Portland, Oregon Book Bloggers Retreat

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!