2021: The Powell’s and Pizza tour is currently on hold until late spring.
10 a.m. weekends and during school breaks, 2 hours, $30
Powell’s Books is an immersion into the culture of reading in Portland, which is like no other city in the world! It’s easy to get lost in the store — literally. We’ll help. This experience is designed as a way for young children, their families, or adults to spend a few hours seeing Portland’s bookstore culture through the eyes of someone who grew up in it.
Monroe is your 12-year-old host, and he has envisioned, titled, and designed this experience to help you navigate through the store, shopping for books or spending time plopped down in the middle of the 12-foot-tall aisles (the way the bookstore’s owners had in mind). Monroe grew up with writers and readers everywhere around him, and counts bookstore owners among his friends. He also grew up with tour guides narrating his every day; you won’t find a more knowledgeable tween in the city!
You’ll start by meeting at a coffee shop near Powell’s, and Monroe will introduce you to the history of the bookstore and reading in Portland before beginning a wander into the aisles. He’ll help you navigate the four-story, city-block building, finding space to browse and give you tricks for finding the best copies. Once you have selected your favorites, you’ll head back across the street to his favorite pizza place, Sizzle Pie, where he’ll buy you a slice.
Meant for children or anyone with a childlike spirit!