One of the good things about social distancing and being quarantined is it gives us time to read. As an avid reader myself, I've found it heartwarming to see the ways everyone is trying to get readers the books they need while in seclusion. Bookstores are doing more mail and curbside service and book lovers are posting lists and videos of everything from pandemic fiction that might help put things into perspective to cozy reads that provide needed escape.
Oklahoma City metro bookstores and comic book shops have stepped in to get you book supplies curbside, online, and in some cases, in stores; and our library systems are serving the community in the best ways they can while keeping everyone safe.
Literati Comics & Novels
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sundayliteratipressok.com
3010 Paseo St.
405-882-7032
Literati Press is offering phone consultations for book recommendations, curbside pickup and bicycle delivery via Pedal Exchange as well as online purchasing through its website and its American Booksellers Association page.
"Hit us up if you need a good read. We’ll find a way," owner Charles Martin said in a post on Literati's Facebook page.
Martin said it's best to call ahead if you're planning to visit the bookshop.
Full Circle Bookstore
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturdaynoon-5 p.m. Sunday
fullcirclebooks.com
Full Circle Bookstore has cancelled all major events for March and is reviewing April events. Through a post on Facebook, it said customers will receive free shipping on phone orders, and the store is offering curbside pickup of books as well as giving customers a 10 percent gift card for a future purchase.
Its Garden Cafe is offering curbside pickup for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Saturday. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday. To order, call 405-842-2900.
"There is nothing as satisfying as binge-reading. Use this moment to indulge in it guilt-free!" its Facebook post said.
Commonplace Books
9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
1325 N. Walker Ave., Suite 138
commonplacebooksokc.com
405-604-5113
Commonplace Books in Midtown is currently open during its regular hours but is offering delivery, quick pickup and curbside options.
"While there are certainly clearcut and wide ramifications for all that's transpiring around us, we believe there is something deeper taking place within us all that will far outlast the urgency of this hour," it said in a Facebook post March 18.
New World Comics
noon-7 p.m. Monday-Friday11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday
1-5 p.m. Sunday
6219 N. Meridian Ave.
facebook.com/newworldcomicsokc
405-721-7634
New World Comics, a local comics and collectibles store, remains open but is now offering curbside pickup. Call 405-721-7634 to place your order.
Best of Books
1313 E. Danforth Road, Edmond9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
closed Sunday
bestofbooksok.com
405-340-9202
Best of Books in Edmond has postponed events and instituted temporary store hours but is now doing curbside pickup — it has reserved two parking spaces in front of the store for curbside orders. It is offering free shipping on books in stock in the store now (call to check) and online orders over $50 through April 30. All storytimes and other events in the store are cancelled.
"We at Best of Books are working hard to ensure your continued well-being, even under the difficult circumstances that the coronavirus crisis has created," Best of Books president Joe Hight said in a statement on its website. "We want to continue to make it as easy as possible for you to obtain the latest books you want to read and enjoy."
Read the entire statement here.
Metropolitan Library System
metrolibrary.org
Though all branches of Metropolitan Library System are currently closed through at least March 29, the system's online content (including ebooks, audiobook, content streaming apps and more) is available. The library has said that all physical materials currently checked out have been renews and are now due April 6. Patrons should not return materials while the library remains closed.
For information about the library and the COVID-19 situation, visit metrolibrary.org/coronavirus.
Pioneer Library System
pioneerlibrarysystem.orgAll Pioneer Library System branches are currently closed through March 31.
"Holds will be held for 7 days after we reopen. Fines have been suspended and checkout periods extended to Monday, April 6. Please keep all items and return them after that date," a notice on its website says.
Pioneer Library System's digital resources (including OverDrive ebooks, audiobooks and movies; digital magazines; and the library's PLS Connect app) are available.
If you hear of any other stores or services offering easier access to books during this time, please email [email protected].
