Don’t like to purchase books online? Here are 10 top independent bookstores in Oklahoma, especially for you!
1. Full Circle Books
Want to visit the biggest independent bookstore in Oklahoma City? Then look no further than Full Circle Books. It has over 60,000 books of varying titles, a garden café, and it even has its own publishing press, Full Circle Press, helping local authors get their writing into the world.
After 30 years of service to the Oklahoma City community, Full Circle Press has gained a reputation for being a book lover’s dream. Stop in to see the old wooden bookcases with rolling wooden ladders (like something out of a movie!), or the pearl buffalo statue standing at the entrance to the Oklahoma area of the store. Search the store’s event page to find a local or national author signing or the next book club meeting. Or just drop into the café for a quick coffee to ease your mind in the Italian-inspired garden. Full Circle Books has everything you need!
2. Literati Press
Want something a bit different and eclectic? Then head to Literati Press bookshop in the Paseo Arts District of Oklahoma City. The Literati Press itself was founded by Charles Martin in 2010 to help local writers of comics and speculative fiction get published. The shop opened in 2016 and exclusively sells titles in the speculative fiction, progressive art, and eccentric nonfiction, as well as the authors the Press publishes.
You can check out the shop and the art gallery next store (Paseo Plunge) by visiting them in person or searching the bookstore’s webpage here or emailing them. If you prefer an audiobook, then check out this page.
3. Whitty Books
If you’re in Tulsa, OK, why not give Whitty Books a visit? Opened in July 2018 by Julian and Victoria, Whitty Books is located in the Kendall Whittier District of Tulsa and focuses on the more niche and lesser known authors and titles. They host a variety of events, including an annual reading challenge and monthly book clubs for all sorts of genres big and small.
Can’t find what you want on the website or in store? Submit an order request and they can order anything you desire. You can also sign up for their newsletter (at the bottom of the main page) to stay up-to-date on all the events they host.
4. Magic City Books
Another great independent bookstore in Tulsa, OK is Magic City Books, located in the Tulsa Arts District. Owned by the Tulsa Literary Coalition, Magic City Books mostly houses popular fiction and nonfiction texts for adults, with some carefully chosen titles for young adults and children.
Looking to join a book club? Magic City Books has a variety of book blubs each month to help you meet other, likeminded bookworms. You can even start your own book club if you don’t see one you like! Are you an aspiring writer? Magic City Books hosts a variety of writing workshops and book events to help you refine your craft and make connections that will get your book published. Have any other questions? Send them a message via their contact page.
5. Gray Street Books
As the only independent bookstore in Norman, Oklahoma, Gray Street Books (also known as “The Book Stall on Gray”) not only sells a varied collection of books, both fiction and nonfiction, but accepts trade-ins, as well. Under new, family-run management since 2019, The Book Stall on the Gray has been bustling with local business ever since.
You can get a quote for your used books before you even visit the shop by using their online quote service. You can also contact them for a more personalized quote and any information regarding events held at their bookstore.
6. McHuston Books and Bistro
If you find yourself in Broken Arrow, OK (a suburb of Tulsa), check out McHuston Books and Bistro. Although the physical bookstore opened in 2006, McHuston Booksellers has been operating as a book buyer and seller since 1976 and has been part of the Celtic and Irish community in Broken Arrow since that time.
Not only do they sell new and used books, even some rare, out-of-stock or first editions, but they also buy books you’re want to get rid of, and for a fairly decent price. While you’re there, you can also visit their Irish Bistro to have a cup of coffee and sample some of the traditional Irish dishes like Beef Stew or Shepherd’s Pie.
Want to check out what they’ve got before you visit? Have a browse on their ‘Unique Titles’ list or contact them via email.
7. Best of Books
If you’re near Edmond, OK, then stop into Best of Books, a family-run mainstay of Edmond for over 30 years. It has everything from local author book signings to school services. Search for ebooks, print books or even sign up for their newsletter to stay up-to-date on everything happening in store.
Best of Books also provides developmental editing, copyediting, fact-checking, and publishing assistance. Just contact their head of editing to get started! You can follow everything happening at Best of Books (or BoB, as it is known locally) by going to their website or following them on Instagram and Twitter.
8. Second Chance Books and Comics
Looking specifically for a used book or comic book? Then head over to the OKC suburb of Warr Acre, OK and check out Second Chance Books and Comics! As the largest independent bookstore in the area (and largest comic bookstore in Oklahoma), they have over 163,000 used books in at least 20 different genres, 9,000 graphic novels and 50,000 back issues in high grade condition. You can search or browse their online collection or simply stop in to see what titles they have. You can also check out any number of events they have on at any time, including book signings and book clubs. You can contact them in a variety of ways, by either email, phone or their contact page.
9. Bliss Books and Bindery
If you find yourself in Stillwater, OK, look no further than Bliss Books and Bindery. Opened in 2017 by local couple, the store was named after a local competition. You can stop in to shop for a variety of new or used books, as well as bookbinding services. They even host local author and book club events.
Stop by to check out the shop or just to meet the namesake of the store, Bliss the dog! If you can’t make the trip, contact them about their book request and shipping services.
10. Commonplace Books
Another great independent bookstore in Oklahoma City, OK is Commonplace Books, located in Midtown. Opened in 2016 by a group of local friends, Commonplace Books is known for its eclectic variety of book genres, catering to every taste that walks in the door. If you don’t find something you like or have something particular in mind, they’ll even do special orders for you via their online request form.
The shop hosts a variety of events from children’s story hours to monthly book clubs on almost any genre of book. If you want to join an event, order a book, or just have questions about the shop, you can contact them via their webpage or social media.
