Gardner's Used Books - Tulsa, OK

Gardner's Used Books, Tulsa, OK

(Like The Indie Bob Spot on Facebook and follow The Indie Bob Spot on X)

It is impossible for me to convey to you in this short blurb the totality of this legendary Tulsa bookstore.  After all, it’s been here for almost 34 years, a fantastic achievement for any bookstore.  I can’t imagine a larger used bookstore in Oklahoma.  I don’t know what the book count is here but back in the 90s it was already over half a million (ask Gerry for a  more “creative” answer) so you can figure that number MUCH higher now.  But the store here goes hand in hand with its beloved founder and former owner, Richard Gardner.  Sadly, he passed on recently in 2017 but his influence and impact is felt throughout the store and the legacy he left is that of a staff dedicated to the love and care of books, its customers, and most of all with each other for an environment of a true family spirit.  Thank you Richard. 

What began as a hobby for Richard quickly mushroomed and then grew into what you see today.  A massive bookstore that offers almost all used books.  The neatness of organization is apparent and certainly critical for a used bookstore this size.  Gerry, one of the booksellers, has been here since almost the beginning and told me they average 50 boxes of books a day coming to the store.  It is impossible for Gardner’s to take every book that comes in but with their decades in the community they have many options to donate those extra books to schools, prisons, shelters, and other community centers and organizations.  Their online sales are solid but their main business is with in-person shopping.  And with an impressive place like this, it is a must-see for any book lover.  As I told store manager Leigh Ann, Gardner’s is like a museum with its larger than life Hulks, Star Wars characters, vintage arcade games, and so much more.  

Readers, this Tulsa institution is a destination.  Plan your summer trip through Tulsa and enjoy meeting people like Leigh Ann, Gerry, and the entire Gardner’s family.  You won’t experience the store by reading this but by visiting and enjoying the kindness and welcoming spirit of Richard Gardner that lives on in the current staff and throughout the stores’ many bookshelves.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  People Wasn’t Made To Burn, Joe Allen.  This narrative non-fiction is another example of historical tragedy in this country swept under the rug and forgotten.  James Hickman moved his family from Mississippi to Chicago to escape Jim Crow and find a better future.  Unfortunately, 1940s Chicago was overcrowded with others like the Hickman family who were forced to accept overcrowding, lack of heat, poor plumbing, little or no water, and rent payments that were unrealistic, all at the hands of corrupt landlords.  For 1940s Chicago, fires in these slums were common along with loss of life.  For James Hickman, the tragedy was the loss of his four youngest children in a fire of questionable origin.  6 months after the fire James murdered the landlord and his legal battles began with overwhelming community and legal support.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Still True, Maggie Ginsberg. 

A word of advice before entering. 

I really couldn't get the entire storefront in the picture.  It's enormous. 

This is just above the entrance. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  This large island of counters is mission control. 

Original founder and owner Richard Gardner was a big Marvel Comics fan and you'll find many larger than life replicas like this throughout the store. 

The Incredible Hulk or Jolly Green Giant?  You decide. 

Good heavens YES, you'll need a shopping cart. 

You'll find more than just books at this store.  Head to this room to the right after entering for DVDs, CDs, records, and comics. 

Comic book fans can begin browsing here.  An overview of the room found to the right after entering. 

Many of the comic books can be found to the right after entering the store. 

If you're bringing books in for trade, head for this sign in the front room. 

When was the last time you saw an old school Pac-Man game? 

Heading to the left side of the store. 

Just a few of the LGBTQ books available. 

This idea is a win-win.  Good for customers and good for staff.  

One of the many long book aisles.  You won't be able to get through this store in 5 minutes so make sure you allow plenty of time. 

Partial view of the expansive literature section, to the left after entering. 

Continuing through the store to the left and this overview. 

Great assortment of staff picks. 

The perfect place to sample a book. 

ALWAYS ask your independent bookstore about gift certificates. 

To the far left inside the store you'll find this room, filled with romance among other things. 

The far room to the left will be interesting to true crime fans. 

More staff picks near the checkout counter. 

Name the movie. 

Name the movie. 

Partial overview of the warehouse.  I don't think they're going to run out of books. 

These books are waiting to find a home on the shelves so you can take some home. 

Entrance into the children's room. 

Overview of the large children's room.

With Gerry on the left and Leigh Ann on the right, two of the fine staffers you'll meet at Gardner's Used Books.  Thanks for a great visit.