There is nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a new bookshop, whether you’re on the hunt for a rare first edition or just need a cozy spot to flip through the latest bestseller. Luckily, Tulsa is packed with indie gems, family-run favorites, and chain stores where readers of every stripe can find their perfect next read.
Let’s get to it.
Fulton Street Books & Coffee
Nestled in Tulsa’s Greenwood District, Fulton Street Books & Coffee blends a neighborhood café with a curated bookstore. A display of fresh scones sits beside a menu of matcha lattes and Italian sodas. Nearly every title on the shelves comes from local or BIPOC authors, highlighting diverse voices.
Owner Onikah Asamoa-Caesar leads a team dedicated to thoughtful recommendations. The Ally Box focuses on anti-racist literature, the Cause Club spotlights themed selections, and subscription services deliver surprise reads. Regular events include book launches, meet-the-author sessions and a Sunday farmers’ market, plus a mini pop-up at the airport.
Comfortable reading nooks share space with a silent reading zone and a board game area. Walls are painted in warm tones, and low tables invite lingering. While prices reflect an indie bookstore ethos and specialty coffee, the overall experience rewards visitors with community, conversation and discovery.
Books-A-Million
For over a century, Books-A-Million has catered to book lovers of all tastes. Shelves stretch across bright aisles, filled with new releases in genres from manga and sci-fi to romance and faith-based titles. Endcaps highlight featured picks and seasonal reads.
A cozy fireplace sits near a magazine display. The Joe Muggs Café serves coffee, espresso, and snacks. You can enjoy a latte while browsing or pause by the fireplace. Gifts are available in the store and gift wrapping is complimentary, which is handy during holidays or last-minute birthdays.
Staff members know their inventory and can help you find titles or offer recommendations. Special orders ensure you can get any book not currently in stock. The store hosts author events, book signings, and story readings for children. A dedicated section for Christian writing and a large kids’ area stocked with plush toys and picture books appeal to families. Books-A-Million also supports book clubs and literacy drives, making it feel more connected to the community than a typical chain bookstore.
Peace of Mind Bookstore
Peace of Mind Bookstore on Cherry Street occupies two stories of incense-scented exploration, with over 35,000 titles in its ever-growing collection. Leather sofas and armchairs sit tucked into corners, creating intimate spots for studying dog-eared psychology classics or digging into rare tomes on alchemy.
Shelves and display tables hold crystals of various types, smudge sticks, jars of herbs and resins, plus more tarot decks than most readers can shuffle in one sitting. Regular workshops and events cover topics from crystal healing to tarot reading.
Experienced staff guide visitors toward books and tools that align with personal interests, often sourcing out-of-print or hard-to-find volumes. Voters named Peace of Mind the 2024 A-List Bookstore in Tulsa, a nod to its mix of metaphysical resources, expert service and community-driven programming.
Magic City Books
Under the industrial-chic roof of the Archer Building, Magic City Books offers an open layout filled with reading nooks and a café that serves both coffee and wine. The Tulsa Literary Coalition oversees the shop, funneling every dollar into school programs, community events and the annual Book Bash block party.
Shelves focus on new releases and literary titles, but sections for children, teens and self-published local voices ensure broad appeal. The Algonquin room hosts author events, readings and panel discussions. Customers can browse quietly or linger with a drink in hand while staff members offer tailored recommendations.
Soft lighting highlights artwork by local creatives. Affordable pricing on both books and beverages encourages longer visits. Magic City Books manages to feel hip without high-end markups, creating a genuine community hub for readers of every age.
Barnes & Noble
Stepping into Barnes & Noble, you discover a vast mix of reading material. Shelves hold new hardcovers, paperbacks, and mass-market editions. Graphic novels sit alongside superhero comics. You might spot an intriguing mystery or romance cover on the way to the cafe.
In addition to books, the store offers magazines, gift items, and Starbucks coffee. The cafe area has tables and chairs where you can warm up with a latte before tackling a lengthy novel. In the children’s section, pint-sized chairs and low shelves invite young readers to explore picture books. Nearby, adults can lounge in comfortable armchairs while enjoying a snack.
Genres are clearly labeled and neatly organized. You will find fiction, non-fiction, young adult, and a local authors display. Staff members are knowledgeable and ready to recommend best sellers or help locate obscure titles. Membership perks include discounts, special orders, and invitations to events such as storytime for kids or author signings. It is easy to spend hours browsing and discovering new reads.
Oak Tree Books
Inside Oak Tree Books, shelves overflow with leatherbound Easton Press and Franklin Library editions, signed first editions, and stacks of biographies and poetry collections. The staff here know their inventory inside and out. They’ll help you discover a title you never expected or hunt down a rare volume that hasn’t surfaced west of the Mississippi in years.
The shop places heavy emphasis on Oklahoma and Native American history, making it a must-visit for regional scholars. Beyond local studies you can browse mystery, literary fiction, science fiction, and works by emerging local authors. Live curated music plays softly overhead and small reading nooks invite serious browsing.
Oak Tree first opened in 1993, closed briefly in 2017, then reopened under leadership from long-time original staff. Whether you’re a deep-pocket collector or simply seeking a compelling read, you’ll find prices that range from budget-friendly paperbacks to investment-grade collectibles. More than a store, Oak Tree Books serves as a gathering spot for history buffs, reading groups, and visiting authors. If you can’t find a particular book, just ask and they’ll track it down for you.
Mardel Christian & Education
At Mardel Christian & Education, 25,000 square feet of retail space feels more like a faith-based emporium than a simple bookstore. Shoppers find crisp signage guiding them from devotionals and deep-dive theology to a destination-worthy Bible section. A wide selection of faith-inspired gifts and apparel lines the aisles, including graphic Christian t-shirts and VeggieTales plush toys.
Every corner of the store hosts something new: homeschool curriculum options rivaling any classroom supply shop, church choir essentials, science kits, holiday décor and personalized Bible imprinting. The MyMedia bar even burns custom music CDs on demand.
Knowledgeable staff can distinguish Old Testament commentaries at a glance, and a portion of annual profits supports Bible translation efforts. Frequent sales, bundled offers and a rewards program help keep prices affordable. After more than forty years in business, Mardel Christian & Education continues to innovate recommendations for books, classroom decorating and faith-based gifts.
Gardner’s Used Books & Comics
Inside Gardner’s Used Books & Comics in Tulsa, a 23,000-square-foot warehouse is packed with nearly a million used books alongside an extensive comics, video games, records and DVD collection. A dedicated room overflows with mysteries and romances, while other shelves showcase military history, martial arts, Oklahoma and Native American titles, plus survival guides.
Collectible editions live under the Gardner’s Gold label, set apart from more budget-friendly bargains. The store buys and trades books, offering knowledgeable staff advice and extra trade credit once purchases exceed certain thresholds. Gatsby’s Grill café serves coffee and snacks, making it easy to take breaks without stepping outside.
Local author books pop up on special displays. Since opening in 1991, Gardner’s has become a Tulsa institution, familiar to scavengers of rare manga and casual browsers alike. A visit here can stretch for hours as readers chase down their next unexpected find.
The Comic Empire
Operating since the early 1980s, The Comic Empire remains a cornerstone of Tulsa’s comic scene. Inside, cozy aisles and well-organized walls showcase trade paperbacks, manga, indie titles, and international imports. Longboxes of back issues beckon collectors searching for rare finds and deep cuts.
The space accommodates wheelchair access and offers a private parking lot plus a bike rack… parking is never a hassle. Bright lighting and clear aisle labels make browsing straightforward. Whether you pick up a graphic memoir or a Godzilla magazine, the selection spans genres and styles.
Staff members know their comics and take time to help. They can set up a pull list, explain story arcs, or guide new readers through the basics. Prices on new releases are fair, and the buy-back program credits collectors toward future purchases. Michael McCormick and his team maintain a friendly, informative atmosphere. For anyone in Tulsa seeking a local, community-driven comic shop, The Comic Empire covers all the bases without feeling like a big-box store.
Wizards Asylum Comics & Games
Located in Tulsa, Wizards Asylum Comics & Games has served fans for over two decades. This family-owned store stocks new and used comics, graphic novels, and a wide range of tabletop games. You will find Magic cards, Dungeons & Dragons rulebooks, Funko Pops, and specialty dice all on soaring shelves.
The store hosts open gaming tables and weekly events. Magic tournaments and a Pokémon League meet here regularly. The layout is clear… Marvel titles line one aisle, indie presses fill another, and RPG sourcebooks stand nearby. Discounted back issues occupy a dedicated wall.
Owners and staff are eager to help with game suggestions or comic recommendations. They guide you through the $1 comic bins and point out the latest releases without breaking your budget. Special orders are available for rare finds. Membership benefits include discounts on new arrivals and early access to event sign-ups. With community-focused events and cozy gaming spaces, this shop offers Tulsa the ultimate welcoming spot for collectors and players alike.
Impulse Creations Comics & Collectibles
Ever since it opened in 2013, Impulse Creations Comics & Collectibles has attracted comic and collectible fans alike. The aisles are wide enough to browse comfortably. Thousands of titles fill the shelves, from new superhero adventures to indie releases. A towering back issue wall runs the length of the store.
Manga and anime readers will find import comics and magazines. Collectibles such as Funko Pops line display cases. The layout feels modern and inviting. Staff members blend deep comic knowledge with a relaxed attitude. They can explain subscription benefits, including 30 percent off new comics and free bags and boards.
Prices are competitive and special orders are available for hard-to-find issues. The store calendar is full of events: signings, cosplay meet-ups, and visitations from groups such as the 501st Legion. Regular tournaments and themed gatherings add to the lively atmosphere. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to comics, this shop delivers selection, service, and a friendly community space in Tulsa.
Mammoth Comics
Since opening in 2001, Mammoth Comics in Tulsa has built a reputation as a comprehensive destination for comic enthusiasts. The store’s inventory spans new releases, back issues, superhero classics, indie titles and quirky collectibles. A dedicated wall showcases rare finds, including a pristine second issue of Superman from 1939.
Each comic is carefully bagged and boarded, reflecting the store’s commitment to preservation. Bright displays fill the space without overwhelming visitors, and aisles stay organized and clean.
Owner Shawn Mears leads a staff that knows comics inside out. They’re ready to help seasoned collectors track down obscure issues or guide newcomers through the shelves. Pricing offers value whether you’re buying or selling, with fair offers on used collections.
Mammoth Comics also hosts regular events. Free Comic Book Day brings out families and long-time fans. Creator signings and casual meetups happen throughout the year, making the shop a community hub. Drop by and you’re bound to find a title you never expected or meet someone who shares your passion.
