In a local market that includes a Borders along with a Barnes & Noble, Eugene’s independent bookstores hold their own. For student book buyers seeking a different experience than what the chain stores offer, the area’s 20-plus locally owned bookstores brim with unique personalities.
To sample the variety these businesses
offer, start with the student basics at the
University of Oregon Bookstore. Located
at the corner of East 13th Avenue and Kincaid Street, it is the primary supplier of
new and used textbooks for students.
The store’s non-profit status allows it to
sell all exam aids, new textbooks and
new general trade titles at 10 percent off the publisher’s price.
Used textbooks are offered at a 32 percent discount from the publisher’s price and are stocked based on their book buyback program, which occurs at the end of each term.
“We generally beat everybody,” Book Division Manager Chris Standish said, who conducts a price comparison with leading Internet textbook sellers each term.
Used coursebooks are also available a block west of campus to the Smith Family Bookstore at 768 E. 13th Ave.
A local institution celebrating its 30th
anniversary this fall, the single bookstore spans a wide variety of reading matter. From textbooks to rare niche books, the store’s
expansive inventory literally spills into the aisles. It also offers cash for used books year-round, which tends to keeps its inventory evolving daily.
Evon Smith, whose parents founded the store in 1974, said that the store’s capacity to absorb such an extensive inventory is what allows it to offer a selection not normally found in a city the size of Eugene.
“It’s our biggest strength,” she said.
Along with a second store, located downtown at 525 Willamette St., Smith Family offers more than 500,000 books.
Two other bookstores located in downtown Eugene are perfect for anyone seeking
specialty and antiquarian books. J. Michaels Books, located in the Quackenbush Building at 160 E. Broadway, has been operating since 1975. The stock in this upscale locale emphasizes quality over quantity.
Its collection of architecture, art and photography books is usually of interest to University students, owner Jeremy Nissel said.
“It’s definitely the largest selection in town, both new and used,” Nissel said.
With very few paperbacks or
contemporary books, Emerald City Fine Books at 1044 Willamette
St. offers up a notable selection of used hardcover editions in literature, eastern philosophy, poetry, history and art, to name a few. Their theater selection “rivals any university’s,” Associate Manager Paco Schiraldi said.
Fans of Kerouac and Kesey will want to check out Tsunami Books at 2585 Willamette St. This store emphasizes beat- and counterculture-inspired writing both in their stock and decor. Several times a month they offer poetry readings and live music that often features University of Oregon students, co-owner Scott Landfield said. The building next door houses their collection of
antiquarian books.
Black Sun Books utilizes every last inch of space to house its wide selection of books into a cozy location at 2467 Hilyard St. Those interested in political non-fiction, poetry and art will want to stop by. This store also features an immense collection of literature in translation from all over the world.

Joshua Lintereur is a freelance
reporter for the Emerald.