Last weekend I attended the first ever Portland Book Bloggers Retreat. Bloggers from Northern California, Washington, Oregon and Canada met up. (Okay, I was the only Canadian).
On Friday August 21st we met up for dinner and drinks. Then we had a full day on Saturday.
First we got a tour of Powells , the largest independent new and used bookstores in the world. This is my favorite book store! When ever I’m in Portland I go to Powells! I had never seen the rare books section before and we got a tour of that as well. The biggest highlight there, was Lewis and Clark’s journal with a copy of their original map tucked in the back (and worth about $35,000). Such a treat!
From left to right: (Suzi) of Whimpulsive, Gabe of Reading Local., Wendy of Caribousmom, Gilion from Rose City Reader, Ali from Worducopia, Kristen from We Be Reading, Me, of course, Bethany of Dreadlock Girl, and Trish of Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin’?
Pictures above: Front and back of a post card from Alex Ginsburg to Bill Burroughs, dated 1965.
After lunch we went to the Multnomah County Library for a tour of their rare books Collection. My photos of most of the books didn’t turn out to well, so I am only going to post a couple here. However, click on the links to the other bloggers who attended for more cool pictures of rare books!
Pictures above: the first and original Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter.
Bloggers with Author Molly Gloss. From Left: Bethany of Dreadlock Girl, (back) Gabe of Reading Local, Ali from Worducopia, Me, Molly Gloss, Kristen from We Be Reading, Wendy of Caribousmom, and Trish of Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin’?
We also met with local author Molly Gloss. It was a fun filled hour chatting with her about her books, other books, blogging, etc.
On Sunday I made the 6 hour drive back home.
This was a wonderful experience, especially meeting some of my favorite book bloggers! I hope we get to do it again!
It was great meeting you! This was something that I was afraid to do but so glad that I decided to do it in the end. We saw so many great things!
I love Powell’s. One of my favorite places to go to in Portland. Glad you had a good trip.
Fun, fun, fun!!!
Lezlie
It sounds like y’all had a blast! I wish I could have been there.
It sounds like you had a fabulous time. I kinda wish I still lived in Victoria so I could’ve come down to meet you guys too.
I hope we get to do it again, too! 🙂 Had a great time with you and your husband!
This sounds like a blast. I am so jealous. I love Powells!! I have only been once.. but I am pleased to say I was there 6 years ago with Jenn from Jenn’s Books Shelves. I think I need to post a picture..
Kristen, I’m so glad that you conquered the fear and came. It was so nice meeting you and it wouldn’t have been the same without you!
Zia, thank you!
Lezlie, it was fun! I hope to meet you next. I’m coming to MN in November. I let you know when I firm up my plans.
Kathy, I wish you could have been there too!
Tanabata, I wish you could have come but you live in an awesome place right now. I would love to visit Japan.
Trish, Bill says, “hi” He was really glad that he came with me. He found plenty to do on his own while we were of doing our bookish fun.
Toni, wow, 6 years since you went to Powell’s, how can you stand it? LOL! I would love to see the picture.
Sounds like a fantastic weekend!!
It was fun to meet you and your husband. Thanks for coming down!
Beth, it was a great time.
Ali, thanks so much for organizing it. It was so worth the drive and I hope we can do it again.
Sounds like a great meetup!
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
It was so completely fabulous to finally meet you in person. I think you were one of the first group of book bloggers I “met” after I started my blog. What fun to meet a long time friend in person after all this time!
Anna, it was!
Suzi, You were one of the first bloggers for me too! It was so nice to meet you f2f. I hope we can do it again!
Oh, I spent most of my elementary school years in Portland, and I miss Powell’s! I’m so jealous that you got a private tour. This gathering sounds like it was so much fun!
Definitely was an awesome time – love the photo of us with Molly Gloss too 🙂 And it was GREAT to finally meet you in person, Teddy!
Jessica, it was a blast. I wish I lived closer to Powells!
Wendy, The best part was meeting you and the others, of course. I thought it was a lovely picture too.