The Lore, a local and independently owned mobile bookshop, is opening a storefront in April on South Porter Avenue in the unit adjacent to Yellow Dog Coffee.
Kim Bieda began The Lore as a mobile stall in February 2022 after attending a mini bookstore crawl in Oklahoma City. All sellers came from Oklahoma City, and, at the time, Norman had zero independent bookstores.
The Lore Pop-up Shop during the Norman Farm Market on March 16.
Norman now has two independently-owned bookstores, but Bieda said the crawl highlighted the need for more within the city.
“Fast forward a few months, and I'm like ‘Why can't I do it?’ There is no degree you have to have to own a bookstore,” Bieda said. “I love books, and I have a lot of hustle.”
The Lore, which sells new and used books, intends to uplift the voices of marginalized people, specifically LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC authors, Bieda explained.
The shop often showcases books by such authors, and, though this is often done with nonfiction, Bidea said she also wants to platform fictional genres such as science-fiction and horror.
“We are making sure that we have stories here that you don't always get to see and meet in life,” Bieda said. “When we read stories from other cultures, even if they are fictional, we get such an insight into the history and culture that those people come from.”
The Lore Pop-up Shop during the Norman Farm Market on March 16.
The Lore sells the work of local artists in addition to books. The shop carries products from B&W Woodworks and handmade fabric bags at its mobile pop-ups.
The Lore will also sell art supplies in its new space, specifically yarn. In addition to readers, Bieda intends for the shop to be a gathering place for yarn artists such as knitters and crocheters.
The Lore also partners with local businesses such as 405 Brewing Co. and Yellow Dog Coffee for events and collaborations. Along with events, The Lore operates three monthly book clubs at 405 Brewing: "Space Cadets," "Spooky Season All Year" and "Better than the Movie."
“There's no judgment, and it's a really cool community of people,” Annie Wymore, director of communications for 405 Brewing, said. “It makes you want to read and so now here I am, in three different book clubs.”
Bieda said that The Lore will be a space that encourages conversation and connection, intending to foster a sense of community, whether it be through book clubs or local artists.
“The Lore really brings people together,” Wymore said. “It's a very genuine desire to pull that kind of community together that doesn't require you to make a lot of money or have to show up on a certain day.”
The Lore Pop-up Shop during the Norman Farm Market on March 16.
The Lore’s brick-and-mortar location will feature a large patio space, intended to be a community gathering area for those looking to knit, enjoy a book or even play a board game.
"I'm really excited for that kind of space and (for people) to be somewhere where it feels like home. I think The Lore is going to give that sense of home,” Wymore said.
After moving to a storefront, Bieda still intends to host monthly pop-ups. The Lore will have a soft opening beginning Saturday, with a grand opening weekend April 12-14, at 220 S. Porter Ave. Starting Saturday, regular hours will be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
This story was edited by Emma Blakley and Shelby Emery. This story was copy edited by Avery Avery.
