Bethany Bookstore Supporting Oklahoma Authors

In the heart of Bethany, just blocks from the SNU campus on the corner of N.W. 38th and College, is an Oklahoma treasure and a book lover’s paradise, called Deer Clan Books

“I knew that when I retired, I wanted to do something else. I couldn’t give up my office chair for a recliner,” said owner Claudette Robertson.

The retired teacher followed her passion.

“I’ve had a passion for books since I was eight years old,” said Robertson.

She opened the store in Bethany three years ago.

“I have non-fiction, I have fiction, I have a lot of inspiration, I have new bibles and used bibles and concordances,” said Robertson.

Plus, those hard-to-find heritage books and lots of children’s books.

“I have a children’s center over here, and on the first and third Saturday of the month we have children’s story time at 11 am,” said Robertson.

The store is also a big supporter of Oklahoma authors.

“I love being in the space and trying to drive more people here,” said local author Wyjuana Montgomery.

Eighty-five Local authors have their books in the store and do book signings there, giving them a chance to interact with the readers.

“We need to have local bookstores, where you come in, sit down, read and enjoy the space,” said Montgomery.

Marla Jones started Doodle and Peck publishing company in 2015.

“I saw that the Oklahoma writers that I knew that have wonderful stories, their stories were not being picked up by the big five,” said Jones.

Jones says the bigger bookstores focus on bigger brands, making stores like Deer Clan irreplaceable for local artists.

“Anytime we can get our books into an independent bookstore we are extremely happy,” said Jones.

However, competing with the big chain stores and online sells, is tough for a small independent bookstore.

“I need a sign, I have people that come in everyday and say, I didn’t know you were here,” said Robertson.

She started a GoFundMe page to purchase a sign and assure the store continues to help local authors.

“Oklahoma authors are very important to the community, and I think we should support whatever goes on in Oklahoma,” said Robertson.

For more information about Deer Clan Books, visit their Facebook page @Deer Clan Books. To contribute to the GoFundMe page  https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgf.me%2Fv%2Fc%2Fgfm%2Fdeer-clan-books-literacy-for-the-community&data=05%7C01%7Cmichael.glover%40griffin.news%7C25328f52b47542b3170d08dbad4f68c9%7C4d622e602d1f44f0b5d87a5063df7874%7C0%7C0%7C638294328815168301%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5LnIDOfS%2F5E8nvyI5DuEZZJUo3jA%2F1oqkX%2BN5LKhFos%3D&reserved=0