Founded in 1979, Square Books is Oxford’s premier bookstore that hosts community events every semester during which authors, students of the University of Mississippi and local book enthusiasts alike can interact with literature hands-on.
Lyn Roberts, a Gulfport, Miss., native and the store’s general manager, shared insight into the behind-the-scenes of planning each event.
“From the very beginning, it has always been an important part of Square Books to reach out to authors and to find a way for writers and readers to come together,” Roberts said. “As the town and the university grow, a lot of authors have moved here, inspired by the birthplace of William Faulkner, but also because there are a lot of artists here. There’s an intense community that we want to support.”
Square Books’ events are typically free and open to the public.
“Most events are free, because we want to encourage all students to come,” Roberts said. “There’s no pressure to buy books or anything else.”
Many students visit the bookstore’s events and enjoy their experiences. Baylie Rice, a creative writing senior from Anguilla, Miss., has attended gatherings at Square Books in the past.
“I went to the Twilight anniversary party last year with a friend. We had a lot of fun and really enjoyed it,” Rice said. “I would recommend that people go to one of the store events because you can tell that everyone there is passionate about books and cares about reading. The events can be educational or fun or even both, but there’s nothing like being surrounded by people who care so deeply about books.”
Roberts and other Square Books staff work hard to build a calendar of literary events for students and locals. The store hosts a unique blend of readings and signings, storytimes, book clubs and more. Here is the lineup for the literary events happening this fall.
“In Conversation with…” events with authors
When: Specific times available at Square Books’ website
Where: Off Square Books
Cost: Varies
Square Books also hosts various “In Conversation with…” events during which invited authors and editors talk about their literary work while in a conversation with another invited literary guest. The events take place at Off Square Books, a branch of Square Books also located on the Square. Dates vary for this type of event, so we recommend all interested parties check the Square Books website.
In September, authors such as Elin Hilderbrand, Shane Brown, Jim Abbott, Sebastian Barry and more are set to visit Square Books for these events.
On Sept. 14 at 6 p.m., creative writing master’s graduate Ellie Black will return to speak with Melissa Ginsburg, the director of graduate creative writing programs and an associate professor of English and creative writing. Black’s poetry collection, “Revelator,” was released on Sept. 1.
John Talty, a veteran sports journalist from Birmingham, Ala., will be in conversation with David McGee on Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m. regarding Talty’s new book, “Lane Being Lane.” The duo will delve into the writing about the most-talked-about coach in college sports.
The final conversation of the month will take place between Shane Brown and Billy Ray Brown, the sons of renowned Larry Brown, regarding Shane Brown’s debut book, “A Place Called Tula.” This collection of fiction and nonfiction stories set in rural Mississippi.
On Sept. 18 at 12 p.m., a signing with Kathryn Stockett of the “Calamity Club” is set to take place. On Monday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m., there will be a ticketed event for Elin Hilderbrand and her new novel, “The Thoroughbreds,” which is co-written with her daughter, Shelby Cunningham. Tickets are currently sold out.
Readings and signings
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Where: The Powerhouse
Cost: Free
Square Books sponsors events for readers to meet visiting authors, with time reserved for signings. Writers promote and read from their published works, which vary in genre from Southern history to fiction and more.
On Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m., Nathaniel Rich will speak on “Cloudthief,” a novel following a struggling journalist and an off-the-grid con artist who work together to steal secret data.
On the final Thursday of the month, the Powerhouse will host Jim Shepard and his short story collection “The Queen of Bad Influences.”
Storytimes
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m.
Where: Square Books Jr.
Cost: Free
At the store’s storytime sessions, children’s books are read aloud. Local families are welcome to join and bring their children. A new book will be featured each week.
No Cap Chap Book Club
When: Second Tuesday of every month (check website for specific times)
Where: Square Books Jr.
Cost: Free
Square Books hosts the monthly meetings for “No Cap Chap,” a book club aimed at children ages 10 to 13. This month’s meeting will be held Sept. 8, and the selected book is “Camp Big Top” by Alexandra Diaz. The novel follows four kids who work to overcome challenges and form friendships while saving their circus camp from closing.
The Enchanted Page Society Book Club
When: Third Monday of every month at 6 p.m.
Where: Circle and Square
Cost: Free
Another book club sponsored by Square Books is the Enchanted Page Society Book Club. This club meets on the third Monday of every month to discuss a previously selected fantasy novel. The club meets at Circle and Square and, while open to all, reservations are encouraged. This month’s novel is “The Knave and the Moon” by Rachel Gillig.
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