Always Here Bookstore

Miracle Lucketti

11 months 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!

Jessica Pelz

4 months ago

I stumbled upon this bookstore on a trip to Portland and it was one of the highlights of my trip! What a gift to the community.

Whit Randall

4 months ago

Always Here is a delightful little bookstore. A fresh breath in the age of Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other corporations. I love that I can come here and support queer literature in a queer owned space. I feel safe, supported, and their selection is AMAZING. Cannot recommend enough.

Gerald Jones

4 months ago

Such an adorable space. Well organized. Great selection. The owners are knowledgeable, friendly, with an amazing memory for their customers. I love browsing through. Plus it is so important to have these queer safe spaces! Love it!

Noah Snell

4 months ago

always here is the most magical, vibrant, and invaluable queer bookstore and third space. the owners & workers are delights and care deeply about their communities. i also appreciate that masks are required! the selection of queer books, both new and used, is diverse and expansive. and their kids section is super sweet! if you’re gonna spend money on books, go support your local queer bookstore, always here!!

Carrie Ellison

10 months ago

I visited Always Here Bookstore in May and found the store incredibly charming. Excellently curated selection of LGBTQIA+ books and bookish-adjacent goodies (bookmarks, stickers, magnets, art prints, zines, tea, etc). It was a peaceful browsing experience with a friendly chat at checkout. (I take a while to decide so I always appreciate not feeling rushed.) If I were a local, I’d be a regular!

Gracie Jenkins

4 months ago

One of my most favorite spots in Portland and one of my favorite bookstores nationwide in general. A fantastic selection of books, including a lovely children’s section, plus lots of little “bits and pieces” like art, stickers, keychains, socks, etc! Lots of things from local artists as well. The staff is always delightful and take the time to get to know customers. And the cherry on top, their masking policies allows me and so many others to feel fully confident and safe shopping in the space. Highly recommend for any disabled and community and covid conscious folk. ❤️

Lily Oliver

4 months ago

This is by far one of my favorite book stores I’ve ever been to!!! I love how welcoming they are, how much they care about their community in ways both big and small, and how passionate they are about everything they do. They have an excellent selection supporting many different small businesses/creators that I’ve loved to watch grow since the first time I visited on their opening day ❤️ They have everything from kids books to romance novels to cookbooks to amazing activist works that we could all use right now, and so so much more!! They even stock puzzles, candles, stuffed animals, the best stickers, etc. Plus they’re more than happy to work with you to get books they don’t have in stock! They also host wonderful events both for authors/specific books and for the community that I highly recommend checking out. They’re a great way to get to know people, find a new favorite book, or even work towards make a difference in the world. Every time I get to visit is such a treat and the owners are always so kind!! They are truly community and support oriented in everything they do. They even have a community locker system, with things like covid tests and gender affirming supplies, so please take what you need and consider donating if you can!

Stephanie Krutz

8 months 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!

Lisa Worthing

4 months ago

I love going to chat with brilliant booksellers in an inclusive, welcoming, safe space. There are a lot of great bookstores in Portland, but Always Here is my favorite. I always find something new and great among the shelves. There is always a fun event happening too.