A book popped up in a free library in Boston and I fell in love with it. It turned out to be one of a series. Off I went to Wallace books and they pulled five books in the series off their shelves for me. That was last winter. In the meantime, they're keeping me up to date with the series and each time I go to pick up my book, I find at least one other fascinating read to take home--and they give me credit when I bring books back. What's not to love! read more

This was a very cute bookstore! They sold new and used books and offered to buy books for store credit during certain hours. I enjoyed their organization of books with clear category labels along with a "PNW author section"! I felt welcomed and relaxed when browsing and would definitely recommend checking it out for any book lover! read more

Wallace Books - Bookstores Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I love this place! Whenever I need a book I just shoot them a message, and if they've got it for me they'll pull it off the shelf, otherwise they'll happy put the order in for me. Everyone here is so nice, the prices are so good, and browsing the stacks is just so fun. read more

Fun store to shop, tight spaces so be prepared to be cramped on a busy day. Staff are usually pretty friendly and chatty, but not all. That's not a bad thing! The books are well taken care of in the store, you can tell they don't just shove or cram them onto the shelves. The store is clean, pretty easy to navigate also. My only issue? They do take trades but during the COVID time I was on from out of town and the process was to drop off the books, they sorted and would notify what they wanted and what your trade in value was. It took a little longer than they thought it would and I was out of town by the Time I got the call, told I could use the credit online or when I come back. Came back a year later and they had no record of it. That's ok, things could be worse! read more

I called to ask about inventory, a woman answered the phone and asked if I could be put on hold. I waited on hold for 35 minutes before hanging up and trying to call back, but I was only greeted with a voicemail. This was at 3pm on a Wednesday. Were you just gonna keep me on hold forever??? read more

I love this book store. I always find some great unexpected things. It's an adventure, digging and sifting--a true fun bookstore experience. read more

Wallace Books - Front door - Bookstores Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Local used bookstore that has an overwhelming selection. Easy to find what section interests you though because things are clearly marked which I appreciate. read more

Great treasure hunts abound! Staff is outstanding....and well read. This store is a great anchor for Sellwood-West Mooreland. Best to walk here as parking is usually difficult at best. read more

This place is so cool! First time in today to try to browse. All the staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. They have an excellent selection of a broad range of topic areas including a sumptuous section on local authors. I warned the staff I might get lost in time and space and to maybe leave out some food and water in case I don't resurface for a long time. Great place to find a good book! read more

In a city with many good book stores, Wallace is worth the stop. Why? It's a house with books in every nook and cranny. New ones, old ones, hard to find ones. The owner is very friendly and can also order you a book if they don't have it. Buy local, and try this wonderful store, as even if you don't get a book, it is so different and so one-of-a-kind, that you should go. read more

Wallace Books has been one of our favorite Sellwood businesses for years! The owner, Julie, is ahhhmazing and brings a fun yet laid-back ambiance all while offering resaonable prices for quality used and new books. She has been a lifesaver during the pandemic shut down. Their selection is amazing, customer service is impeccable, and the store is packed full, floor-to-ceiling of books. If you can't find what you're looking for in the store, ask, and one of their employees will help you find the book you're looking for or order it for you. This is particularly helpful while we're all doing our best to social distance during this pandemic We bring all of our used books here and donate the ones that Wallace Books can't use in their store. I wish I could give Wallace Books 500 stars!!! Shop local!! read more

I loved the energy and vibe of this book store. I love the fact that there are new books and old books and very affordable books. I browsed through the store for about 30 minutes and was still a little confused by the layout. On the other hand, there was an abundant selection and a lovely person working the day I was there! read more

We experienced a time warp in this place. Killed 2 hours in here. Kiddos left with three new books and I with two.

In the landscape of Portland over the last few years there has been so much negativity. Leave that negativity at home and go to Wallace Books. Get lost in this jammed packed house full of books. This place is so uniquely Portland that it just personifies our Portland way. Portland is that big city that is not that big. This book store is a big book store that is not that big. Just Go check it out. read more

Packed full of books. Used and some new. Helpful and friendly staff. Browsing is always an adventure for book lovers like me!

Very friendly and helpful. They are a wonderful neighborhood store in Sellwood. If they don't have a book I want they order it in quickly.

Very helpful finding a book for me that I couldn't find anywhere else. Highly recommended

Smaller bookstore keeps pace I know that Powell's Books is the reining king of all stores, but if you're looking for one that offers more personal service and not so many floors to navigate, give Wallace Books a try. I went here with a friend who's been shopping there for years. She loves and appreciates the knowledgeable staff. She's often gone to them for gift suggestions or hard-to-find books. It's a cozy place that doesn't sell customers short at all with its vast and diverse collection. Tip: It's an ideal shop to pick up a unique book for an avid reader, who has probably read most mainstream selections. read more

Wallace Books - Bookstores Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I love this little used bookstore. My husband probably doesn't like how much I love this little bookstore. Every time I step foot inside I find some new treasure or rather many many new treasures. read more

I usually don't like used book stores because they tend to be cluttered and outdated, but that is not the case with Wallace Books. It was cozy, welcoming, and you immediately felt relaxed. I purchased three books, all were reasonably priced. They have the books organized well, and even have a room where books are organized in boxes by author. Will go back here for my next book purchase! read more

I've only been here once, but I recommend it to everyone! This looks like a small shop from the outside, but they have a huge and really unique variety of books. They have books that are popular now, books that were popular in the past, random little books, big books of information, cheap books on sale. Books everywhere! Super friendly too :) I much prefer shops like this to big brands like Barnes and nobles because they have so much more personality and you're more likely to find something magical and interesting. Highly recommend you check them out! read more

I've shopped here a couple of times. Kind of junky and disorganized, which isn't ALWAYS bad. Had an unfortunate experience recently, where I brought in a couple of books to be evaluated for purchase by the store. Despite assurances, and three separate inquiries, I never received a call back! After three weeks, I returned to collect the books. I won't shop there again. read more

How cool is Julie, owner of Wallace books? My daughter needed a book for one of her high school classes that no one in town had. I ordered one from Wallace Books and quite frankly, forgotten I had. The crunch was on at school for the kids to get this book (many were in the same boat as my daughter) so I caved and ordered it from Amazon. Wouldn't you know it later that day it came in at Wallace Books. I told Julie that I wouldn't need it anymore and you know what she said? Come in a grab the book from her and then bring in my book from Amazon when it arrived to replace the one from her. "I'd hate for your daughter to go without it when we have one." This little story says it all about this amazing book store. read more

Wallace is a cute independent bookstore in the Sellwood/Moreland area which is bursting at the seams and overflowing with a vast and varied new and used book inventory. Occupying an old house on SE Milwaukie, Wallace fills each room with a loosely organized collection of books piled helter skelter from floor to ceiling. If you're looking for a specific title or author, seek some guidance from their friendly staff. Otherwise, explore the labyrinth of books both new and old and enjoy specialty shelves such as "Northwest Authors" and "Prize winners." Wallace is also a good bet for old pulp paperbacks. Support independent bookstores! read more

Considering the time and money we spent at Powell's, you'd think that we wouldn't be attracted to any alternate book store, but you'd be wrong. This one is very much worth the time. It seems to be a house that's been jammed full of new and used books, and there appears to be no nook or cranny that isn't swamped with piles and shelves. Astounding! I easily found four books after about 40 minutes in there. Had i spent a day, I'm sure I would have staggered out of there with dozens. Worth a stop. read more

Love this place for used books! My family and I come here every now and again, and while it is a little scary thinking about what would happen if some of these book stacks were to fall, it's fun to see just how many books they can fit in that one tiny little house! They are organized in sections by genre, and have a kids room too for children's/YA fiction. Bought a lot of good books from here and will always come back to this nice little, bright yellow house! read more

I am in trouble with a capital "T", I work very very close to Wallace books, as in only a few doors away from this magical little cottage of amazingness. I am looking forward to many hours spent digging for buried book treasures. My favorite part of Wallace books is the back area/room filled with children's books, crates sorted by author including a whole crate for Roald Dahl. read more

Don't let the small outside fool you! This place is packed with books. New and gigantic selection of used. You need a lot of time to fully peruse the place. Only complaint is that books aren't well-organized. Stacks sitting on the floor everywhere. There were people in there organizing/stocking so maybe it's just a temporary thing and our timing was off. Well worth the trip. read more

Had time to kill before a meeting and had never been in Sellwood. Scouted this awesome spot on Yelp. Great indie book store that kicked the ass of my ADD. Sooooooooooo many books (on shelves, in boxes, in piles, tucked everywhere. Prices are fair if you calculate what you would pay per book for shipping on Amazon Marketplace. Greatest selection that even rivals Powells in some genres. Very sweet lass works there that knows her stuff and has some great skills in locating particular titles / authors. $1 rack out front. Not well sheltered from the rain though. Some water damaged books, but for a buck, they can dry. We found some great obscure titles. Dangerous place for avid readers. Great chill vibe. A new favourite!! read more

I hate to be the first one to give this place a bad review. I'm totally down for supporting small businesses, which is why I went here in the first place. But I just found this bookstore sooo chaotic. They need a bigger space for all these books or a better organization system. On top of the books on the shelves, there are books stacked randomly in crates on floors & tables. It's so hard to find what you're looking for. The children's section I found more geared toward older kids, not much of a baby/toddler/board book selection. There isn't a place to sit down to flip through a book, even if you wanted to sit on the floor there wouldn't be room. I feel like this place just needs a MAJOR makeover. read more

I simply love this amazing packed wonderland of a bookstore with it's friendly staff!

I truly loved this neighborhood spot. It may be a little scattered if you are rushed to find something in particular, but I found it so relaxing to quietly browse their selection for a while. I liked that the staff was friendly and hospitable but gave me space to wander. I didn't feel rushed and I really enjoyed exploring the house. I'm excited to come back and ask for my next book recommendation! read more

This is one of the best bookstores in Portland; a small cozy bookstore with a wide range of new and used books and Julie, the owner, has an encyclopedic mind when it comes to books- ask if she has something and likely as not she will walk you to one of the rooms, or a shelf somewhere and pull it out. They will order books if they don't have it and they have a large selection of new and used. The room with childrens' books is extensive. When I take my grandsons in to buy books they can be found on the floor in front of bins and crates of books loading up. The staff are all knowledgable also if Julie is not there. This is all in a cozy yellow craftsman home in Westmoreland filled with books. In the winter there is often a warming fire in what was the living room of the home too. read more

Wallace Books is a truly wonderful place to browse around. Julie is kind and knowledgeable. The selection of books is plentiful and eclectic; every time I visit, I fall in love with some well-worn tome I didn't come in for. But since the prices are so great, I never fell bad about adding it to my stack. My advice is this: If you are looking for something specific, ask right away. If not, lose yourself for a while in this bibliophile's wonderland! read more

I am an unapologetic lover of books. When I visit a new city I always ask about the best used book store. If someone was to ask me about the best used book store I would say Powell's, then I'd pause and direct then here for a more charming, intimate experience. Wallace books is a wonderful place where you can loose yourself for hours in every nook and cranny. Stop by, you wind be disappointed. read more

Wallace Books is the bibliophile's dream, full of hidden treasures. New and used books, great atmosphere, and all the charm that you would expect out of a 22 year old Portland bookstore. read more

The best used bookstore!!! Packed with books. Be prepared to stay and browse. Or ask for help and they are super efficient and know just where to look. LOVE this store!! read more

What is more magical and lovely than a quaint house full of new and used books from floor to ceiling? Maybe if they have cats! And last time, I saw one :) The only way this could get better is if a cute thirty something available man who loves cats as much or more (now I'm asking for the impossible) worked there KA-CHING! Seriously folks, lots of great books for all tastes, at excellent prices. The staff is knowledgable, friendly, and helpful, and don't try to rush you out or push you to buy a book. You say Sellwood is too far to go? True, but treat yourself to some books and hit up Oaks Bottom for totchos and a beer or Nectar for some frozen yogurt too. read more

Love this place! My roommate and I went here after a day of looking around at used bookstores and this one was by far the best. It was little cluttered, but in a fun way. The staff was super nice and welcoming. Super cute and a lot of books to choose from!! read more

Super cozy (especially in the dead of Winter when they've got a roaring fire going in the front room) and the staff are knowledgeable, passionate about their books, and truly helpful. I've special-ordered many a book from Wallace in my years of browsing their racks (and found some gems on their shelves, including old out-of-print "Pogo" books by Walt Kelly!) I want *my* money to support the great local shops like Wallace Books. You won't find personalized, caring Wallace Books-style service at the big stores, certainly not the national chains. read more