‘Be a part of the story’: Hillsboro’s new fantasy bookstore brings ‘Hidden Worlds’ to life

Key Points:

• Hayley Klarich opened Hidden Worlds, a fantasy-themed bookstore in Hillsboro’s Orenco Station, designed as an immersive and theatrical space where visitors can feel part of the story.
• The bookstore features two distinct rooms—the Gothic Library for shopping and The Reading Room for group activities like book clubs and D&D sessions—both decorated with medieval and Gothic elements to enhance the fantasy atmosphere.
• Hidden Worlds has garnered strong community support, with nearly 100 people lining up for its grand opening and a history of successful pop-up events like monthly silent book clubs attracting 50 to 75 readers.
• Klarich’s background in theater arts and inspiration from fandom experiences like the Forever Twilight Festival shaped her vision for a bookstore that offers more than books, creating a social and immersive environment for fantasy enthusiasts.
• The store fills a local niche in the Portland metro area’s vibrant literary scene, attracting readers from as far as Vancouver and Eugene, and benefits from a collaborative relationship with other independent booksellers in the region.