Always Here Bookstore

Name: Always Here Bookstore
Address: 4555 North Williams Avenue, Portland, OR, 97217, US
Telephone: (503) 208-4799
Price range: $$
Rating: 5

Always Here Bookstore: A cozy, queer-forward hub for books, gifts, and community.

5(5 reviews)

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About

Always Here Bookstore, located at 4555 N Williams Ave in Portland, is a welcoming, well-curated space that feels like a living room. It showcases diverse, queer-centered titles for all ages, hosts events and clubs, and offers preorder options and gifts. Masks are available at the front for shoppers who don’t have one, and sensory toys accompany browsing for a friendly, inclusive community hub.

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Location

4555 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97217, USA

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Information

4555 North Williams Avenue

Portland, OR, 97217

(503) 208-4799 alwaysherebooks.com/

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Services

Book Sales

A diverse selection of new books, with a focus on queer literature, graphic novels, and titles for all ages, available in-store.

Special Orders

Personalized service to preorder or special order books not currently in stock, ensuring you get exactly what you're looking for.

Community Events

Hosting book clubs, author readings, and other events that build community and celebrate literature in a safe, inclusive space.

Gift Items

Offering stickers, toys, and other curated gift items alongside books to enhance your shopping experience.

Inclusive Environment

Providing sensory/stim toys, masks, and a cozy, organized layout to ensure accessibility and comfort for all visitors.

5.00 · 5 reviews

Overall rating

Joe Biel

via Google

· 10 months ago

A gem of a Portland fixture. While I would consider this a "general interest bookstore," that's mostly because it's catered to my special interests. It's vibrant, interesting, and well-curated. I've worked in books for 30 years yet find things here that I've never seen before or even knew to exist. The manner is enthusiastic, honest, and wholesome. It feels like visiting your own living room, but where you meet likeminded strangers in a time that Portland struggles for community hubs. Always Here is a gift.

Stephanie Krutz

via Google

· 1 year ago

Such a lovely bookstore! I came by to check on a recently released graphic novel so I could support a small local business, and they had it in stock. This shop has a fantastic collection of books for readers of different ages, and they clearly put a lot of consideration into the shop layout and design because it’s very well-organized and not overwhelming! Masks are required in the store, but they have some at the front for shoppers who don’t have one. There are also sensory/stim toys for people to use while browsing, which I thought was awesome. The individual working the counter (sorry I didn’t get your name!) was also very kind and we briefly chatted about books. Next time I’m in the store and not hunting for a specific book, I’ll ask for a recommendation! All in all, a wonderful experience. Go check them out!

Andi

via Google

· 1 year ago

Absolutely adore Always Here 💖 perfect cozy little bookshop, teen me (when I lived near Albina) would have been in here every day after school! They've fostered an incredible space around queer books and authors, I endlessly appreciate all the work they've done and continue to do for our community. Ordering from them is my favorite way to get new books, and I always walk out with a handful of excellent stickers whenever I go in 💕

Autumn Hurd

via Google

· 1 year ago

Possibly the cutest & most adorable queer bookstore for all ages!! I have found so many of my new favorite books here, yes all queer, of all genres. They’re happy to preorder/special order books that you’re looking for as well. (Such a shame that you can’t go into literally any other bookstore to find LOTR…. 🙄🙄🙄) so grateful for a space that’s created specifically for queer books when we live in a world of straight washing. 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 love yall 4 ever

Miracle Lucketti

via Google

· 1 year ago

i got to visit Always Here with a big group of indie booksellers during children’s institute and it was easily my favorite stop on the route. SO much queer joy and love and literature packed into one space, and john and raf were so kind and patient with the giant crowd of us that popped up at once. the space is clearly a staple in the community, with so many events and clubs taking place, and even though i may not live in portland i’m grateful it (and they!) exist. can’t wait to go back!

Vino, located at 137 SE 28th Ave in Portland, offers a well-curated wine selection in a welcoming space. Reviews highlight free Sunday tastings, an excellent selection including orange wines, and friendly staff with relatable, helpful recommendations. Under new proprietor Scott, the shop honors gift certificates and remains a community gathering spot for wine novices and enthusiasts.

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