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Summer reading begins with exploring used bookstores

OK, you have a part-time job, but most of your money has gone back into loans. The money that was left over you spent on a couple CDs and a delightful Sunday evening dinner at Taco Bell. Of course, you gave all your change to the Hurricane Mitch fund, right?

Now that all your money is spent, how are you going to buy a good book for the summer? Try going to a used bookstore within walking distance from the MAX.

Cameron's at 336 S.W. Third sells books for only 35 cents under the covering of the entrance. If reading from a 1950s author about spacecraft propulsion methods to reach alien-inhabited Mars is too bizarre, many more books await the customer upon entering the one-room store, and are generally under $2.

But Cameron's is best known for the magazines it sells. Its large supply of back issues guarantees that you can find a magazine published in your month of birth if you are younger than 63.

"If we don't have it, we can get it," the cashier said, referring to the warehouse nearby stocked with old magazines and books. What better birthday gift (for its price) can you give than a copy of the Sports Illustrated issued in your friend's birth month? You hope that month's cover story wasn't on the United States vs. Brazil soccer game or some other tragic event.

The bookshelves in the store form a maze where bargain hunters can stalk their prize possession. But they will have to hunt skillfully; many of the books are disorganized and hidden away. The French, German and Japanese books, for example, were all jumbled together.

The store walls are covered with old movie posters. A 1950s clock is suspended above the doorway. Yet in spite of the antique and cluttered appearance of the store, certain traits of more recent times -- the supervisor's nose ring, the subtle punk music, the laid back appearance of the clerk eating a bagel while serving a customer -- reveal an alternative aspect to the store.

Another place to get a great deal is at Title Wave on 216 N.E. Knott St. Though all bookstores described here are at a walkable distance from the MAX, Title Wave requires a small hike. But the walk is well worth the bargains; all the books at Title Wave are extras from Multnomah County libraries. They are the best-priced books sold in Portland.

Hardback fiction, for example, starts at 75 cents. These prices draw regular customers who come two to three times a week. Customers can also buy magazines and vinyl records.

Title Wave is staffed entirely by volunteers. All the profits support the Multnomah County libraries. In the past 10 years, the store has made $1 million for libraries.

Title Wave's generous history dates back to 1912, when Andrew Carnegie endowed the building. Carnegie endowed nearly 1,700 libraries in the United States and Great Britain during his lifetime, and gave more than $350 million to various educational, cultural and peace institutions. Title Wave, like other Carnegie buildings, is now considered a historical building.

If history is beginning to make your mouth water, a journey to the Great Northwest Bookstore on 1234 S.W. Stark is a must. As Portland's largest exclusively used book store, Great Northwest sells an enormous selection of old history books, some dating centuries old. Buying the rarer books, however, may require additional loans.

Great Northwest Bookstore itself looks as ancient as some of the books it sells. The peeling paint, the segments of carpet randomly placed on ramps and in odd corners, and the faded couches squeezed between looming bookshelves reminded me of my grandfather's attic. Books are everywhere. And not just on the shelves -- stacks of books lie in disarray all over the floor.

Holland's Book Store is on the other side of the world compared to Great Northwest Bookstore. The store is small but organized to perfection. Every book is arranged by theme in neat and tidy shelves. But though the store was ready to welcome customers, it was empty.

In spite of the store's close proximity to Portland State University, the clerk said, "We get woefully few students here."

Holland's Book Store sells mainly scholarly books. Most of the books are on politics, philosophy and literature. They are also "much, much cheaper than Powell's," according to the clerk. Perhaps Holland's Book Store, on 527 S.W. 12th, would be a good place to find a few books for an upcoming term paper.

Not all used book stores are cheap, however. Morrison Books, on 530 N.W. 12th, sells books at an average price of $50. Morrison Books is surrounded by expensive art galleries,which may be why it can afford to sell books at that price.

The books are on art, architecture and photography. Morrison's also sells many rare theological books, most likely to be used as another art ornament.

For those simply passing by, Morrison's displays some interesting sculptures from the front window. One sculpture is an abstract metal "blob," as the clerk described it, and bears bright shades of yellow, blue and orange. A customer described the blob as a growling lion's head. Morrison Books blends in well with the art district.

In spite of a few exceptions, used book stores are likely places to find bargain books. Even if you don't find a book that suits your personal interests, you can still profit from an outing downtown, away from the familiar scenery of daily routines.

A visit to a used bookstore is not only cheaper than ordering books online, but it is also a lot more exciting.