Always Here Bookstore Shops in Portland – GayOut Guide
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Always Here Bookstore

Google (219) 4.9
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98
/ 100
GayOut Score
G4.9
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Address
4555 North Williams Avenue, Portland

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About this place Always Here Bookstore

Always Here Bookstore is an LGBTQ+ bookshop on North Williams Avenue in Portland's Boise-Eliot neighbourhood, the busy strip of restaurants and shops in North Portland. The shelves focus on queer and trans fiction, memoir, history and poetry, alongside cards and small gifts. Its 4.9 rating from more than 200 Google reviews is unusually high for a small shop. It is a good stop if you want queer books you won't find in a chain store, or a sense of the local community through its noticeboards and events. We have no confirmed hours on file, so check online before you go.

Upcoming events at Always Here Bookstore

Features

Gay Smoke-free Mixed LGBTQ+ Free entry Card payments accepted Walk-ins welcome Day venue Evening venue Year-round

Insider Tips

Community Reviews

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Google Reviews

Verified by Google
4.9
★★★★★
219 reviews

Based on 219 Google reviews.

PsychTraveler
PsychTraveler Aug 2026
★★★★★

I am reading some of the other reviews and, frankly, am shocked by much duplication. This store was quite possibly the most uncomfortable store my husband and I have ever gone to. First and foremost, this store does not feel like an inclusive store - it feels like a storefront of activist resistance and certainly not one of inclusivity. Second, we found the staff to be very unapologetically standoffish. There was no warm welcome - only a reminder that one must wear a mask before entering and zero welcome to the store. Third, we were surprised to see so much information on Palestine (now don’t get us wrong, support whoever but calling this bookstore a LGBTQ+ focused bookstore and inclusive is not near factual). Lastly, the selection curated was atrocious. We always try to support independent bookstores but this will not be one of them.

Jeff Stookey
Jeff Stookey Aug 2026
★★★★★

A great little book store run by gay people for gay people and the broader community. Support local merchants.

AL
AL Jul 2026
★★★★★

Support your local queer bookstore!

Gaby
Gaby Jul 2026
★★★★★

This place is awesome. Staff are kind, the selection is wide, and the book shop has a cozy vibe to it. Personally I really loved all the additional independent artists that sell their art there. Also lots of good resources to protect and care for community. What more could you ask for? I will ALWAYS support Always Here. :]

Steph R
Steph R Jul 2026
★★★★★

Great space with lots of books and fun stickers & pins ✨️

Megan Elizabeth
Megan Elizabeth Jul 2026
★★★★★
Tracey Franco
Tracey Franco Jul 2026
★★★★★

One of my favorite local bookstores, always my first stop when looking for gifts for bookish pals, or looking to find something new to read! The owners are always very helpful when I'm looking for something particular and full of excellent insight when I ask for recommendations. A really wonderful resource for those looking for educational material, or simply looking for a great read grounded in queer identity and experience. I appreciate the thoughtful merchandising which makes it easy to find items organized by genre and topic, plus lots of great trinkets and accessories throughout the store. The children's section is conveniently close to the front door and has a great, educational selection for all ages. I appreciate that masks are required and provided--it really highlights their radical commitment to community safety, accessibility, and inclusivity. Queer liberation for all is not possible without disability liberation too!

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Last updated on 8 November 2026

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