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January 2024 by Nico B.
I love how I feel exploring this shop because it elicits a sense of nostalgia for the quaint bookstores of yesteryear. Monograph Bookwerks offers an expertly-curated collection of books, art, vintage ephemera and gift items. The owner has done a remarkable job displaying product in creative vignettes throughout the store, with richly hued books standing like sentinels of history, art, literature and culture. This environment really is my happy place. I love the scent of aged paper and polished wood. I feel inspired by the thousands of voices and ideas presented on the pages here, and I can't imagine a world where places like this don't exist. Monograph Bookwerks is located in a popular area of NE Alberta, brimming with fascinating retail shops, restaurants and coffee shops. Street parking can be a bit difficult on weekends and evenings, but visitors will be far more likely to find spaces if they venture down the side streets. Look for the brightly colored arrow proclaiming "Books," pointing to the ivy-covered shop on the corner. It's so important to shop small and local, and to support the business owners who pour themselves into creating enchanting establishments like this. So take a moment out of your busy life to explore this delightful corner of Portland. Hopefully you'll enjoy your visits just as much as I do.
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July 2023 by Eric B.
It's been about 10 years since my last review of Monograph Bookwerks and I continue to stop in every time I visit Portland (2-3 times a year). I should say try, as the store has limited weekend-ish hours that doesn't always match my travel schedule. In my opinion, this part of Alberta Street has gone downhill over the years and with a few really disappointing closures (e.g. Ampersand Books). Yet, Monograph is worth the trip and the experience of wading through a relatively tight collection of well curated books, prints, maps, and an occasional curio. I enjoy peeling through the layers, while knowing that my next experience will be different and equally as interesting. Monograph Bookwerks also has a nice online store, which I take a look often. The Owner also does Book Festivals of which I saw him at one in San Francisco. In that case, he was mostly selling the expensive stuff that were probably being marketed to other sellers. This "brick and mortar" store however, features very nice selections for all budgets.
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January 2023 by Matthew K.
I love MBW. It's chock full of fascinating book, magazines. Zines, posters, tchotchkes, and all manner of cultural artifacts. It's like a museum where everything is for sale.
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December 2022 by Michael Cruz
What an amazing collection of history! Items from across the world and time periods, in amazing condition. Was great to find little presents and mementos for my family and friends.
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November 2022 by John Carpenter
If you're interested in art history this little store has a fascinating niche selection. It's a densely packed store for it's size, but it's sure to have something to pique your interest. Check it out if you're in the area.
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May 2022 by paul higgins
Magical little place, very good selection — prices are high but not unreasonable
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January 2022 by Ben Adams
Honestly, one of the best gems in Portland with a really thoughtful collection.
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August 2021 by Daniel Woods
A phenomenal store filled with well curated themes/topics. A good amount of Northwest music ephemera, self-published, local press & even some classic rock show flyers/posters from the Northwest. I was in this store 20 minutes and spent over 150.00 much too easily. Great hand-written descriptions of each book/item rest on a bookmark as you open themindividually. 1 of the finest curated book/ephemera shops I've ever been to. Golden nostalgia found here.
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August 2021 by Obi Almutairi
Unique bookstore for artists!
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June 2021 by Michael Rooney (RoonPDX)
Extremely knowledgeable owner who is happy to answer all your questions.
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March 2021 by ROGER BROWNING
My last travel there was prepandemic. Love! Love! Love! This store. I found a great book for my visit and just cannot wait for my return. So much what I wanted to see and feel and it did not disappoint. Support this store, it's excellent. My name is Roger Browning, author of 'The Reckoning of Rance,' now available at amazon.
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March 2021 by Merridawn Duckler
A gem. Well curated artist books and lots of fantastic old Portland ephemera.
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October 2020 by Sallyann Corn
BEST gem in Portland. This tiny, magical store is filled with new, old, rare, and perfectly curated literary TREASURES. Have never gone in without finding a stack of books that I couldn't live without. LOVE the layout, the staff, the vintage print ephemera, shop soundtrack, ceramics, and bits and bobs tucked throughout the store. I visit every single time I'm in town.
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September 2020 by Kenleigh Weber
One of the best bookstores I’ve ever visited - one could easily spend an hour or more ogling at all of the curious finds at Monograph. Amazing array of vintage posters, historic prints and pamphlets, and books on everything from architecture to the teachings of the Black Panther Party. The owner is incredibly kind and helpful, on top of it all!
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August 2020 by Kenleigh W.
One of the best bookstores I've ever visited - one could easily spend an hour or more ogling at all of the curious finds at Monograph. Amazing array of vintage posters, historic prints and pamphlets, and books on everything from architecture to the teachings of the Black Panther Party. The owner is incredibly kind and helpful, on top of it all!
