Square Books In Oxford, Mississippi

There is a delightful bookstore you can visit in a preserved old building in Oxford, Mississippi’s main Square, called, Square Books.

For lovers of classic Southern American fiction, this place is a must-see destination.

For starters, the building…

The bookstore is located in an antique former drugstore on the corner of a gorgeous block of historic buildings.

Square Books, is in a two-story building with a cafe and balcony on the second floor.

The bookstore also has three companion stores (one for kids, one for rare finds, and another for home and lifestyle titles) all located on the city square.

It is significant that Square Books is located in Oxford, Mississippi, because Oxford is home to the University of Mississippi and many famous writers, including William Faulkner, Barry Hannah, Larry Brown, Willie Morris, and John Grisham.

Accordingly, Square Books is known for its broad selection of literary fiction, books on the American South, and books by Southern writers. The store also hosts the popular Thacker Mountain radio show and over 150 author events a year.

It’s quite the hopping little place!

Inside Square Books’ main location, dusty old Persian rugs cover the floors, and the walls are adorned with signed photos of authors who have visited the shop including Alice Walker, Allen Ginsberg, and Toni Morrison.

Square Books was opened in 1979 by Oxford native Richard Howorth and his wife Lisa.

With a dream of making Oxford a literary hub, they put in years of hard work that have clearly paid off.

While there is much to love about this bookshop, one of the most endearing aspects is the private little spots amongst the stacks in front of the original tall multi-paned windows.