square books

This bookstore is located in the heart of Oxford's Square. Independent bookstores like these are a rare breed these days. Take a moment a sip some coffee on the outside balcony, peruse the incredible selection of books, or go to one of the many book signings hosted by this bookstore.

This place will remind you of bookstores from years past. It is nice to have an independent bookstore in this age of e-books and chains. Great atmosphere is an old building (some of the furniture may be a bit too old). Feel free to sit down and browse--they also have a coffee shop. Books usually are list price, but you pay for this nice atmosphere and this step back in time. They also have book signings with famous authors and a large collection of signed books.

Richard and Lisa Howorth founded Square Books in 1979. Very soon, the store gained a reputation for book sales and special events - like readings and book signings. Now there are three Square Books on the Oxford Square: the original; Off Square Books - were readings take place and where Thacker Mountain Radio has a weekly broadcast; and, lately Square Books, Jr. featuring children's books and toys - and some special events [like hosting Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat]. Square books features books by Southern authors, best sellers, and signed first editions. The second story of the store contains a coffee shop for cappuchino and biscotti or just coffee and cookies. On a sunny day, you can sit on the second story balcony and see the entire Square - with an espresso in hand.

Nice bookstore with three shops on the Square in Oxford. Many signed first editions and nooks to get lost in. Two other locations are "off the square books" and "square books jr".

We visited Oxford to tour Faulkner's Rowan Oak. I had read about Square Books in Southern Living and, since my son & I are both readers, we definitely wanted to make this a stop during our trip. We were not disappointed! The store is right on the square in Oxford and has two floors full of books. I thought the atmosphere was wonderful - they even have a coffee bar upstairs. You can get a coffee and go sit out on the upstairs veranda to relax with your book. Everything was arranged well and easy to locate specific genres. We especially enjoyed the sections dedicated to southern authors, Mississippi authors and, of course, William Faulkner. The clerks were very helpful in answering questions and checking on availability of certain books. We could have spent hours here!

Richard Howarth and his wife Lisa Howarth began something amazing when they founded Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi, in 1979. Steadily growing and expanding through the years since they opened, Square Books now consists of stores in three separate buildings on the historic Square surrounding the Lafayette County Courthouse. It's fitting. This is the heart of Faulkner Country.The Howarths have fostered a close relationship with writers in residence at the University of Mississippi and the Center for the Study of Southern Culture since their founding. Those relationships have led to a growing array of outstanding authors one seldom expects to see in Southern settings.Imagine William Styron reading from and signing copies of his National Book Award Winner "Sophie's Choice" in Oxford, Mississippi. True story. It happened. Since the Howarth's established Square Books, over 2,000 authors have appeared there, read from their works, and signed them.The main store is located on the corner of South Lamar and Jackson St. at the roundabout. The Lafayette County Courthouse stands imperiously to your right as you step out of the store. In the distance is the building that was once the bank operated by William Faulkner's grandfather. Take a left out the front door and a short walk will take you to the former sight of Gathwright and Reed's Drugstore where Mack Reed mailed Faulkner's manuscripts to Random House.Inside Square books, tables are lined with tempting signed first editions of recent releases, many of which were signed by authors appearing just a short distance down to your right at Off-Square Books. During regular shopping hours, you'll find bargains in every genre, some marked as remainders, but many not. It's an excellent place to visit. Shopping for children's books? Also on the square, visit Square Books, Jr.Last night I was at Off Square Books. I had the pleasure to meet James M. McPherson, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Battle Cry of Freedom. McPherson signed his latest history and biography of Jefferson Davis, "Embattled Confederate." Following, he gave an outstanding lecture, an opportunity you rarely have unless you happen to be his student at Princeton University.Voted by Publisher's Weekly as the best bookstore in 2013, I wouldn't possibly disagree. When visiting Oxford, Mississippi, this is a reader's paradise. Don't miss it.

In a town that has played host to some of the most outstanding authors in the literary history of the United States, including William Faulkner, John Grisham, Willie Morris, Barry Hannah and Larry Brown, a tourist is making a big mistake if he doesn't spend some time in the foremost book store in the community. In Oxford, Mississippi, all roads lead to Square Books. It is a general independent book store in three separate buildings about 100 feet apart on the history Oxford Courthouse Square. The main store, Square Books, is located in a two-story building with a cafe and balcony on the second floor. Off Square Books is a few doors down from the main store and has lifestyle sections such as gardening and cookbooks. Square Books Jr, the children's book store, is in a building on the east side of the square. They have it all covered. Square Books is known for its strong selection of literary fiction, books on the American South and by Southern writers, a large inventory of reduced-price remainders and its emphasis on books for children. The store hosts the popular Thacker Mountain radio show and over 150 author events a year. So who needs Barnes & Noble or Books A Million, the big box book sellers? Square Books isn't exactly a mom 'n pop operation. But it caters to its Southern roots, home folks who appreciate Southern writers and Southern story-telling.

I don't any visitor to Oxford passes Square Books without going in! Great selection of Mississippi Authors & best sellers alike! Service is great!

We browsed for a while and then ended up getting the kids a (book) treat at the junior version. Definitely worth a stop!

I could have stayed here all day if my family had allowed ! The cute coffee and snack bar is on the third floor so you might want to go there first. There is a separate Square Books Jr. with children's books which looked fantastic as well. I really wish my hometown had a comfortable and inviting bookstore like Square Books rather than our "big box" type store.

This bookstore was as good as others told us it would be.Great location and a sweet southern feeling.Quirky yet efficient to the max.The coffee disappointed but the people were interesting and informative.It was raining and you could feel the ghosts of all the writers who had entered here.And the local writers still come here.Pleasant morning here was a good one

It is worth a trip to Oxford to visit this delightful bookstore. There is a coffee shop upstairs with outdoor seating with a great view of the Square, the very hub of this charming college town. Don't miss it!

Very friendly and knowledgable staff willing to please the browser of all things "books."They have a wonderful selection of all kinds of books, seating for readers and a cafe on the third floor.We spent 2 1/2 fabulous hours here.

A lovely place to spend a couple of hours! Bookstores like Square Books are disappearing so fast. I'm so glad to have visited this one. Left with three books, one of which I bought because of the staff review posted with the books. Loved it - would have just passed it by without having read the review.

When checking out the Square in Oxford, do not miss a chance to go to Square Books and hang out, have a latte & buy a book! Cool little bookstore I always visit when I'm in Oxford visiting family.