Tubby & Coo's Mid-City Book Shop, New Orleans, La., will transition from a bricks-and-mortar store to a Traveling Book Shop, effective June 1. New Orleans magazine reported that 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."
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| Candice Huber | |
Owner Candice Huber is determined to create safe and inclusive spaces. To facilitate accessibility, Tubby & Coo's Traveling Book Shop has established four permanent pop-up residencies at prominent locations in New Orleans. From June 1-4, the Traveling Book Shop will pop up at the LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest, and on June 17 will host a book launch at Second Line Brewing for the third title from the bookstore's publishing house, Carnival of Creatures, a compendium of monsters of Louisiana myth and legend by Candice Huber and Alexis Braud.
In addition to pop-up residencies and events, Tubby & Coo's noted that it will organize various other events throughout the city, is equipped to host virtual events and will adapt to meet the diverse needs of New Orleans' book-loving community.
Beginning in July, the bookstore will introduce local delivery. Future plans call for 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," distributing a list of currently banned and challenged books for free to individuals and organizations in the community to foster awareness and support.