Portland has long drawn curious readers: independent bookstores, author events, shelves of used treasures, and quiet corners made for lingering over one more chapter. At The Nines, that literary spirit begins before you ever step outside. Settle into our library, created in partnership with Powell’s City of Books, and borrow from a collection of more than 3,000 titles during your stay.
Condé Nast Traveler recently included The Nines in its guide to the world’s most literary hotels, recognizing the hotel as a welcoming starting point for travelers who want to experience Portland’s book culture. Whether you are searching for a new release, a rare discovery, or a thoughtful afternoon between chapters, use this guide to build your own literary itinerary.
Begin Your Story at The Nines
Our library is designed for unhurried afternoons and slow evenings. Floor-to-ceiling shelves, leather seating, a billiards table, and local artwork create an inviting setting to page through a new find or return to a longtime favorite. The collection, curated with Powell’s City of Books, offers guests a distinctly Portland way to relax and discover.
Bring a book down to the atrium, then ease into the evening with dinner at Urban Farmer or sunset views and cocktails at Departure. It is the kind of stay that leaves room for both a full Portland itinerary and the pleasure of doing very little at all.
Explore Portland’s Independent Bookstores
Portland’s bookstore scene extends well beyond its most famous landmark. Begin with these beloved local stops, each offering its own reason to browse a little longer:
- Powell’s City of Books: A short walk from The Nines, Powell’s is the world’s largest independent new and used bookstore. Set aside time to wander its color-coded rooms, explore its expansive selection, and find a book to bring home.
- Literary Arts Bookstore: Located in the Central Eastside, this bookstore and café pairs a deep selection of titles with readings, community events, and a calendar that celebrates writers and readers year-round.
- Mother Foucault’s Bookshop: For used, rare, and vintage books, this intimate Central Eastside shop is a destination in itself. Its curated selection includes literature, philosophy, art, fiction, poetry, and foreign-language titles.
- Broadway Books: This longtime Northeast Portland independent bookstore is known for its well-considered new and used selection, author events, and connection to the local literary community.
Hours, events, and inventory change often, so ask our concierge team for the latest recommendations before you go.
Make a Day of Portland’s Cultural Side
Pair a bookstore visit with a few of Portland’s nearby cultural landmarks. The Portland Art Museum is an easy addition to a downtown itinerary, while the Portland Japanese Garden offers a peaceful place to reflect after a morning of browsing. For a classic Portland afternoon, stop for specialty coffee, settle in with your newest purchase, and let the city’s creative energy set the pace.
If your visit aligns with an author reading, a book signing, or a Literary Arts event, make an evening of it. Portland’s literary culture is not limited to the shelves—it is alive in its conversations, independent businesses, and community gathering places.
Return to a Better Kind of Night In
After a day exploring Portland, return to The Nines with your next read in hand. Choose a quiet corner in the library, enjoy a nightcap at Departure, or retreat to your room and let the city fade into the background for a while. For book lovers, the best journeys are often the ones that make space for both discovery and downtime.
Plan your Portland literary escape at The Nines and discover a stay where every chapter begins close to home.