Vol. 3, Issue #9 May 2nd - May 15th, 2008

An Open Invitation from the OKC Infoshop to You!
By: Jeanie Austin

Have you noticed the way the birds are chirping, and the way the bees (when you can find them) are buzzing? Obviously, it’s the time of the year when all the energy you’ve been storing up hibernating in your dorm room, living room, office, or cave has become an uncontrollable force with which to be reckoned. Do you know what I’m talking about? Whether you call it wanderlust or restlessness, it’s there, pulling at the back of your thoughts. But what is there to do about it?

The OKC Infoshop is here to help you answer that very question! This month alone, you can build a bike at Free Wheels Bicycle Collective, check out a book from the Prairie Dog Lending Library, come see great live music, get a new outfit from the Free Store (or donate your old one), and enjoy a dance party! And you can do it all while helping to build a sustainable community center for everyone to enjoy!

Do you need a way to get around this summer, or are you seeking to minimize your dependence on fossil fuels and live a “greener” life? Visit the Free Wheel bicycle collective, housed within the Infoshop, to work on your current bike or learn how to build one. Free Wheels is open on Wednesdays from 5p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. All bikes and parts are provided to the community at little or no cost. Also, be on the look-out for Critical Mass (a community bike ride beginning at Sauced in the Paseo) on May 30th and the Big Oil Bike Fest taking place on May 31st.

If you’ve been looking for some hard to find information of radical living, feminism, radical history, d.i.y, or just some highly recommended fiction, come on down to the Prairie Dog Lending Library. The Library is open on Mondays from 2p.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. It’s easy to become a member, just donate your time, books, or 5 bones (dollars).

The infoshop also organizes and hosts great live music and other events. Throughout the month of May you can see a many different musical styles, ranging from “What the Folk?”, an all day local folk festival to Flease and Lice, an international historic punk band (from Holland!). Pick up a paper calendar around town or check on-line at www.woodenboxcar.org/okcinfoshop.

The OKC Infoshop exists as a collective actively striving to create a safe space for all by advocating the ideas of autonomy, mutual aid, co-operation, and egalitarianism. It is completely supported by volunteer hours and donations. All decisions involving the Infoshop are made by the community it serves, and meetings are open to anyone! The general meetings are held on Sundays at 1 p.m.

There are many ways to be involved with the OKC Infoshop. You can work in the library, host discussions, play shows, work in the bike shop, donate goods… the list continues. Don’t worry if your interests fall outside of what’s mentioned here – the OKC Infoshop seeks to be reflective of the community it serves, so bring your ideas!

There’s plenty more information sharing, community building, and fun to be had that hasn’t been mentioned here (including free film screenings, a pottery room, and a garden)! Come on out to enjoy a community and environment where ideas thrive, all voices are equally powerful, creativity is cultivated, and individuals can work together to fulfill a shared vision of a sustainable and co-operative community.

If you’re interested in more information, please check out the website, e-mail okcinfoshop@gmail.com, or just stop in during a show or library or bike shop hours!

The OKC Infoshop is located at 33 N.E. 27th, between Santa Fe and Oklahoma on 33rd. It’s not hard to find – just go toward I-235 on 23rd St, turn North onto Santa Fe, and then East on 27th. Piece of cake!

Oklahoma's Own Main Page