Chaparral Books Opened Second Location in Ford Building
The used bookstore is now serving SE 11th Avenue shoppers in Suite 104.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Portlanders looking for used fiction, poetry, and art books have a new neighborhood option, as Chaparral Books has expanded into the Ford Building. The owners established this second storefront to foster a welcoming atmosphere alongside their original shop on S Corbett Avenue.
Why it matters
Local bookstores often serve as cultural anchors, and this expansion brings a curated selection of used literature to the high-traffic intersection of SE 11th and SE Division. The shop includes a collection of books once owned by the late Portland poet Charles Seluzicki.
Chaparral Books now operates from two locations, including its new storefront at 2505 SE 11th Ave. vs. the long-standing shop at 5210 S Corbett Ave.
The players
John Thomas
John Thomas is a co-owner of the Chaparral Books business.
Sue Thomas
Sue Thomas is a co-owner of the Chaparral Books business.
Charles Seluzicki
Charles Seluzicki was a Portland poet whose book collection is now held at the store.
The details
Owners John and Sue Thomas organized the new space to focus on fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and art. The shop manages inventory through its own website as well as third-party platforms like ABE books, Alibris, and Biblio to supplement in-store sales.
Timeline
2024: Charles Seluzicki died in Portland.
October 2, 2026: The news of the new storefront was published.
Beyond the Bridges
This move builds on the local tradition of neighborhood-focused independent bookstores in Portland. It mirrors a broader trend of small retailers reclaiming spaces in renovated historic buildings to foster local community.
Residents near the Ford Building can now browse the new inventory in Suite 104 at 2505 SE 11th Ave. Shoppers can also track specific titles via the company website or online marketplaces.
The takeaway
The store offers a unique chance to browse the personal library of the late poet Charles Seluzicki. Keep an eye on their online inventory pages if you are hunting for specific editions of used poetry or art books.
Further reading
Find more local business updates in our Openings & Closings section.
More information
Browse the current collection or check store updates on the Chaparral Books official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Southeast Examiner of Portland Oregon.
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