IF YOU'VE BEEN TO Powell's City of Books lately, you might've noticed some unnervingly empty bookshelves in the Blue Room. That's because, beginning this month, the bookstore is remodeling the portion of the building that holds the Blue and Green Rooms (literature and the main entrance, respectively). Per a press release from Powell's, "The remodeled rooms will have a brand-new layout, as well as a look and feel that both respects the history and retains the spirit of Powell's. Specific updates and improvements include: a new entrance, a new roof, energy-efficient windows, fresh exterior paint, additional skylights, and new lighting." The store will remain open during the remodel, but the main entrance at 10th and W Burnside will be closed for the duration—an estimated six months. Work began on Monday, January 13.
Microcosm Publishing recently purchased a new location at 2752 N Williams, where they moved their storefront and operations as of this month. The move marks a big expansion from the tiny Southeast digs the publisher/distributor has occupied for years.
And finally, the Multnomah County Library has begun providing streaming music and video to its members, via Hoopla, a "Netflix-like streaming service," according to the library, with upward of 125,000 titles. Patrons can access albums for one week and movies/video for three days per item. (Hoopla is currently offered in more than 50 other library systems, including Seattle and LA.) Library members will be able to stream a total of four items a month, on iOS, Android, or web browser—to get started, visit the library's website.
