Whitty Books - Tulsa, OK

Whitty Books, Tulsa, OK

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Readers, if it seems to you like I'm visiting lots of new bookstores lately, you're right.  As Victoria M. (co-owner with husband Julian) told me, it's a great time for independent bookstores and they're making a comeback.  I couldn't agree more and have seen the same thing the last couple of years on my journey.  This newbie opended in July and is only 4 months old.  Victoria and Julian live in this neighborhood and often commented that an independent bookstore was what was missing.  As residents of this neighborhood, they decided to act and open a bookstore and have been received enthusiastically by the folks here in the Kendall-Whittier community.

This one-level bookstore lives in a long, lengthy space.  They offer new books and a very small number of used books in excellent condition.  They're still trying to discover what sidelines will be best but do offer greeting cards as well as locally created art in different MEDIUMS.  I thought the artwork displayed throughout the store was outstanding, something I've observed in many indies.

One of the best things for Whitty in its brief history has been events.  As Victoria told me, they're open to just about anything.  So far they've hosted live music, poetry, art shows, and pop-up books off-site.  They host a couple of book clubs and hope to establish a bilingual story time to serve the neighborhood's large Hispanic community.  In their short time, Whitty has jumped into the independent t bookstore world doing all those things that make indies successful.  Way to go Victoria and Julian!

I didn't get to meet Julian on this visit but had a super time meeting Victoria and talking about the store, the neighborhood, and lots of books.  The store is a two-person operation with Victoria and Julian, but at some point they may add a staffer who is bilingually fluent.

So the word is still getting out about this little gem and now it's up to you, Tulsa, to discover it and share it.  If you're in the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood and haven't been here yet, it's time to check it out.  Go to an event, browse, and heck, go ahead and get a book.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  The Autobiography Of An Ex-Coloured Man, James Weldon Johnson.  This was originally published anonymously in 1912.  One of the first books in the genre of African-American literature and the book tells the story of a "light" African-American who can pass as white.  He sees both sides of the dilemma and his experiences from childhood to adulthood are revealing.  A great insight to the culture of the early 20th century, an important work in its time and still relevant today.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Wintering, Peter Geye.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Where The Dead Sit Talking, Brandon Hobson.  Neverwhere, Neil Gaiman.  

If you approach the store from the left, this is your view.  

View looking into the store from the main entrance.  I love those old tin ceilings.  

Looking to the left from the main entrance you'll notice a variety of pottery works displayed, created by local artists.  

Looking to the right from the main entrance you'll find a few of the greeting cards available.  

We are on the cusp of the holiday season.  Even if you don't get something for yourself always consider something for a friend or relative.  Many indies offer gift cards, make sure to ask.  Also remember that ANY season is gift card season.  

Here's the check-out counter where you'll buy your books.  

This is a great area in the front of the store.  Lots of natural light so you can see the book you're trying out.  

I saw this little guy on the shelf and liked it.  Maybe a good gift for someone?!

It's always fun to see what the bookstore book clubs are reading.  

Super drawings by co-owner Julian.  

The art displayed throughout the store is fantastic.  

Partial view of the children's section.  

Another view of the children's section.  

An overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

With Victoria, the fine co-owner at Whitty Books.  Thanks for a great visit.