Where to find independent bookstores in the Oklahoma City metro area
Independent bookstores are often credited with playing an essential role in fostering community engagement. They can provide a safe space for like-minded individuals to connect, and through hosting local book signing events, they can promote diversity and critical conversations. Additionally, indie bookstores typically offer a curated collection of books that reflect the unique interests of the local community.
And when a book is purchased from an independent bookstore, according to a 2021 analysis by Civic Economics, nearly 30% of its revenue is recirculated back into the local economy. In comparison, only 5% of revenue stays local when you buy a book from Amazon.
Seven Oklahoma City metro area indie bookstores will be participating in a free bookstore crawl on April 29 to celebrate the 10th annual Independent Bookstore Day. Get a Bookstore Crawl Passport in any of the participating stores, which include Green Feather Book Company, Speeding Bullet Comics, and Excited Bull Books. Join the crawl and collect stamps from the stores you visit that day. Support three participating stores and collect stamps to be entered in the raffle for a prize pack from each store.
Here are the rest of the participating independent book stores and a few more to check out in the metro area.
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Full Circle in OKC
Full Circle Bookstore, Oklahoma's largest independent bookstore, has been a cornerstone of the Oklahoma City literary community since 1977. With a selection of over 60,000 books in stock, including their own published works of Oklahoma-focused nonfiction, Full Circle Bookstore is a must-see. It also offers a full-service café that serves beer and wine. Events include book signings, live music performances and children's story times. They frequently host acclaimed authors, including a recent appearance by Oklahoma's own Kristin Chenoweth.
Address: 1900 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City
Contact: 405-842-2900, https://fullcirclebooks.com/.
Belle Books Boutique & More
Belle Books Boutique & More is a Black-owned independent bookstore and boutique in Oklahoma City, founded in 2020 by two cousins. Their motto, "where literature and fashion collide," perfectly sums up their unique approach to curating a diverse selection of books by Black authors across multiple genres. Located just east of the Capitol, Belle Books Boutique & More started as a publishing company, but quickly expanded to a bookstore and boutique. They host a variety of events, including book signings, spa days, and an annual Black authors expo at Rose State College.
Address: 1742 NE 23rd St Site B, Oklahoma City
Contact: 405-495-9455, https://bellebooksboutique.co/
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Commonplace books in OKC
Situated in the heart of Midtown Oklahoma City, Commonplace Books is a community-driven bookstore renowned for its curated collection of books spanning various cultures and eras. Established by a group of friends who share a passion for literature, Commonplace aspires to be a hub for "the life of the mind," connecting people through "ideas that matter," as stated on their website. Beyond the selection, the bookstore offers a range of activities, such as book clubs, story times, and craft workshops for children. To encourage local shopping, Commonplace Books offers book club members across Oklahoma City a 20% discount on the chosen books for their group.
Address: 1325 N Walker Ave #138, Oklahoma City
Contact: 405-534-4540, https://www.commonplacebooksokc.com/
Nappy Roots Books in OKC
Black-owned Nappy Roots Books, located in northeast Oklahoma City, specializes in books that celebrate Black culture and history as well as books about other marginalized communities. They host an art gallery as well as cultural and literary programs. In support for a better future, Nappy Roots has participated in a special campaign that donates items to youth experiencing homelessness.
Address: 3705 Springlake Dr, Oklahoma City
Contact: 405-896-0203, https://www.facebook.com/nappyrootsbooks/
Literati Press Bookshop in OKC
Located in the artsy Paseo district, Literati Press Bookshop's selection includes a mix of new and used books. Originally established in 2010 as a subculture publishing company, Literati Press Comics and Novels expanded its business in 2016 to include a brick-and-mortar bookstore. Today, it offers mentoring to emerging Oklahoma authors. It specializes in "progressive and cerebral fiction, sequential art, and nonfiction," according to the website. The store also shares a space with Holey Rollers Donuts.
Address: 3010 Paseo, Oklahoma City
Contact: 405-882-7032, https://www.literatipressok.com/
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Best of Books in Edmond
For nearly 40 years Best of Books has been serving the book-loving community of Edmond. Located in the Kickingbird Shopping Center, Best of Books is a beloved independent bookstore known for its wide selection of children's books. The store hosts many events throughout the year, including the Grown Up Book Fair and book signings with well-known authors.
Address: 1313 E Danforth Rd, Edmond
Contact: 405-340-9202, https://www.bestofbooksok.com/
Pear Street Books and Plants in OKC
If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, head over to Pear Street Books and Plants. Located in historic Midtown in Oklahoma City, this woman-owned book and plant shop offers book clubs, children's story times and, of course, plants. They also offer a monthly romance book box, with a book and selected merchandise inside.
Address: 918 N Hudson Ave, Oklahoma City
Contact: 405-724-7328, https://pearstreetbooks.com/
Deer Clan Books in Bethany
Located one block south of Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, minority-owned Deer Clan Books sells new and used books of all genres, as well as a growing selection of Native American literature. They host book signings and children's story times twice a month. They also have an online bookstore that can be accessed any time.
Address: 3905 N College Ave, Bethany
Contact: 405-495-9005
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma has many independent bookstores, here's a way to support them
