged on the shelves. The layout is well-organized, making it easy to navigate through the vast collection.
As I walked through the aisles, I couldn't help but get lost in the sea of books. The bookstore has a distinct smell, that intoxicating scent of aged paper and ink that every book lover knows and loves. I found myself exploring sections that I never would have thought of before, discovering hidden gems and old favorites along the way.
A wide selection of books from all genres
What sets Powell's City of Books apart from other bookstores is its incredible variety of genres. Whether you're a fan of fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, or history, there's something for everyone here. And it's not just limited to popular books either – Powell's also carries rare and hard-to-find titles, making it a treasure trove for collectors and enthusiasts.
What amazed me the most was the extensive collection of local and independent authors. Powell's has always been a strong supporter of local talent, and it shows in the wide range of books by Portland-based writers. It's a great place to discover new voices and support the local literary community.
Unique features and attractions within the bookstore
Aside from its incredible selection of books, Powell's City of Books also offers several unique features and attractions that make the experience all the more enjoyable. One of these is the Rare Book Room, which houses a curated collection of rare and valuable books. Visitors can marvel at first editions, signed copies, and other literary treasures.
Another highlight is the Espresso Book Machine, a print-on-demand service that allows you to have a book printed right there on the spot. It's a great option for self-published authors or for those looking for hard-to-find or out-of-print titles.
Events and author signings at Powell's
Powell's City of Books is also known for its vibrant events and author signings. The store regularly hosts readings, panel discussions, and book launches, providing visitors with the opportunity to meet their favorite authors and discover new ones. I was lucky enough to attend a talk by a bestselling author and found it to be a truly enriching experience.
The bookstore also supports local book clubs and hosts their meetings, offering a space for literary discussion and community-building. It's a testament to Powell's commitment to fostering a love for books and reading among its customers.
Tips for exploring Powell's City of Books
If you're planning a visit to Powell's City of Books, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
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Wear comfortable shoes: With its vast expanse and multiple floors, you'll be doing a lot of walking. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear to keep your feet happy while you explore.
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Set aside enough time: It's easy to get lost in the maze of books and lose track of time. Plan for at least a few hours to fully immerse yourself in the bookstore's ambiance and explore the different sections.
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Ask for recommendations: The staff at Powell's are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations or seek their assistance in finding a specific book – they'll be more than happy to help.
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Take breaks: With so much to see and discover, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Take breaks and find a cozy nook to sit and browse through your new finds or simply soak in the atmosphere.
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Bring a tote bag: With the temptation to buy multiple books, it's a good idea to bring a tote bag to carry your purchases. Plus, it's eco-friendly!
Conclusion
Powell's City of Books is a book lover's paradise that offers a truly magical experience. Whether you're a dedicated bibliophile or simply someone looking for a great bookstore to lose yourself in, Powell's is a must-visit destination. With its extensive collection, unique features, and vibrant literary community, it's no wonder that Powell's has become a beloved institution in Portland and beyond. So, grab a cup of coffee, start browsing, and get ready to embark on a literary adventure like no other at Powell's City of Books.
