Oregon is home to the largest used book store for English-language books.
In American book stores, new books don't stay on the shelves long. Soon after publication, most disappear again to make room for new productions. Book fans looking for a certain title in America often face disappointment. Ordering an out-of-publication English book in Germany is usually just as difficult. Powell's, a book store in Portland, Oregon, that specializes in used and rare books, can however, usually help, even with the most unusual book wishes.
The largest bookstore in the English-speaking world, a genuine "city of books," is not what one expects to find behind the mountains of Oregon. "Powell's City of Books," however, stocks 750,000 titles on its shelves and has 500,000 more in stock. "But our strong point lies in rare books," says Bill Hayes, manager of Powell's Used Books Department.
Those not fortunate enough to visit this book lovers' mecca in person on a trip to America can still take advantage of Powell's services. Fax desired titles and a credit card number to Powell's in Oregon (Powell's Books, 1005 W. Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97209, Fax 001-503/228-4631). Soon a fax comes back, saying if the requested books are on hand. If not, Powell's asks if the titles should be ordered, and quotes prices.
Shipping books to Germany by sea costs $4 for the first book and $1 for each additional one. Airmail costs $12.51 for the first, and $5 for each additional book.
Powell's strength is indeed in out-of-print books. One finds histories of literature from the fifties, travel descriptions from the sixties, sociological, political, and historical works from the last fifty to sixty years. Each book Powell's buys is recorded in its computerized inventory.
Much comes together here, and buyers can find works that they otherwise would have to borrow from a university library. Prices are reasonable. A book that cost $20 new twenty years ago is sold today for $10.
Currently, around 200 people work at Powell's on Burnside. Well-informed employees at information stands help customers with computerized book searches. American style business hours (9:00 am to 11:00 p.m. during the week, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sundays) help create a relaxed atmosphere.
For a $2 fee, Powell's will run a search for hard-to-find books on a computerized network of rare book stores throughout the English-speaking world, not forgetting Australia and New Zealand. Forty to fifty percent of the searches are successful, Bill Hayes reports.
Mike Lamb, leader of the "Phone Room," the operation's electronic nerve center, is happy with Powell's world-wide network. He's especially proud of the company's Asian business. "In addition to Japan, Singapore and Korea, we now also send books to Vietnam." In a few months, when a five-year long computerized inventory is completed, every volume on Powell's shelves will be available on line.
A map showing the location of the 122 subject areas, arranged in six color-coded categories, helps visitors find their way through the cavernous halls. The labyrinth of floors, departments and shelves are crowded with book fans, researchers, and browsers. All who come to read, converse, or find a specific title enjoy the "Anne Hughes Coffee Room," the building's culture and communications center. Readings and musical performances take place here; here one finds Powell's literary magazine, The Burnside Reader, with articles and interviews from the world of books.
