As the weekend rolled in, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson set out to honor Independent Bookstore Day, bringing attention to beloved local literary haunts in Portland. The Governor said, "They are more than just a place to buy books – they are places where worlds are explored, communities come together, and children and adults alike discover the joy of reading."
The day's literary visits began at Sunrise Books, a Black woman-owned bookstore with a focus on children's literature and community programming. Owner Edith Johnson developed the store from a small section in a smoothie shop into a dedicated retail space. The Koteks also visited Powell’s Books, a long-established independent bookstore in Portland. While there, they stopped by Guilder Cafe, a coffee shop located within Powell’s.
The visit included more than browsing books or sharing recommendations, such as Governor Kotek’s mention of Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness and the First Lady’s selection of Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, as listed on Oregon.gov. At each location, the couple took time to speak with owners about the challenges and experiences of operating independent bookstores in today’s retail environment.
The day concluded with a stop at Third Eye Books and Gifts, a store focused on African-centric literature and memorabilia, founded by Charles Hannah and Michelle Lewis. The owners collaborate with community organizations and emphasize cultural engagement. The Governor acknowledged the store's contributions to community conversations and cultural expression.
Throughout the day, the Governor and First Lady visited several independent bookstores in Portland, highlighting the role these businesses play in the city’s literary landscape. Photos from the visit are available on the state’s website.
