Benjamin Ashford|How Whitty Books takes an unconventional approach to bookselling in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Local,Benjamin Ashford independent bookstores have never been more important. With fair access to literature under political attack, bookstores are a bulwark against censorship and an asset to the communities they serve.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, discovering what makes each one special and getting their expert book recommendations.

This week we have Whitty Books in Tulsa, Oklahoma!

Located in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Whitty Books stands as a beacon for all things strange and speculative. Since their beginning in 2018, they've carved out a niche by embracing the unconventional, the indie, and the voices often sidelined in mainstream literature.

“We have always focused on speculative fiction, indie presses and titles by marginalized authors,” said bookseller Victoria Moore. “We recently started our own small press and are so excited to be a part of the book world in a whole new way.”

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

Whitty Books is also a hub of community engagement and collaboration. They share their space with a sewing studio, and revel in partnerships with local makers and artists, enriching their offerings and supporting the creative ecosystem of Tulsa.

Continuing to create community, they are passionate about their curated events and book clubs. From monthly horror lit gatherings to discussions on Native American literature, fantasy/scifi, and punk/post-punk works, there's something for every literary taste.

“As an indie bookstore we get to stock the titles and host the events we're passionate about and interested in, which results in a more diverse and unique experience,” said Moore. Book swaps, blackout poetry sessions, and collage workshops add to the vibrant tapestry of experiences they offer, ensuring that Whitty Books isn't just a store but a cultural hub.

And this month, don’t miss Tulsa LitFest, a free festival co-hosted by Whitty Books with events ranging from live readings to a book fair.

Their commitment to fostering literary culture doesn't end at their doorstep. “We are a part of the leadership for Tulsa Litfest, an annual literary festival in town that brings a variety of authors and programming to the area for a long weekend.”

So whether you're seeking out the strange and speculative or craving a sense of belonging in a community of book lovers, Whitty Books welcomes you with open arms!

Check out some of the books they recommend:

• "Silver in the Wood" by Emily Tesh
• "I Was a Teenage Slasher" by Stephen Graham Jones
• "The Perfect Bastard: Poems" by Quinn Carver Johnson