Reading Frenzy

Reading Frenzy is a small, specialty bookshop/gallery/event space in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1994, we are devoted to supporting independent/alternative media and culture. In the early days, Reading Frenzy occupied a tiny space in what was formerly the office of an auto body shop. The adjacent rare bookseller had a performance space in back that we occasionally used. Several months into our first year we expanded -- from 150 sq ft. to 300! -- but six months later when torrential rains threatened to flood the tightly packed storefront I knew it was time to move. In spring of 1996 we relocated to downtown Portland on what was then a fairly desolate block, albeit cattycorner from Powell's City of Books. The Acorn Block (named for it's Oak St. locale, and the fact that it's shaped like an A) rapidly evolved into a hub of cool, independent businesses and is where we remain today. It's true there was a little scuffle over our lease in the late 90s, when a fastfood chain that will remain unnamed, tried to lease our space out from under us, but due to public outcry we prevailed. Luckily for us, the building was purchased soon after by an amazing local property developer, who's devoted to supporting independent businesses, building community and historic preservation.