Editor's note: This article was updated 12:51 p.m. on Sept. 26 to correct the name of Heather Hall.
After a year under new ownership, Norman’s only used bookstore completed renovations in August, providing the store more opportunities to cultivate community.
Green Feather Book Company opened in August 2022. The space was most recently known as Gray Street Books, but has been selling used books since 1973 under various owners.
Heather Hall, owner of Green Feather, worked for previous owners of the used bookstore, then called The Book Stall, in the 1990s while in university.
Hall graduated from East Central University in Ada in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and planned to attend law school the following year.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, her plans were put on hold. At the time, Hall’s two children were transitioning to online school.
“I was like, ‘There is no way I am doing law school (online),’” Hall told OU Daily. “I have children at home who need help.”
By the time her children returned to school in person, Hall’s goals changed. She decided to open a business selling books due to her love for reading. When the opportunity arose in March 2022, Hall purchased the store. The following months were spent rearranging and renovating the interior.
“There’s a huge need in Norman for bookstores that has been severely under met for decades,” Hall said.
Inside the store, books both new and used sit side by side, some of them from the store’s original owners. Hanging lights shine down on the books, illuminating the shelves against dark green walls. Pastel couches provide visitors with a space to relax or socialize while shopping.
Jess Henderson, a regular at Green Feather, said its vibe is what makes the store unique and the welcoming environment is what brings her back.
“It’s not just that it’s a used bookstore that’s here in town or even that it’s close to me,” Henderson said. “It’s being able to find new things, but also the personality of the staff and the welcomeness.”
Hall said her goal for Green Feather is to be a community space that holds regular events. With the recent renovation, Hall said she is excited for the store to have a better flow of traffic.
Green Feather Book Company is Norman's oldest bookstore. The shop has new and used books available for purchase.
In the renovation, the store’s event space was transformed into a nonfiction section with seating and a new archway.
Since opening, Green Feather has found ways to get involved in the Norman community. The store has participated in fundraising and book drives for schools in the Norman area, as well as served as a space for community events.
“It’s my goal to be as active in the community as I have time to be active in the community,” Hall said.
Hall said she is an avid opponent of book banning. Last year, when a Norman teacher resigned after receiving criticism for sharing a QR code to access banned books, Hall took action.
She gave out T-shirts and buttons featuring the QR code, which was linked to the Brooklyn Public Library Books Unbanned initiative.
Green Feather received mixed opinions about its stance on book banning. The store has a banned book section near the front of the store with the Books Unbanned QR code displayed on the shelf.
“My purpose as a bookseller is to be outspoken in places where librarians can’t, where teachers can’t,” Hall said.
Green Feather offers a system that allows books to be traded in for credit, offering $1 credit for paperback books and $3 credit for hardcover books. Hall believes that everyone should have access to books. While Green Feather does offer new books, customers can find used books at a lower price.
“Sometimes socioeconomic concerns create a divide in a community,” Hall said. “Having a bookstore like this gives the entire community a place to come together.”
Green Feather is located at 300 W. Gray St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
This story was edited by Emma Blakley and Karoline Leonard. Avery Avery, Mary Ann Livingood and Nikkie Aisha copy edited this story.
