What are the 3 adjectives you would use to describe your bookstore?

Nerdy, Queer, Inclusive

Share a quote from a book or poem that bares your bookstore’s soul.

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”

Neil Gaiman / Coraline

Why was your bookstore founded/what role does it play in the community?

Our biggest success has come from the way we’ve been able to build a terrific local community surrounding the store, and in the ways we’ve been able to serve that community, whether through donating books for the holiday adopt-a-family program, filling community fridges, partnering with local organizations, or offering free space (before COVID and again in the future when it’s safe) for community groups to meet and be in fellowship. I’m extremely proud of the community we’re a part of.

Which champion/warrior/wildcat (real or mythological) does your bookstore channel most?

Dragons & Unicorns

What makes your bookstore unique?

We are unique and niche in that we don’t carry literary fiction (outside of local authors), and we aren’t a general bookstore. We focus on science fiction, fantasy, queer, and diverse books (including children’s books). Our uniqueness comes from our customers, our curated inventory, our leftist leanings, and our mission. Our main goal is to be a community center for nerds, geeks, queer folk, witchy folk, romance readers, and anyone who doesn’t feel supported elsewhere. We envision a future where everyone is empowered, able, and encouraged to tell their own stories, regardless of social class, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, race, age, or culture. Every voice deserves to be heard, and we work to build a world where all voices are equally important. Our mission includes antiracism and social justice, along with being as nerdy and queer as possible, and that makes us unique.

What is something that no one knows about your bookstore?

The most common question we get is about the name of the store. Tubby and Coo were my grandparents, and they grew up in Mid-City in the 1920s and 1930s. They were born across the street from each other and were together basically their entire lives. They were both huge inspirations to me and lovers of books and reading. I always said if I ever actually opened a store, it would be in their old neighborhood, and I would name it after them. So, here we are.