NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Tubby & Coo’s Mid-City Book Shop, a local, queer-owned, independent book shop that opened in New Orleans in 2014, is thrilled to announce its transition from a brick-and-mortar store to a dynamic Traveling Book Shop. As of June 1, the beloved bookstore will embark on a new chapter, bringing the magic of literature directly to the diverse communities of New Orleans.
Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Book Shop is dedicated to providing a curated selection of science fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, queer, and diverse books. With a strong commitment to social justice, their mission extends beyond selling books. By traveling throughout New Orleans and its surrounding areas, the Traveling Book Shop aims to promote inclusivity, build community, and ensure access to queer literature, especially during a time when such books are being challenged and banned.
Rather than confining themselves to one physical location, Tubby & Coo’s will embark on a journey across the city, bringing their carefully curated collection to readers everywhere. The Traveling Book Shop’s owner, Candice Huber, is determined to create safe and inclusive spaces where fellow nerds can feel free to discover new stories, have fun, and be their authentic selves.
To facilitate accessibility, Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Book Shop has established four permanent pop-up residencies at prominent locations in New Orleans. Beginning in June, on the first Tuesday of the month, they can be found at Second Line Brewing from 5-8 p.m. The Domino will host them on the second Sunday of each month from 3-7 p.m. for their Arts Crafts Queers and Beers market, hosted by Now That’s What I Call Queer. HI-BALLZ welcomes the Traveling Book Shop on the last Saturday of the month from 12-4 p.m. Additionally, on the last Wednesday of the month, Tubby & Coo’s will be at Virgin Hotels New Orleans in the Funny Library Coffee Shop from 3-7 p.m.
From June 1-4, the Traveling Book Shop will pop up at the LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest, an annual event in New Orleans where queer-identifying comedians from around the country can come together and be hilarious. Tubby & Coo’s will also host a book launch at Second Line Brewing on June 17 from 4-7 p.m. for the third book from the bookstore’s publishing house called Carnival of Creatures, a compendium of monsters of Louisiana myth and legend by Candice Huber and Alexis Braud.
In addition to these pop-up residencies and events, Tubby & Coo’s will organize various other events throughout the city. Readers can look forward to author talks and signings, special events like Bookstore Romance Day, Indie Bookstore Day, and Small Business Saturday, as well as engaging activities such as Grown-Up/Boozy Book Fairs, Book Club Trunk Shows, Fundraisers, School Book Fairs, and Bookish Date Nights. The Traveling Book Shop is also equipped to host virtual events and will adapt to meet the diverse needs of New Orleans’ book-loving community.
Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Book Shop is passionate about expanding its services. Beginning in July, the bookstore will introduce local delivery, enabling customers to have their orders conveniently brought right to their door for a small fee of $5. Furthermore, the future holds exciting plans, including the establishment of Little Free Queer Libraries and book vending machines across the city, the introduction of a sustaining member program, and the development of a bookmobile. The Traveling Book Shop is also working on a community initiative called “The Book Banned-Its,” where they will distribute a list of currently banned and challenged books for free to individuals and organizations in the community to foster awareness and support.
Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Book Shop is eager to revolutionize bookselling in New Orleans and invites readers, book clubs, and event organizers to request their traveling book shop using the online form available here or on their website. Embrace the opportunity to support a local, queer-owned independent bookstore while experiencing the joy of literature in your own neighborhood.
You can learn more about Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Book Shop at www.tubbyandcoos.com/travelingbookshop.
