Wallace Books — Local services in Portland

Fantastic little Sellwood bookstore that offers both new and used titles. Alas, it is not wheelchair accessible--unless one counts the items on table by sidewalk, but those are free anyway😁--but as I often use a cane and can't stand for long periods due to spinal deterioration, Ehlers-Danlos, and POTS, I have found it otherwise disability-friendly, in that its spaces are well organized, packing in what is (for the building's dimensions) a vast, well-organized inventory with adequate space for navigating, and even--oh sweet relief--some comfy seating.

Staff are both knowledgeable and friendly, in person, over the phone and in online queries; while thus far, I've only attempted latter through Facebook Messenger, staff have always replied promptly. (At such time as my condition presents more substantial barriers--while I'd obviously miss directly browsing the shelves--I'll continue to patronize through special orders.) Offers generous store credit for used titles they can accept; when last I inquired--6-8 months ago?--will also pay cash at 25% of the store credit rate.* Even better, customers may spend store credit on brand new AND used titles, including special orders!

Despite architectural limits typical of small, neighborhood-based stores, "disability awareness" itself is not lacking, reflected not only by employees' courtesy but in merchandising (also with an additionally commendable emphasis on regional authors and publishers); for example, it was here, in a prominent display, I first discovered a brilliant new anthology, "Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens." While it's likely Powell's Books (of which I'm also an enthusiastic fan, but sometimes lack bandwidth and/or physical stamina to navigate) carries that same title, in several recent visits, I hadn't noticed it even once. Given the necessarily limited range of new titles smaller retailers can stock, such choices (among other fresh offerings representing a broad range of topics, genres, and authors) reflect a commitment to literary diversity, quality, and authenticity, ideally calibrated to the needs and interests of the Sellwood community.

-- As with all used bookstores, always confirm in advance what the store can offer. Merchandise needs, forms and anounts of compensation, and availability of staff to evaluate potential trade-ins are subject to change. (At the very least, absent any prior arrangement, I would not bring by more than two medium-sized boxes; especially if near the end of the day, you might offer to leave items there and wait for their call to see what can be offered and when you and pick up items they can't use.) Fortunately, the one time I had to ask about possible cash payment, I was just able to squeak by on rent, and thus did not have to sacrifice my precious store...

After being to (almost) every locally owned bookstore in Portland, this one is my favorite! There are soooo many books it's almost overwhelming, but the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly! The selection of books is phenomenal and the prices are really good! They have a mixture of new and used books (mostly used, which I love), but they can usually special order you things if they don't have it. And you can trade in books and use credit to buy so that's always a plus!! I also love the vibe, it's a smallish house basically, and there are books EVERYWHERE...on the walls, above your head, on tables, in boxes...it kind of reminds me of the wand shop in Harry Potter (in the best way possible!) If you haven't checked this place out yet, it is a MUST! I almost didn't want to leave the review because I wanted to gatekeep this place but, there are enough books to go around...

Wallace Books opened in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood when I was still living in Sellwood, and it has been one of my favorite bookshops anywhere ever since. Julie Wallace fills the store with new and used books that hold a wide appeal. She staffs the store with people who know and love books, and she is an active member of the community, supporting and encouraging a number of projects to improve life for everyone. She goes out of her way to find what you need, and supports local and regional writers and their works. It's alway a great place to spend time, and the Children's Room is full of wonderful and affordable buys for your children and grandchildren. The mystery room is also piled from floor to ceiling with an excellent choice of used mysteries.The cheeriest place in town is this old yellow and purple house that holds so many...