If you’re looking for bookish gifts this winter and also want to support the library, check out Friends of Multnomah County Library. They have two beautiful locations to shop at, and the money they raise directly funds library programs.
Three gift ideas from the Friends of the Library store:
- Books: Perhaps this is obvious, but we simply had to include books on our list! At Rose City Reads on NE 122nd, you can shop more than 15,000 used books, refreshed daily; or, see the smaller curated selection at Friends Library Store in the lobby of Central Library in downtown Portland. Need a recommendation? Check out our Best Books list to see library staff picks from the past three years. Keep an eye out for our 2024 recommendations, coming soon!
- Stationery: Friends Library Store carries a gorgeous selection of cards and other stationery, with many options to suit the occasion. We’re big fans of their cards featuring the beauty of the region.
- Jewelry and more: Friends Library Store also carries jewelry and other gorgeous locally made gifts. Socks? They got ‘em. Literary bags? Sure! Puzzles and games? You bet!
Rose City Reads’ one year anniversary is on December 5. They opened at 221 NE 122nd Avenue in 2023, and carry thousands of gently used books and media on their shelves, restocked daily. In June, KGW calculated the average cost of a book there is $3. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. For your holiday gift shopping, Rose City Reads has extended their hours—find them open from 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays December 1 to 22, plus Monday December 23!
The Friends Library Store reopened with Central Library’s refresh in February 2024, and carries a curated selection of used books and other lovely literary items. They are open Friday through Saturday from 12 to 5 pm.
We hope you’ll stop by Rose City Reads or the Friends Library Store this holiday season. Remember: a gift purchased from one of these stores is also a gift to your local library!