In June, 1974, Jan Bruton and Lynn Kelly, filled with a passion for children’s books and music, opened A Children’s Place Bookstore in a tiny storefront just off NE Broadway [Portland, OR]. Over the years, the bookstore would move locations, change owners, and expand in size but always with the same mission: provide the very best in children’s literature and music to their customers; build a staff with a deep knowledge and love for books and children; and create an atmosphere of welcome, enthusiasm, and excitement in the bookstore.
Among the most memorable moments of the first 21 years were: sponsoring the very first Raffi concert in the United States; joining with our neighborhood schools in presenting 3 Children’s Author/Illustrator Parades, featuring Ezra Jack Keats, Beverly Cleary and Tomie dePaola; and helping plan and raise funds for the Beverly Cleary Statues in Grant Park.
The owners of the “middle years,” Nicole and Mitch Elovitz and then Diane Hill Smith, continued the excitement holding tea parties for Madeline; an American Girl book and doll event; and launching the first book of the Harry Potter series to a smashing success!
In 2003, Pam Lewis became the owner of A Children’s Place, and she and her dedicated staff have brought this neighborhood treasure to its 50th Birthday this year. Young readers have met Renee Watson when her first book was published; Rick Riordan of Percy Jackson fame; and Jeff Kinney and his Wimpy Kid series. Perhaps most memorable of all were the Harry Potter Midnight Book Release Parties, complete with costumes, games and, of course, the latest book!
Throughout the years, the owners have made educational outreach a hallmark of the bookstore. From book fairs to book drives for schools and libraries; from author signings both in-store and out-of- store; and to donations of time and books given to promote literacy and increase access to children’s books.
The loyal support of three generations of families and so many teachers and librarians has been the most important part of the bookstore’s history and its reason for being. For that we will always be grateful. Our relationship with our talented local authors and illustrators and our mutual support of each other has been another constant source of pride.
A Children’s Place
1423 NE Fremont St.
Portland, OR 97212
