In today’s world, where big-box stores dominate and online shopping seems like the only option, the importance of local, independent bookstores has never been more significant. With political pressures on access to literature, these bookstores serve as vital refuges for free expression and diverse ideas. They stand as a defense against censorship and a beacon of hope for communities, offering a much-needed space where individuals can find refuge in books, share experiences, and build connections.
One such gem is Fawn and Fox Books, a pop-up bookstore located in McLoud, Oklahoma. What makes Fawn and Fox Books unique? What’s the story behind its success? Let’s take a deeper dive into why this little bookstore has become such an important part of the local community.
The Heart of Fawn and Fox Books: A Pop-Up Experience with a Mission
Fawn and Fox Books isn’t your average bookstore. This pop-up bookstore is indigenous and woman-owned, driven by the passionate mission of owner Katarina DeMaris. The bookstore is designed with a deep focus on engaging with the community, particularly the rural areas surrounding McLoud, Oklahoma. Operating as a pop-up means Fawn and Fox Books can adapt and move to different locations where it is needed most, bringing books to people who may otherwise have limited access.
Being a pop-up bookstore presents its own set of challenges, including finding a stable location and ensuring a consistent flow of customers. But it also allows for a more personalized experience. DeMaris, as the owner, is deeply involved in the community. Not only does she run the bookstore, but she is also the chairperson for the Scholastic Book Fair, volunteering countless hours to ensure students in her area have access to literature. Her role as a community volunteer has allowed Fawn and Fox Books to form deeper connections with local schools and families, enhancing the sense of belonging the bookstore strives to create.
What Makes Fawn and Fox Books Stand Out?
Fawn and Fox Books is not only about selling books; it’s about building relationships. By being a mobile bookstore, the business can serve multiple communities in Oklahoma, responding to where the demand for books is the greatest. This mobility allows Fawn and Fox Books to bring literature to underserved areas, providing an opportunity for rural communities to discover new books, connect with their local bookstore, and be part of a shared experience.
What sets this bookstore apart is its dedication to fostering a sense of togetherness. DeMaris’s involvement in local initiatives ensures that the bookstore is more than just a place to buy books. It’s a central hub for community building, where patrons can engage with one another over their love of literature.
The Cozy Vibe: Wooden Crates and the Scent of Books
One of the most endearing aspects of Fawn and Fox Books is its presentation. The bookstore is arranged using wooden crates, which are stacked to form shelves that create an inviting, rustic atmosphere. These wooden crates don’t just hold books—they help set the mood. The scent of freshly printed paper, combined with the warm and comforting look of the crates, draws customers in and encourages them to linger.
Customers have shared that the layout of Fawn and Fox Books feels like stepping into a traditional bookstore, evoking nostalgia and comfort. The tactile experience of browsing through books in a space where you can feel at home is something that many modern bookstores miss. This intimate setting encourages people to take their time, explore various genres, and talk to others about their favorite books.
Recommended Reads: From “A Court of Thorns and Roses” to Hidden Gems
Fawn and Fox Books may be small, but the range of books it offers is expansive. DeMaris, like many independent bookstore owners, loves to recommend books to customers based on their interests. One series she’s particularly passionate about is A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. This series has captured the hearts of countless readers due to its complex world-building, compelling characters, and thrilling plots. DeMaris loves recommending it because she believes Maas is a master of creating immersive worlds that readers can get lost in.
But DeMaris also has a soft spot for under-the-radar gems that deserve more attention. One such book is Commanding Flame and Shield by S.J. Barnett, a fantasy novel filled with intrigue, magic, angels, and demons. DeMaris finds the story of a 500-year-old female warrior and her young, inexperienced love interest to be utterly captivating and believes it should be more widely recognized.
Why Shopping at Independent Bookstores Matters
In an age dominated by online shopping and large chain stores, shopping at local independent bookstores holds more significance than ever before. When you choose to shop at Fawn and Fox Books, you’re supporting a business that reinvests in the local community. Independent bookstores like this one contribute to the local economy, promote literacy, and create a sense of connection in an increasingly digital world.
As a millennial, DeMaris understands the importance of connection. In a time where technology can make us feel isolated, the experience of stepping into a local bookstore and engaging with fellow book lovers fosters a sense of belonging. She explains that the joy of connecting with someone over a shared love for a book is indescribable and is one of the reasons independent bookstores are so special.
Moreover, independent bookstores often offer a curated selection of books that larger chains might overlook. They provide a more personal, tailored experience for each customer. Whether it’s a unique recommendation or a rare find, independent bookstores serve as vital spaces where people can discover new voices, genres, and authors they might not have encountered otherwise.
The Community Impact of Fawn and Fox Books
Fawn and Fox Books has become a vital part of McLoud’s local ecosystem. By providing access to books, fostering community engagement, and volunteering time to support local schools, DeMaris has created a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together over their shared love of literature.
The pop-up model has allowed the bookstore to be flexible and meet the community wherever it’s needed. Whether it’s setting up at a local festival, a school event, or even a farmer’s market, Fawn and Fox Books brings literature to those who might not otherwise have easy access to it. In doing so, the bookstore has become a symbol of resilience, connection, and the power of stories to bring people together.
FAQs
- What is Fawn and Fox Books? Fawn and Fox Books is a small, indigenous and woman-owned pop-up bookstore located in McLoud, Oklahoma, focused on bringing books to rural communities and supporting local engagement.
- Why is Fawn and Fox Books a pop-up bookstore? As a pop-up bookstore, Fawn and Fox Books can move to various locations within the community, bringing books directly to people in rural areas who may have limited access to bookstores.
- What makes Fawn and Fox Books unique compared to other bookstores? Fawn and Fox Books is distinctive for its mobile setup, wooden crate displays, and its strong community involvement through volunteer work and local events.
- What books does Fawn and Fox Books recommend? Owner Katarina DeMaris loves recommending A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas for its world-building and character depth, and Commanding Flame and Shield by S.J. Barnett, a lesser-known fantasy novel.
- Why is it important to shop at local independent bookstores? Shopping at local independent bookstores supports the local economy, promotes community engagement, and helps keep the spirit of literature alive in an increasingly digital world.
