As someone who has lived in Tulsa my whole life, one thing I have come to appreciate about our city is how independent bookstores have thrived over the past decade. Despite Borders (sadly) going out of business, Tulsans have found a way to support our local bookstores and keep them going, even through the COVID-19 pandemic.
To me, there is nothing quite like stepping foot in a cozy, quiet storefront lined wall to wall with hundreds of books. If you’re a bookworm like me, you’re probably on the hunt for your next read (and maybe even the one after that!). If so, pay a visit to one of Tulsa’s independent bookstores and support their local business owners. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or feel inspired, Tulsa has bookstore for every kind of reader.
Peace of Mind Bookstore
Although I hadn’t visited Peace of Mind Bookstore until recently, I wish I had much sooner. Located on Cherry Street, Peace of Mind is Tulsa’s oldest remaining bookstore – having been open for over 40 years. Not only that, Peace of Mind offers a selection unlike any other. From astrology to comparative religion to psychology, its selection of new and used books covers all topics relating to the spiritual and metaphysical. During my visit, I was intrigued to see that Peace of Mind offers tarot card readings, for those who are interested.
As I entered the shop, I was instantly fascinated with the skylights overhead and the colorful stained glass windows along the walls. There is something warm and homey about the space. Throughout the store, you can discover crystals, candles, incense, and any herb imaginable. In fact, it has an entire room dedicated to its selection of incense, and another room just for storing its immense collection of tea blends. With plenty of comfortable seating and a chess table nearby, I could spend all day in a place like Peace of Mind.
Fulton Street Books & Coffee
Fulton Street Books & Coffee is more than a bookstore— it’s a reclamation of the legacy of Black Wall Street and a space where black, brown, and indigenous people of color (BBIPOC) can feel a sense of belonging. From Maya Angelou to Haruki Murakami, its selection of fiction and nonfiction showcases voices that have been excluded from the literary canon for far too long. With over 70% of its books written by or featuring BBIPOC, Fulton Street Books & Coffee is the perfect place to start decolonizing your personal library. Another great aspect of Fulton Street is that all of its workers are paid a livable wage of at least $15 an hour— something that I think is worth applauding, especially in the midst of the pandemic.
When I walked into Fulton Street Books & Coffee, I was intoxicated by the rich, intense smell of coffee. The café attached to the bookstore serves tea and a variety of specialty coffee drinks. With its silver art-deco inspired ceilings and massive windows flooding the space with natural lighting, Fulton Street is a beautiful storefront that can be rented for private events. During my visit, I picked up a copy of Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angel Y. Davis. I did not, however, have the good fortune of meeting Zazu, the adorable pup that often oversees shop operations. As a bookstore with a purpose, I was inspired by Fulton Street Books & Coffee’s vision to be a hub of inspiration and civic discourse. For that, I will most certainly be returning.
Gardner’s Used Books & Music
As Tulsa’s largest used bookstore, Gardner’s Used Books & Music is a dream come true for bookworms. I could easily spend all day browsing its enormous selection, ranging from mysteries to anthologies to autobiographies. Along with books, Gardner’s sells vinyl, CDs, and DVDs. It’s a great place to scope out obscure, used records. If you are interested in collecting vinyl, make sure to check out my tips for beginners. Best of all, the prices are hard to beat. During my last visit, I picked up two college textbooks for less than $15. If I were to compare to it to another bookstore, I’d say it’s the closest Tulsa gets to a Half Price Books.
With its winding aisles and many rooms, it’s easy to get lost in a place like Gardner’s. Out of all the independent bookstores I’ve visited, it holds the title of being the largest by far. In addition to selling books, Gardner’s lets shoppers trade their unwanted books, vinyl, and DVDs (given that they’re in good condition) for store credit. If you’re looking to spend an entire day in a bookstore, Gardner’s Used Books & Music is the place to be.
Magic City Books
Located in the Tulsa Arts District, Magic City Books is a project of the Tulsa Literary Coalition. Its trendy storefront is inspired by downtown Tulsa’s Art Deco architecture, and it features a coffee bar and Algonquin room. Both, however, are temporarily closed to the public to prevent the spread of COVID-19. When I was a college student, Magic City Books was the only bookstore in town that carried copies of James Welch’s Winter in the Blood, along with other Native American literature. Although its selection ranges from cookbooks to comics, Magic City Books emphasizes popular fiction and narrative nonfiction most. Magic City also has a substantial selection of books by Oklahoma writers.
As the home of Booksmart Tulsa, Magic City holds author events frequently. In fact, it is one of the best places in town for these kind of gatherings, as it attracts a wide variety of talent – from big names like Stephen King and Jodi Picoult to local voices like Joy Harjo and Scott Ellsworth. Along with its selection of books, Magic City sells themed souvenirs and knick-knacks that are ideal for gift-giving.
Eleanor’s Bookshop
Having opened its doors in 2020, Eleanor’s Bookshop is the only independent bookstore in town that focuses exclusively on children’s books. Its eye-catching, yellow storefront is situated next door to Mother Road Market, a massive food hall that is a great pit stop for lunch or dinner. Its selection of books is carefully arranged by reading level, and showcases a diversity of authors and topics. I was excited to see some of my favorite books from when I was a child, like The Outsiders and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler on display.
While I visited, I learned that Eleanor’s Bookshop hosts a drop-in Story Time program every day (except for Mondays) at 11:30 AM. The friendly shop associate told me that they normally read three different stories, two of which are picture books. With its cheery, colorful decorations and helpful staff, it’s the perfect place to take your kids to pick out their next read.
Whitty Books
Last but certainly not least is Whitty Books, located in the historic Kendall-Whittier District. Although the storefront is unassuming from the outside, its punchy, vibrant blue walls and hanging artwork certainly draws one in while shopping. Having opened its doors in 2018, Whitty Books offers a unique selection of books, from sketchbooks to poetry about Britney Spears. Every month, Whitty Books partners with a community member, who curates a list of books for readers to explore. A portion of the proceeds from sales is then donated to a nonprofit of the community member’s choice. For the month of May, Whitty has partnered with May Yang from Flash Flood Print Studios.
Towards the back of the bookstore, Whitty Books has a designated studio space for sewing and quilting lessons taught by Mary Perisho of Owl and Drum. Although many the workshops have gone virtual to protect the safety of staff, Whitty Books is hoping to bring back a handful of in-person events beginning in June. With my sewing machine sitting at home collecting dust, I was thrilled to hear about Whitty Book’s sewing workshops. I’m sure I’ll be returning in the future to tackle a few projects with the help of its kind staff.
Next time you’re in the mood to grab a coffee and unwind with a good book, stop by one of Tulsa’s many independent bookstores. Although it might be convenient to order your next read online, you’d be missing out on the experience that Tulsa’s local bookstores have to offer.
Each bookshop has a distinct feel and vision of its own, along with a thoughtfully curated selection of books. In fact, why not visit them all this summer? It’s my personal belief that one can never have too many books.
Faith Was Here 
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