Annie Bloom's Books

Here is one of the steadfast local bookstores that has held strong for 30+ years. It’s a local fave, especially for Multnomah Village. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting. They pack the space with new releases, children’s books, cards and everything you’d want from a bookstore. If they don’t have it in stock, they will gladly order it for you. They also offer free gift wrapping. What’s there not to like about this place? They’re also avid contributor’s to community events.

Easily our favorite bookshop in Portland. It is well curated, somehow always has what we are looking for, but it still cozy and fun to shop around in. Great selection of current books, literature, kids books and activities and great stationary selection. They offer wrapping and always have fun patterned paper, and stocks local chocolates. We stop by almost every week.

Wow, I'm so amazed that there is a bookstore of this quality that is perfect for finding a huge selection of children's books, and is open until 9:00 p.m. on many nights. This is a rare book shop indeed! The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. They offer complimentary gift wrapping, which was no small thing for me in that I purchased 8 books (for a 1-year old, mind you) and asked to have each one gift wrapped. My "tip" for this service was to purchase another 25 dollars worth of goods for myself. Without a question, the highlight of my visit was the small black cat that wanders into the store on its own--it is the store cat, very disarming, friendly, cute, wish I could take him home. There is no question that I will be back here. They have books for all ages, but it appears that their specialty is books for children and youth.

This adorable little bookstore is tiny but feels incredibly cozy and inviting. They have a fantastic kids’ section alongside an amazing adult collection, so there’s truly something for everyone. I always love checking out their staff picks—they never disappoint and introduce me to some great reads. What really stands out is how welcoming and safe the space feels. They make it clear that all people and bodies are embraced here, which is so refreshing. Plus, they have the cutest bookmarks and stickers to add a little extra charm. One of my favorite touches is that they’ll beautifully wrap any book you buy as a gift—it’s such a wonderful service. Honestly, it feels like a bookstore straight out of Gilmore Girls—warm, charming, and full of heart. It’s absolutely amazing and definitely worth a visit!

Lovely local bookstore. Their recommendations have been very good. They keep on top of what's new, and have an excellent stock for such a small store.

Not too big, not too small, Annie Bloom’s has a wonderful selection that goes beyond books. My favorite thing is the unmistakable, inviting smell of ink on paper that invites you to drop in and browse for a while. The staff is wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable – they can help you find anything and their recommendations are stellar. The author events feel like you’re visiting with old friends. A treasure of a bookstore that’s been blooming in Multnomah Village for over 40 years.

Can’t wait to return! What an amazing book store. The service was excellent and there was such charm there. Great selection of books too! Was there for a book reading which is awesome they do there for local authors like Dian Greenwood.

A wonderful little independent bookstore in the heart of Multnomah Village. Knowledgeable and friendly staff who can make wonderful recommendations. It doesn't have everything but, for the size, does have a well curated collection of books and cards.

Not too big, not too small, Annie Bloom's has a wonderful selection that goes beyond books. My favorite thing is the unmistakable, inviting smell of ink on paper that invites you to drop in and browse for a while. The staff is wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable - they can help you find anything and their recommendations are stellar. The author events feel like you're visiting with old friends. A treasure of a bookstore that's been blooming in Multnomah Village for over 40 years.

I love this place and hope it exists forever. Been coming for 18 years with my family and the staff is always kind, welcoming, and helpful.

One of the best things about Annie Bloom's is that it's always open when I want it to be! I love the hours. They will also wrap your book beautifully, so it's always my go-to for last-minute gifts. They have books you won't find in the corporate bookstores, which is why I love getting baby shower gift books here. I love having a local bookstore that I can count on. You can also order just about any book through them, so it's a wonderful alternative to Amazon. Plus if you're lucky you can get a glimpse of the cutest kitty!

One of the most wonderful bookstores in the Pacific Northwest, warm, kindly, supportive, and a refuge for writers, authors, publishers, and readers.

I truly want to love this place. It's my local bookstore, and I would rather buy my novels here than Amazon and Powell's. The funny thing is, the atmosphere in here is about as warm as an Alaskan winter/icepick to the retina. Would it kill you to say, " hey how's it going, need any help, thanks for coming in!" All I get is bizarre stares, and the feeling I'm being watched. Anyways, **** this place. Guess I'm going to Powell's and the last Barnes & Noble left.

Annie Bloom's is a treasure. There's nothing more delightful than an indie bookstore, in my humble opinion. The selection is good and staff are friendly. To top it off, they gift wrap your purchase and sell cards so you can get your birthday and holiday shopping done in one easy stop!

RUDE, SURLY STAFF! I was browsing with family today and saw something that would be a good present for one of them, so I asked the cashier for a bag, prompting an exasperated sigh, an exaggerated eye roll, and the book shoved at me at the end of the transaction with no thank you whatsoever, despite my every effort to be cheery with the bitter, miserable woman behind the counter. The store is cute, but that is fully negated by staff that seem annoyed by the presence of customers. I'll do them a favor, and not come back.

A wonderful community bookstore. If they don't have it, they'll order it! I love to go in their embrace, all their interesting books and gifts!!!!!!!

Annie Blooms is lovely little bookstore with great book selection and competent and very nice staff! I love it!!!

This shop is so cute and the vibe is so cozy. The people working there are so nice and caring and they showed me around the store. They have every genre I have heard of and so many books. They are pretty cheap and they even will ship in books for you. 100% recommend!

Friendly and helpful staff. Good selection of cards for any occasion. Not a HUGE inventory of books but great variety I wasn't so sure of the layout of the land but I absolutely LOVE when bookstores have 'staff recommendation' tabs on the shelves with a little blurb about the contents. Easy to find and an area in the back for the children to crack a book to see if they like to purchase. Respectfully Reviewed

Fantastic independent ,locally bookstore. Always have diverse genres and specific book I am looking for whether fiction or nonfiction. Responsive to ordering and quick to let me know when they come in. Cozy and inviting!

I appreciate this neighborhood bookstore, it has a great vibe and a very expansive children's section. I would give it five stars but for the lack of a restroom and a rather scant nonfiction section. Everyone knows the second you go into a bookstore you have to use the bathroom. I'm sure this has been proven scientifically somewhere. For the latter, I'm a history buff so this is definitely not my go-to store for that. Staff are friendly most of the time and they have a wonderful collection of cards and notebooks.

Adorable, local bookstore. We perused here for a bit and my friend bought some items. I was so excited to see they had a cat! Best part, I believe more places should have cats. So chill too, a few kids came up to pet the kitty and she just sat there in the middle of the floor for a good 15 minutes. She has a cat door and stairs to her throne where she obviously cat naps. Anyways, the store itself has a lot and they also sell notebooks and cards. Love r vibe here, they have events going on too.

This bookstore has been around for at least 40 years, when I very first knew it. I am surprised, and delighted, that it has survived the internet, and more recently, the pandemic. So many larger bookstores like Borders, and so many smaller ones, ultimately could not take the pressures of Amazon and even Goodwill (online) for book sales. But Annie's was always a staple of Portland, especially Multnomah Village. While I did not buy a lot of my own books there over the years, I found myself there quite often, either browsing or buying for someone else. If it's lasted this long, I am sure it will be around forever!! Long may it run!!

The atmosphere, the staff, and they will order you anything if they don't have it in stock. I love small local bookstores like this!

hometown local bookstore that has been in business a long, long time. They are professional and very friendly. As actual book buying reading can go to the wayside - this store I truly hope - thrives. I try to support when I can, especially when I do not need another book. ha! They have a solid collection of greeting cards and postcards, too. And of course a resident cat, Molly - think it's the same one roaming around. They have great hours, almost always, always open. I went in there for First Friday and browsed for awhile. They had complimentary wine, a nice Pinot Gris from Erath. I picked out a couple bargain priced books. Accommodating employees - once I asked for fiction books with a Nordic or Scandanavian theme and they were so kind to look for me. It wasn't overly important, but we tried. Funnily enough, this visit I found a paperback, Norweigan by Night. They host events and have a great window display. I recommend shopping here for a unique experience and to support an earnest local business. They even offer to order items for you and they have a club card type thing (not sure how that works).

I love this store. My mom has worked there since I was a little kid and it is a gem in the city. The staff know books and their selection is awesome.

Outstanding small but well-stocked bookstore with helpful friendly staff. They even do gift wrapping.

I'm on a hunt for a great used bookstore that specializes in old paperbacks, no frills, no gimmicks. This is a normal looking independent bookstore. It has some event hand outs near the door which was fun including an Alice in Wonderland tattoo photo chain using temporary tattoos! I am not sure they have any used books at all but this is a good place for notebooks, pens, coffee table books or a place to grab a new children's book. There was a local author section, which I enjoyed browsing. I'd go back if I were in the neighborhood looking for a new book or a gift.

I like this neighbourhood bookstore and Mollie Bloom the cat. My son and I came last Sunday to browse a bit and I made it a point to come back later to look around some more. And if a stand-alone experience isn't your thing, this is a great place to hang out while waiting for your Fat City Cafe number to be called. Annie Bloom's Books is how a local neighbourhood bookstore should be. It's cozy, friendly, welcoming and has a nice selection that wont' break the bank. I ended up with a 2012 Moleskin calendar, a few gift ideas, and a vow to come back the next time I'm in town.

Several years ago, I lived not far from Multnomah Village. Saturday mornings were often devoted to having breakfast at one of several small cafes there followed by a visit to Annie Bloom's Bookstore. It really has been quite awhile since I've done this, but this morning I had occasion to be in the village on other business and visited this wonderful bookstore again. The actual "owner" of the store is a cat named Molly. This royal personage was not to be found today, but what fun to know who rules the roost. One thing I've always loved about this store are the "cozy corners" furnished with comfy seats where one can peruse books, and near the front of the store there is coffee available. The store has an excellent selection of books fiction and non-fiction displayed attractively throughout, and there's a great grouping of books on sale. The feeling of "please do touch" is very present. I enjoyed the children's section, such a great way to get started on a lifetime of book worming. There is also a nice customer-appreciation program. For every $100 you spend (keep track of your receipts!), you will receive a $5 coupon towards your next purchase. This was explained to me by my lovely young lady who rang me up. It was a pleasure to meet someone who so obviously enjoyed her job. While I read e-books on my phone, there's still nothing like a good book in hand. I was lucky to have been raised by book worms and taken to the library and bookstores from the time I can remember. Good readers also learn many other skills, such as good writing. Be sure to support not only our libraries but also bookstores like Annie Bloom's.

Exceptionally quaint, little book shop. Perfectly fits right into Multnomah Village. The staff is very knowledgeable and all are very well read. I came in today with a few hours to kill. The staff was very helpful in selecting a perfect find. I'm really enjoying my new book. The shop selection is broad enough to suit all ages. The resident Cat Mollie Bloom is Awesome. Very tolerant and friendly to the many visitors she gets on a daily basis. They could probably get newer chairs to sit in, but it IS Multnomah Village. I really like the personal experience of a small book shop. Please come in and pick a book. I hate eReaders.

This store and the staff are just AWESOME! They helped me in getting a book for my daughter for her birthday and getting it signed. By all means will definitely recommend them to people that are wanting a great experience with some new reading material. Thank you again for helping me with this!

While most shops on this street were closing on the weekday that we visited, this bookstore was still open until 10:00pm. I though that was amazing. It is a cute independent bookshop with that Barnes and noble smell. The selection isn't gigantic, as the shop is a little smaller than those huge chain bookstores, and the prices seem comparable to a Barnes and noble. There is limited seating in the shop, which would prevent people from coming here to study together or hang out. Overall, a cute place!

I pre-ordered a book here, chose to pay when I picked it up. Months later, it's available, I go to pick it up and the guy at the counter tells me I've already paid. I ask if he's sure, I don't remember paying. He's sure. I've paid, have a good day. 3 days later I got an email asking if I had my copy of the book, as there had been a mixup. (his mixup, he gave me someone else's copy). Yes I do. "Oh, good, can you come pay for it?" So now I have to drive back across town (I live and work in downtown) to pay for a book because Michael messed up and didn't actually check when I told him I thought he was wrong. I am literally going to spend more in gas money in the end than I spent on the book, and I should have pre-ordered through Powell's, like I originally planned.

This store is so charming, there's something magical about it. The books are displayed in such a way that you just want to pick one up and buy it. From the sidewalk sale bin, to the gorgeous window displays, I was lured inside immediately. Two friendly and helpful gentlemen were working this evening. Both acknowledged me, asked if they could help me find anything and store kitty's presence was terrific. I've found the customer-service hit or miss in the past, but was pleasantly surprised this evening. I often find that they have so many different people working there that I don't feel a continuity or that I know anyone. I go in and no one recognizes me, which is a bummer for such a small store. It's one reason I don't go to Powell's and instead go to a smaller neighborhood store. Second Glance Books, she knows me there and I love it. No one ever remembers me, or says, hey, how'd you like that last book you bought, _________. I feel like you must have to go to Annie Blooms every single day or weekly in order to be remembered. And often must pull a clerk from their personal call or web surfing to get attention. I agree with previous reviewer, Bridget P. they do indeed have great cards, nice music cds and an excellent but small selection of magazines. There's a lot of thoughtfulness in this store, I just don't always find it in the people there, but the heart and soul is the books, right? Best thing is the Indi Picks and the displays. I'm all about the displays. The cat bed on the front counter is awesome.

To some extent people would say book stores are obsolete. Everyone has their phones, iPads, and kindles, that allow you to download a book in a few seconds, with just one click. But, there is something about going to a book store and physically flipping through the pages or reading the back of the book, that will never go out of style. Annie Bloom's is an adorable charming little book store in Multnomah Village. The folks who work there, always offer a warm welcome and goodbye. If you need help finding something, do not hesitate to ask. I came in here once trying to find a book for my niece and one of the ladies spent 15 minutes helping me find the perfect book. Their selection is pretty decent and I almost always have been able to find what I was looking for. They also have a big selection of greeting cards. My favorite is that they gift wrap your books for free! They have 5 or 6 gift wrap papers to pick from and lots of different colored ribbon. Don't forget to sign up for their loyalty program. Spend $100 and get $5. I didn't sign up for it the first couple of times because I thought no way would I spend $100 on books, but the nieces and nephews have been asking for presents lately so I have been back multiple times. It's free to sign up, so you might as well. Everyone's going to hate me for this but the reason they lose a star is because they are a little more expensive than if you bought the book online. I love supporting small businesses so I do come here to buy books! But I needed a book they didn't have so I went on Amazon prime to get it. I saw kids books that I purchased from them 2-3$ cheaper on online. But as I said, I support small businesses so if they have the books I need, I will gladly purchase from them first!

The cutest brick and mortar store I have been in in years. It has a great atmosphere, full shelves and the store was larger than I was expecting. They have a mid sized inventory overall but a great selection. I had placed a special order in advance and was there to pick up but couldn't help but browse after being lured in by the witty magnets and cards. Their staff is kind and more than willing to help and place orders for anything they don't have. My special order was fulfilled in a timely manner and their prices are fantastic. We will definitely be back! It is located amongst other shops but we had great luck with parking. They had short term parking for pick ups out front as well.

Adorable local bookstore with great service on a cute street in the heart of multnomah village.

We visited the store today and liked it, although I can't say I was overwhelmed. There's a good selection of fiction in particular - but if you have strong interests in (for example) art and photography books (my book "passions"), you'll be disappointed. However, it's a rather cozy store and it has a resident cat. The guy working behind the counter was friendly, and a woman who I think is the owner seemed to know most of the customers & they obtained book recommendations from her (certainly indicative of a long-term presence in the community).

I love this bookstore! They have access to every book we've needed. We receive most books within 2 days. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and super helpful, always!

We love Annie Bloom's! The staff are helpful, passionate about books, and do a great job with special orders and online orders. We love browsing in the store and especially adore hanging out with sweet Molly.

I wish we had book stores like this back home! I could of spent the whole day here. I was able to find a childhood favorite of mine...so it was the perfect gift for my little one. My fav was Molly Bloom the cat! She adds the perfect touch to this beautiful book store!

Books are a strange bird. But if you want a few physical item special ones in your living space, Annie Bloom's is a spot to find them. I heard a special author talk here, and anyone should keep a listen for that and book signings. Not the whole block bookstore or interwebs store, it's a real store!

A good bookstore can feel like a sacred place to me. Annie Bloom's is one of those places. This place radiates love. Their fine selection of books are arranged in a way that lets you know the people who work here are very interested in books, too. The air is cool and has a certain literary smell. I can't explain it. This is a bookstore where you could spend all afternoon just browsing, getting swept up into different stories and ways of thinking. Five very enthusiastic stars.

Annie Blooms is not the biggest bookstore, nor the most convenient to park at, nor are the prices incredibly discounted, nor is the bathroom easy to find... however It is one of the friendliest bookstores in town. It is just big enough for a solid hour of browsing. AND it has a talented, smart, and long term staff with incredible taste. They have limited shelf space, so they must be wise in the ways of which words (alliteration!) they choose. You'll find common best sellers here, but you'll also find all those cool books you heard about on NPR or in Vanity Fair that you never see featured at Barnes and Noble. A bookstore for the book crowd. If you are in SW Portland and want a new title look here first. This place is terrific and a great anchor to the Village. Gift wrapping is available as are special orders. Good customer service here! Also, be nice to the cat. PS has a kids play area in the back.

Annie Bloom's was fantastic this fall. Shopping local is one of my priorities and Annie's makes it a pleasure.

The ultimate in neighborhood bookstores!! I have many fond memories of wandering through the isles of Annie Bloom's Bookstore. The staff are so friendly, knowledgeable, and have enough time to give everyone the personal help and attention they might need. If they don't have it, they will order it for you, all you need do is ask. The store is reasonably big and its so much nicer to support a local book seller than a large national bookstore that only seems to attempt to sell books through displays based on Movies and TV shows... If you want to inspire love for books in younger children, this is also a great place to take them because its quieter than Powell's and still big enough to instill wonderment.

I was staying on the west slope while looking for a permanent place to live. I stopped here a lot, mainly to look for recreational reading. The stock is small but carefully chosen. Not a place that stocks every popular book, but if you wander in and browse with an open mind, you're likely to find something worth reading. I read in the Oregonian that this store is doing well, despite hard times for everybody, and independent booksellers in particular. I think that's because the people who work here understand that a bookstore needs to provide stuff you can't get from online retailers (which, frankly, is how I get most of my books these days). There's browser-friendly stocking, there's a friendly space for customers, and there's an intelligent staff that enjoys their work. Leave out these things, and why should I bother to leave my house to buy books? Last time I was there, I bought a book on Quantum Physics. When I paid for it, the guy behind the counter made a joke about the weirdness of the subject. I joked back, the other employees chimed in, and before you know it there was a major science gabfest going. When I left, they were still arguing about whether String Theory made any sense. Alas, I now live on the east side, and rarely get further west than the Central Library. But hey, next time I'm in the neighborhood, I'll have to drop by and stir them up again...

I grew up shopping at Annie Bloom's. I have fond memories of the cozy ambiance, helpful staff, and winking cat in the window, nestled in-between the book displays. For being a small store, the selection is incredible. I've discovered many books at Annie Bloom's thanks to their staff recommendation section. There are often great bargains on the clearance tables. But Annie Bloom's offers much more than books. Their stationary section in particular is worth a visit. Make sure to check the list of visiting authors and consider dropping by for a reading. Annie Bloom's attracts a high caliber selection of authors. I now live across the country but when I am back in Portland I make an effort to visit Annie Bloom's. It is a place that will always feel like "Portland" to me. When I was feeling homesick during my first year in grad school, my mother sent me a card with a painting of Annie Bloom's on it. The painting shows the bookstore at night. The bright lights inside are a contrast to the darkness that has settled over the city street. A woman hurries across the street and away from Annie Bloom's with a slight smile. She's already opened the book she purchased and is immersed in it as she crosses Capitol Highway. While I cannot advise ignoring traffic patterns in favor of literature, I can relate to the woman's joy. A good book is a perfect gift to yourself. But purchasing that book at a local institution in the heart of charming Multnomah Village makes it all the more valuable. Oh, and if you're looking for an adventure, make sure to ask to use the bathroom. I look forward to hearing about your epic journey.

I really enjoy this book shop, they have a great selection of local authors and bestsellers with lots of lovely stationary as well. Be sure to say hello to the shop cat! She's adorable.

I love everything about this place; the location; the guard cat on duty; the selection of books.

I love the employee's recommendations. Very helpful. They will order what they don't have and are happy to do so. Their displays are easy to browse and the frequent shopper cards are a nice touch. I like that they carry alternative magazines and their kid's book selection is great. It's very hard to go in their without buying something.

Love any store that has a resident cat or two. I don't think I've ever gone to Annie Blooms and not been treated really well. The people working there have skills! They are attentive, helpful and genuinely friendly. If they don't happen to have a book I'm looking for, they always offer to look into ordering it for me. There's a good sized children's book selection in the back of the store. I never leave without taking a look back there and checking out the greeting card area toward the middle of the store. Buy local, go here!

I love Annie Bloom's! The store is well organized and clean, they have a good selection and the staff is always helpful and kind. They also offer free gift wrapping! I've have several books wrapped and they always look beautiful. They have a shop cat, Molly, who is very sweet. I love going in and picking out a new book and saying hi to Molly.

Yes it is a smaller bookstore but it always has what I want, and they are great with taking specual orders. I tend to buy almost exclusively from the 'staff picks' shelf and from the sale table. This is a great bookstore.

If you have a cat allergy this isn't the bookstore for you. I was so excited to find a well appointed and cozy local bookstore. My family and I enjoyed ourselves for about 10 before I discovered the cat. I decided it was time to head outside but not before I asked the women at the front desk how often the cat was at the store. Everyday - apparently he lives there. I'm very disappointed because I love books but I hate that now I'm home writing this review whilst going through an uncomfortable allergic reaction.

The staff at this bookstore put other bookstores to shame. They don't need to look anything up. A small but potent collection.