Second Glance Books

Second Glance Books is a terrific used bookstore and a real gem in a city that prides itself on independent bookstores. Owner Rachelle couldn?t be friendlier and is always available to give recommendations, engage in some bookish chit chat, or just leave you alone to browse. She has an excellent selection of books, all clean and neatly organized. I go in mostly looking for literary fiction and classics, and never go away empty handed. Rachelle keeps a good mix of popular literature ? like the latest Orange Prize winner ? and out-of-print, older novels that show up on the ?must read? lists I?m working on. She also keeps an eclectic and enticing collection of non-fiction books. I once found a pop-up book of dinosaurs and once, even better, a hand printed book of seasonal cocktail recipes with a hand painted cover. Second Glance is not big enough to be a ?city of books,? but it is a charming village. Go there and shop like a local. more

I love this store. I have been coming here since i was a child and have never left without a book and a smile on my face! The owner is well read and will help you find what you are looking for with a smile on her face. Not only is she helpful but she is dog (and cat) friendly. Everytime i bring my dog she has a treat ready. Its nice to have this bookstore in my area....i read a lot so finding well priced books is a MUST and i always find what i want when i come. Friendly, well priced and great hours this store is my favorite of all time!! Check it out and you wont be disappointed! more

I have never walked out of Second Glance Books without a book or two in my hand. Rachel has a great range of books on her shelves and knows what to recommend. more

Unlike other small business bookstores in NE Portland, the people who work here actually acknowledge you when you walk in the door and then(unlike big business bookstores) they leave you alone to peruse the well stocked shelves. Coming here I thought it would be pretty much genre fiction and nothing else, but I was wrong! Lots of non-fiction, collectible kids books and just plain good old fiction. I don't quite understand the one star review another person made on this site. Maybe if you're used to having your hand held while you shop and getting a constant wink and a smile from the employees, I supposed you may be disappointed. Me, it's exactly what I prefer! Check it out and make a judgment for yourself! Pros: Well stocked, owner very knowledgeable about books Cons: Store could be bigger:) more

I always find a wide array of books to choose from with new selections everytime. The Owner is always helpful in introducing me to authors and books that broaden my range of reading. Pros: Great and ever-changing selections more

Over the phone the woman who probably owns the store was a little brash as I asked her a few questions about what kind of books they were looking to buy. I just figured she was a little busy or was having a hard day. When I arrived there I wasn't even greeted. She didn't have a smile on her face not even an inkling of one. More of a smug scowl. After she bought 2 of my books I browsed in the uncomfortable silence feeling as if she was eyeing me the whole time. I found 7 books that I wanted to purchase for my son and realized I had forgotten my wallet in the car. As I went outside I was on my phone and didn't realize that the sign said to push the door all the way open and when it closed it slammed shut. It sounded as if the glass could've broken. I turned around with a worried and sorry look on my face. She looked beyond mad. Okay, my bad I was thinking. As I came inside, off my phone this time and with my money. I said, sorry about that, I guess that is why the door sign says to open it up all the way. She didn't say ANYTHING just continued looking smug and annoyed. Wow okay I was thinking. I will never come back here again. What is funny is that I noticed on the back of my receipt. It stated "" Customer Service, its what we strive for. If we can improve let us know."" wow, lots of room for improvement I must say. Customer service is everything. If you want your business to survive, especially in these times, put a smile on your face and at least be cordial to your customers. I was excited to support the small mom and pop book stores but I am more then happy to take myself back to Powells books or someone elses store. I hope the owner reads this because it will help her business out immensely. Take a customer service course and your business will prosper. Even if your having a bad day, act like your not when you have a customer. Its commom customer service & common courtesy.Being your own business I would think that you would put extra emphasis on that. Pros: great childrens books. really quiet Cons: really quiet, rude customer service, little pricey on some books, street parking more