Fantastic little Sellwood bookstore that offers both new and used titles. Alas, it is not wheelchair accessible--unless one counts the items on table by sidewalk, but those are free anyway--but as I often use a cane and can't stand for long periods due to spinal deterioration, Ehlers-Danlos, and POTS, I have found it otherwise disability-friendly, in that its spaces are well organized, packing in what is (for the building's dimensions) a vast, well-organized inventory with adequate space for navigating, and even--oh sweet relief--some comfy seating. Staff are both knowledgeable and friendly, in person, over the phone and in online queries; while thus far, I've only attempted latter through Facebook Messenger, staff have always replied promptly. (At such time as my condition presents more substantial barriers--while I'd obviously miss directly browsing the shelves--I'll continue to patronize through special orders.) Offers generous store credit for used titles they can accept; when last I inquired--6-8 months ago?--will also pay cash at 25% of the store credit rate.* Even better, customers may spend store credit on brand new AND used titles, including special orders! Despite architectural limits typical of small, neighborhood-based stores, "disability awareness" itself is not lacking, reflected not only by employees' courtesy but in merchandising (also with an additionally commendable emphasis on regional authors and publishers); for example, it was here, in a prominent display, I first discovered a brilliant new anthology, "Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens." While it's likely Powell's Books (of which I'm also an enthusiastic fan, but sometimes lack bandwidth and/or physical stamina to navigate) carries that same title, in several recent visits, I hadn't noticed it even once. Given the necessarily limited range of new titles smaller retailers can stock, such choices (among other fresh offerings representing a broad range of topics, genres, and authors) reflect a commitment to literary diversity, quality, and authenticity, ideally calibrated to the needs and interests of the Sellwood community. -- * As with all used bookstores, always confirm in advance what the store can offer. Merchandise needs, forms and anounts of compensation, and availability of staff to evaluate potential trade-ins are subject to change. (At the very least, absent any prior arrangement, I would not bring by more than two medium-sized boxes; especially if near the end of the day, you might offer to leave items there and wait for their call to see what can be offered and when you and pick up items they can't use.) Fortunately, the one time I had to ask about possible cash payment, I was *just* able to squeak by on rent, and thus did not have to sacrifice my precious store credit (whew!).

Wallace Books opened in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood when I was still living in Sellwood, and it has been one of my favorite bookshops anywhere ever since. Julie Wallace fills the store with new and used books that hold a wide appeal. She staffs the store with people who know and love books, and she is an active member of the community, supporting and encouraging a number of projects to improve life for everyone. She goes out of her way to find what you need, and supports local and regional writers and their works. It's alway a great place to spend time, and the Children's Room is full of wonderful and affordable buys for your children and grandchildren. The mystery room is also piled from floor to ceiling with an excellent choice of used mysteries.The cheeriest place in town is this old yellow and purple house that holds so many reading delights.

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!!

I try to support and buy from locally owned businesses as much as possible and am thrilled to have found a wonderful bookstore in Sellwood/Moreland that fits the bill. Wallace Books sells new and used books and if you want a book that they don't have in stock, they can order you one that will arrive, usually between 1-3 days. This bookstore is in a house and it's so fun to wander through the different rooms, each one packed from floor to ceiling with a large variety of books. The staff is super friendly, helpful and have great recommendations. They will also take your used books in and give you store credit. I highly recommend visiting Wallace books or giving them a call. A world of interests awaits you there!

The cozy little bookstore is a hidden diamond. I had found the perfect gift and was looking for a local bookstore to pick it up. I used Facebook messenger to contact the staff at Wallace books to check if they had a copy. The responded very quickly and are very helpful and friendly. When I went to the store it was so cozy and is a bookworm's paradise with so many different options. I ended up walking out with two other books I had on my wish list but hadn't had a chance to buy. The prices are reasonable and there is a great selection. Wallace books makes it easy to shop local. I highly recommend this shop and will be back to buy more on my list!

This is by far my favorite bookstore in Portland, and I've been to A LOT of them. The chaos is endearing, and for me I have no interest in sales staff trying to chat me up or help me find what I'm looking for, so this place is perfect to me. The rooms seem endless, the books are floor to ceiling and it truly feels as if I could get lost in a corner and whisked away to another world. There's nothing quite like it, and if you prefer Pottery Barn and Barnes and Noble environments it will scare the heck out of you, but to me it's like another home. Its the first place I go for any books I need!

I prefer to get books on the kindle or as an audio book. This is because I dislike human interaction and Wallace Books provides too much fantastic human interaction. As soon as you walk in, ker-blamo, "Hello there! Is there anything we can help you find?" If you ask for a book and they somehow don't have it in this maze of ceiling high bookshelf, they ecstatically offer to order it in to the shop for no extra cost. If you like fantastic customer service and an warm and friendly environment for enjoying books then Wallace is your place.

I'd love to spend hours and hours here, but the store is simply over packed and unnavigable. Try to look in the history or religion section. You can't. Book carts and boxes in front of shelves. The award winning book sections? Stacks in front of it keep you from viewing 1/3 or more. And then you realize they have entire authors collections behind the first row of books! Wallace please have a sale and stop buying in used inventory until then. You're not making sales because of the clutter and inability to look at shelves due to space.

i love this book store -so- much. the staff is great, and they kept my children reading through the covid 19 crisis with great suggestions and no-contact order pickup. the store is even better when you can go inside. overflowing bookshelves and maze-like back-rooms and milk-crates on casters full of -mobile- books. but then it's curated just enough that you know you can find something strange and unlikely if you hang out for awhile. the children's classic literature area (i forget how it is labeled) is particularly lovely.

Just too much inventory! I couldn't really find what I was looking for because of the chaos. I think there is probably an amazing selection in there to choose from too. I would go back in a minute if they ever had an bag sale. (Fill a shopping bag with books for $10 kind of thing.) Also, I couldn't spend more than 15-20 minutes in there because they didn't use their AC on an 80°+ day. I get it's an expense, but they have it, use it! It should be about making your customers comfortable.

Wow. This place is filled overcapacity with books. This place can give someone anxiety from the overwhelming number of books. However, I can’t imagine a single book they do not have. I found several books that I haven’t been able to find in a brick and mortar store in years. The staff is kind and helpful and the prices are very decent. My only advice is to go with an open mind and time or have a very specific list and have staff help. I’ll definitely be going back

An adorable store with a wide variety of books! This small house-turned-business is just packed to the cieling with books in every room, making for a cozy experience. There are so many books in the small space that in many places they are double stacked and two deep, so finding what you're looking for can be a challenge. But even if you can't find your specific book, chances are they have another for you somewhere in there.

An eclectic selection of books at reasonable prices. But be warned... there are stacks and stacks of somewhat organized, mostly used books (books on wall to wall shelves up to the ceiling, books in milk crates stacked on the floor) in narrow aisles. They seem to become less and less functional as a bookstore with each book they get. The staff are wonderfully helpful and friendly. Come prepared to dig around.

Not a place to go to if you're looking for a quick browse. Prepare to spend some time and effort. You'll be rewarded. The usual bestsellers that you can find anywhere if that's what you're after but it's the older, out of print or odd stuff you never saw new that is the draw for me. I've only been in two times so far but came out loaded each time. Friendly staff. We'll worth your time.

Wallace books is a wonderful place to search out that perfect novel. They have a large selection that should interest almost any avid reader. It might be a little tight for someone that doesn't do well in close spaces, but I loved my time hunting for books there. Help on site was very friendly and helpful. If I return to the area, I would definitely check their books out again.

New and used selections. Randomly jumbled in piles and crates once you leave front area. Not really alphabetized, stacked 2-3 deep. Very loosley corralled, not by genre. One room had sci-fi, thrillers, novels, mystery and romance. Some closets and hallways were so stacked you couldn't even get in to browse. Definitely not for anyone in wheelchair or with impaired balance.

Wonderful little neighborhood bookstore stuffed full of an amazing selection of books. Inside there is no odd "old book smell", it is well lit with lots of lovely natural light and has comfy chairs here and there to sit and enjoy the books and ambiance. Plus the prices are reasonable and the staff is always pleasant and helpful but not in your face... I love this place!!!

It is surprising how hard it can be to find independent book stores in this town since Powells seems to have eclipsed most of them. This book store is wonderful. It has a lot of charm and magic. This book store reminds me of some of my favorite mom & pop shops I've been to in other cities. I will gladly go here first before venturing outside of my neighborhood for books

My kind of bookstore: small package outside, huge selection inside. There are books crammed from floor to ceiling and everywhere in between. Oh, and that papery smell that says "yes, you will find something to read here" is very evident. Friendly and helpful staff, great selection. I'm glad I found this place while my wife was looking at the craft store nearby. A+

Wallace Books has a great selection (literally: piles on piles) of books, of all genres. The girl who was working there was very helpful and friendly. This shop is, however, on the more expensive side when compared with other used book shops in the area. Overall, this is a pretty awesome spot if you're up for some serious digging - I'm sure you'll find something.

Wallace Books is bigger on the inside, like the TARDIS or Hermione's bag. Place is outstanding, one of the best if not the best used-book stores I've ever come across. Has new books, too. Can trade in books for store credit only, but at a fair rate. Owner/staff are friendly and helpful and up for a chat but never looming. Prices are fair for the neighborhood.

Nice place a whole lot of fun. Fairly well organized. I managed to find far more books than I wanted to spend money on but it is definitely worth a stop. My only complaints are that it is too dark and the aisles are so tight that it is difficult to see all the books. I used to flashlight and still had trouble. But I will definitely go back

If I never, ever get to wander around another bookstore in my life, it'll be okay by me, because I've been to Wallace Books. This lovely little house sitting on a corner property in Sellwood contains so many books books per square foot that it has warped all of reality and is now an entrance to L-space, if you can find the right shelves.

I found two large print books. I was so excited. These books are expensive, $30-$40, I paid $9 each. The selection of books is incredible! Friendly staff, answer all your questions. The young lady walked me to the section I asked about. If you've never been to Wallace Books, check it out. You will not be disappointed.

Exploring room by room, you can disappear in the stacks of books. This house-turned-bookstore is a an eclectic, Portland gem. I usually have a book in mind when I arrive and leave with an armful of new discoveries. The super staff is always willing to help find books and order for you if it’s not on the shelf.

I didn't go inside. I rolled by on a long ride and bought a book from the $1 books outside. Since my recumbent can't take the stairs, I'd love to see a little lockbox with a slot chained to one end of the table for dollar bills. It would be convenient and they could keep an eye on it through the window.

This place is book heaven. Seriously. If you're a book person and you haven't been to Wallace Books.... you're missing out. I highly reccomend this place. Wall to wall, ceiling to floor, classic book store fashion. New and used. If you can dream it... they'll have it or get it. Thanks, Wallace Books!!!

Absolutely one of my top favorite bookstores in Portland area! So many new and used books - lots of cool editions too! I was absolutely floored how many books were packed in this store. It was literally floor to ceiling in just about every since room! Great service and very clean too! :) I’ll be back!

I went in looking for a particular author and got 5 books for $18. Great prices and selection! Get lost browsing (remember to look UP as the books are stacked literally to the ceiling!), or ask the super knowledgable employees to pull some books for you. They magically know where every single book is.

Wonderful bookstore in a Sellwood cottage packed floor to ceiling with used and new books. Extremely helpful and friendly staff (as seemed to be the norm in Portland for this visiting Baltimorean). I could have spent hours here combing through the stacks of cool old books. Great kids section as well!

I always try to stop in here when I'm in Portland. Packed with books, good solid inventory, competitive prices. Staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and are clearly readers. Although mostly used books, they do have a selection of current & popular new books. Anyone who lives nearby should visit weekly.

This is an amazing little bookstore. I lived in Sellwood years ago and often visited. The selection is vast and varies immensely. It's a wonderful spot to accidently get lost and if you love the smell of old books this will be your new 2nd home. Happy I chose this shop for my 2021 holiday shopping!

This is a place for rainy days and book lovers. They have an amazing assortment of new and used books to meet the wants of most readers. The organization might leave some shoppers confused, but taking the time to browse the collection has always yielded some new treasure for my collection of books.

Went here on recommendation from a local publican during a quick refreshment stop from our bike trip. A cute little house on the corner packed to the rafters with books from anywhere and everywhere. The girlfriend got pleasantly lost in amongst the shelves. 10/10 would read again!

One of the best used/new book stores in all of Portland and that’s saying a lot. I often browse here just to stumble onto something I’d usually never find elsewhere. Such a unique layout that you can get pleasantly lost in. This is not just a bookstore but an experience. Bravo!

I love many bookstores in Portland but this one is exactly the special blend of unique, grungy, chaotic, affordable, stuffed-to-the-gills-with-good-choices that I’ve wanted to find in this city forever. 10/10 recommend for someone wanting to spend time sorting through stacks.

Super nice and helpful staff. Made an appointment for solo shopping because of Covid. Made a list before I went and besides some obscure rare history books, found everything I was looking forward including a a rare poetry book, for the better prices than I've found online.

A lot of books in a small space. Most of them are shelved but many are in stacks on the floor. I found one book that I have been looking for that even Powell's didn't have. I found another that I liked in a stack on the floor. It's a nice mixture of order and randomness.

This shop is a real gem. I could probably spend hours here browsing the shelves. They helped me locate a book from a series I used to read as a kid, and even gave me more info to help me track down the rest of the books. Amazing customer service, 10/10 will visit again.

This place is a book lover's dream. Floor to ceiling books everywhere you look. Watch your step because this is literally a house full of books. Great selection of new and used. Staff is very helpful and they go out of their way to help you find what you're looking for.

Great book store. They are very friendly and helpful. I did not have cash so they told me to just bring the money next time I come in. I was getting a book for a friend that I was on my way to see. It was soooooo sweet. Great section and extremely reasonable prices!!!

Highly recommend if you need some quarantine reading. Couldn't be easier - placed an order over the phone, was ready in 2 days, the package was sitting on the porch and I drove over and picked it up. They also deliver if necessary. Support your local bookstores!

I’ve always passed Wallace books and thought nothing of it until I decided to pop in for a baking book and walked out with 2 cook books half a dozen other books. The selection is vast and the experience browsing literal stacks of books is a lot of fun

Wallace Books is a unique place and bookstore. It is a renovated home that has been converted into a store. The books are priced well and the selection of used books is immense. It is one of my favorite to stop by as you find something new every time.

My wife and kids love this quirky, jam-packed little bookstore. Everyone who works there is sorry friendly and helpful, and they usually have what we're looking for or get it in soon. And there are always some hidden treasures out in the $1 tables!

Today was my first visit there, they were able to find a book I've been looking for for months now! I was also able to do a trade in, which was speedy and helpful in clearing my own clutter. Staff was super friendly, I'll definitely be back soon!

Wallace books is the kind of bookstore that you dream about as a bookworm. There's just books shoved into every cranny of this house. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. You can order anything and have it delivered to the shop. I adore it.

a cool book shop inside a house with a great selection. it was a little packed with books stacked everywhere, which I was concerned would fall. Also, some of the stacks blocked other books on the shelves and the prices were just a little high.

Absolutely what I was looking for in a big city! A beautiful little shop that feels like home and smells like mystery and knowledge! It's chaotic and you have to actually look to find what you 'want'... but aren't we all a bit surrounded by

I am in town on business and always try to find local bookstores oh, it is very hard for me to find books pertaining to Wicca. They didn't have a large selection but the lady was extremely nice oh, you do have to call ahead and they bring

Great place for those who love to browse all kinds of books. A lot of selection packed into this small house. Not always easy to find what you want, but the staff is friendly and very willing to help. It's a pretty enjoyable place to be.

While we found the book we were looking for, there's too many books and not enough space. I think there's plenty of potential for this local bookstore, they just need to organize it a bit. The customer service was fantastic!

I love this place. Wonderful prices, great quality, almost always has what I'm looking for. Prices match the quality of the books (it is a used book store) and the outside working the are always nice and helpful!

Welcome to a book lovers heaven! Wallace Books is a cozy house filled to the brim with treasures. The staff are so friendly and helpful, they also offer book buyback for store credit. I can't wait to visit again!

Wonderful bookstore with very kind and helpful staff. They have everything! It can be a bit of a maze, but help is always available to find what you're looking for. And inevitably you'll leave with extra finds!

The only issue I have here is that there's no parking, especially in the weekend. Otherwise, this place is great! Excellent prices and a lot of stuff to choose from. My son loves to buy books and comics here.

Cozy little nook to discover something new. Maybe not the best if you're looking for something specific/obscure, but if you just like being surrounded by books this is definitely a great place to get lost

Love this book store! Beyond what they offer in store they can order for you. They've been so helpful and quick to communicate, I've been able to get personal books, books for school, even a puzzle!

Small shop but had books I couldn't find elsewhere. I called ahead to see if they had what I wanted and they pulled them out for me so they were ready when I got there. Prices were great too!

Best bookstore in PDX! Floor to ceiling books and amazing staff. If they don’t have a book in stock, they’ll order it for you and it arrives quickly!! I absolutely love coming to this place!

Boy, it was a blast from the past to go into this kind of old fashioned used book store: in a great way! Found some good deals. I could have spent all day in here, looking about.

The most magical bookstore in all the world . If you can think of a book they don’t have, they will most definitely find it for you. And the BEST used selection anywhere. …

A true horde of books that inspires the innate feeling of vellichor. Floor to ceiling books on each wall in this converted home/garage create a wonderland for the bibliophile.

I love it here!! I found everything I was looking for, books even Powell’s didn’t have! I could have spent a full day happily browsing. Friendly and helpful staff, too! …

This is my kind of bookstore. Books on every surface, stacked two layers deep, and full boxes everywhere. The coziest, warmest little corner of book heaven you'll find in PDX.

Absolutely love this place! It is insanely eclectic but the staff is very helpful and you will find books here that you would have never stumbled across otherwise!

From the day it opened,Wallace books has been the perfect neighborhood book shop. Cozily stuffed with books, and always great service. What more could one want?

They had a great selection of books and the staff were very friendly and helpful to my daughter. The books there had a great price and it was very reasonable.

Always a great way to lose myself. And they're happy to find whatever I'm actually looking for over the phone or in person. Prices are more than competitive.

Great customer service and SO MANY books for a low price and they're all in amazing condition. If you're in the area I would greatly advice giving it a look

Wonderful neighborhood bookstore. The small space is packed with new and used books, but somehow still organized. The staff is always friendly and helpful.

Great little used bookshop, packed with books of all genres. Staff is friendly and helpful, and they have a great trade system. Find your next read here!

What an amazing book store! You could spend hours in here looking for treasures. Highly recommend getting lost in here and forgetting about the world.

Browse you must, treasures and bargains you will find. It's a little house with the body dimorphism issue -- its inner book store can't be contained!

happened upon this place while walking my dog. Every subject you could ever want. Fantastic $1 shelves. Dog friendly :) Friendly and helpful staff.

Every bookstore should be like this! There's not much more to say about it. Give yourself time to wander and enjoy. Super chill and helpful staff.

Such a cool place with friendly staff and community-minded owner. They were a lifesaver for us during the pandemic. Support your local bookstore!

Relaxed, funky bookstore where you can spend anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours. Lots of used books, current items of interest, etc, etc.

I go to this bookstore at least twice a month. The staff is amazing. The atmosphere at the store is a book lovers paradise. Highly recommend!

Hard to find anything. Like most used book stores these days he has too many books for his space. Not buying more if you're looking to sell

This is my kind of place! Hidden treasures, new and used books, and great friendly staff. Careful, the time warp my suck you in for hours.

Great selection and very helpful, friendly service, which is not always the case for used bookstores! Looking forward to going back.

Love this little bookstore. The staff is great and helpful. Did a few covid order pickups and it was very safe and well organized.

Wallace Books is a place every book lover should visit! It's truly an experience in itself. Just allow lots of time for browsing.

Fun little book store in a converted house. Tons to choose from and lots of great help from the staff. Highly recommended

I love this shop! Literally wall to wall books. Really great prices. Book lovers, this will be you second home!!

Wonderful creative customer service during this time of social distancing. Wallace Books is a local treasure.

So many selections! Go just to browse and look around, maybe you’ll find something amazing for a good price!

I love looking for knitting books here. Some of my most treasured books were purchased at Wallace.

Have gone to this place for years and love it! Fair trade deals, friendly staff, good selection!

Amazing selection of books and many many racks at garage sale prices....some rare finds too!

New and used books with friendly staff! Great selection, easy bookstore to get lost in.

I would like to live here, please. Surely there's room for a cot in the attic?

Wonderful little bookstore packed full of good stuff. The staff are great!

this book store is heavenly. prices are unbelievably great. i am in love

Such a wonderful place for used books. No cranny is unbooked!

Lovely bookstore, helpful staff. Very fun to explore.

So many books! I could spend all day there!

Great place to get some great books!

Great service and good book