Square Books

While in Oxford walking around The Square we happened upon this awesome book store. We absolutely loved this store! We spent quite a bit of time walking around every floor checking out all they had available. They sold everything from all types of different books to book accessories, small gift type items, religious books and journals, you name it this cool store had it. There's also a small café on the second floor and places all over the place to take a seat and enjoy the ambience. If you're in Oxford strolling the Square, stop in and check this place out. We'll absolutely be back!

One of the most famous Bookstores in the by South and the US! A reader’s paradise! Shelves covering genres. A wide selection of books focusing on Mississippi and Southern history and Southern culture. Signed and First Edition books from Mississippi, Southern and major American Authors.

What an amazing bookstore!! Such charm and coziness. I could have spent hours here but I had to get back on the road to go home.

Been waiting about 6 years to finally make it here and it did not disappoint. Great selection, friendly staff, and the coffee was delicious. I'll be back if I ever make it to Oxford again

Honestly think this is my favorite bookstore I've ever visited in the world. Nothing compares. Square Books is a true Southern treasure. Nestled right on the Oxford Square, this indie bookstore has that perfect blend of charm, character, and literary soul. The selection is incredibly well-curated—from Southern authors and poetry to the latest fiction and children’s books. You can feel the love for books in every corner of the store. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to give a great recommendation. Plus, the upstairs balcony and coffee shop offers a peaceful little spot to sit and read with a view of the Square. Whether you’re a serious book lover or just wandering through town, Square Books is an absolute must-visit.

“Let me know if we can hurt you”. - Richard Howorth Possibly the best greeting I’ve ever received. Beautiful bookstore and space and delightful staff. Richard thank you for your time and generosity of spirit and walking me through your dear friend Larry Brown’s catalogue. I can’t keep my big paws off Tiny Love. Thanks again. Cheers.

Eclectic and artistic. Visually appealing to book lovers. Love the stairs and fun rugs and little notes. Lots of windows and natural light. Fun books and neat sections. Great displays. Beatific corner building. I didn’t go upstairs but says there is a cafe!

Square Books in downtown Oxford, Mississippi is definitely the best place to find all books in this charming and historic university town. It has an upstairs area with balcony to enjoy a cold drink, coffee or tea (no alcohol). Hundreds of framed photographs adorn all the walls, depicting celebrities and authors who have shopped here. Credit and debit cards are accepted and the entire store is delightfully air-conditioned.

My wife and I visited on a random early Sunday afternoon, and received excellent service. Browsing was so much fun, and quite enjoyable in such a relaxing and low-key atmosphere. The selection of books was impressive, and we ended up purchasing several books as well as stickers for our vehicles! We're always happy to support this independent bookseller. My entire family has been regularly patronizing this business for the past few decades. If we lived nearer, we would definitely visit more often. The only real downside is that this historical building's restrooms are located up a few flights of stairs, and there is no elevator in the store. This makes it tough for those folks with mobility difficulties.

Pros: Independent bookstore (not a chain), Cool atmosphere, great location, Faulkner Section, coffee shop upstairs, many first-edition/signed copies. Cons: Leans very left - Appears to be a concerted NOT to carry conservative authors or books that may favor conservative point of view. Carries more than it's fair share of books that are little more than leftist propaganda. Not cheap. Service and friendliness have declined over the last 7 years or so that I've been going.

The best little bookshop around! Square books isn't just a bookstore, it's a cultural epicenter in Oxford. It has seen countless authors through its doors throughout the years and features a wonderful assortment of books, specializing in Southern literature but also offering a significant number of signed first editions--at retail price! I always load up on these when I'm in Oxford, as they make fabulous one-of-a-kind gifts for my bookworm friends! The employees are friendly and helpful, gift wrapping is free, and they are happy to order anything not already in stock. If ever in Oxford, you must stop in foe the experience. Pro-Tip: Don't miss the Faulkner section-and coffee bar-upstairs nor the upstairs patio for reading and people watching.

This is one of the best bookstores I have every visited! Amazing like they used to be plus many more layers: a huge array of features sections with a special Faulkner section upstairs that seems to have every in print book (and an action figure!). The amount of books is tremendous, everyone should support this place. It seems that the own all the other bookstores in the main square too, and there is a coffee shop upstairs too. I wish I had this nearby!--was just visiting from Chicago

My absolute favorite bookstore, period. I could spend hours wandering the aisles on both floors. The staff is super helpful and knowledgeable. It's my comfort store.

If you're within a day's drive of Oxford, Square Books is well worth the trip! Ambiance, an incredible range of books, and people who care about writing of all kinds work here, shop here and live here in this wonderful community. (Note: I live in Alexandria, Virginia, so I'm not tooting the horn of my home town. But Square Books is a very special place and one you shouldn't miss whether you live down the street, across the Square, or anywhere else.)

If it was possible to live in a bookstore, J would. This store has a great selection, many signed editions, and very clear displays. I seriously needed more hours to fully explore this place and plan to in the future.

Best independent bookstore in country! Great selections, knowledgeable staff. A great place to go to just hang out

Square Books, a quaint two-story bookstore in Courthouse Square in Oxford, is a must when in town. I am not a fan of chain bookstores and Square Books is so unique and interesting that it is everything I want in a bookstore. Everywhere I looked there was something intriguing, which made it hard for me to focus on going to one particular area. I could have spent so much time here getting lost in different things that I saw. This is the sort of place that sucks you in and captures your imagination. A highlight for me included a section on Faulkner and Southern authors (upstairs). They had collector's editions and older copies of books with beautiful covers. Several books were all signed by the author which was also very cool to see. Square Books host author events throughout the year and they sell copies of the signed books from these events. I can't wait to come back here the next time I am in town! The selection is good, the atmosphere is great and they even have a small cafe upstairs if you get hungry/thirsty from your literary adventures.

Consistently recognized as one of the best independent bookstores in the US. It keeps a large supply of signed books by their authors. 3 levels of interest with a coffee bar on the top floor where you can also go outside on the balcony that overlooks the Square. This is a must stop when visiting Oxford. This was Faulkner's bookstore. Open on Sundays. Grab a chair, sit down, relax and read!

Great bookstore on Oxford Square. Always good service from the staff and a nice assortment of books. They have another location on the square with even more selections and more kids and young adult books.

Square Books is my favorite place to visit in Oxford! We came in here on a football game day and still had plenty of room to move about and explore. It's a nice place to grab a cup of coffee and sit on the balcony when the weather is nice. The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable, too!

Dear Square Books, I love you. I have always loved you, even before I knew you existed. You're everything I pictured a bookstore should be. The first book I picked up was signed by the author. Then I looked around and realized you're a treasure trove of signed books. Wait, this author was here, and this author was here, and this one too?? It was immediately clear that you are a book palace. I was honored to be able to wander your halls and pretend I was worthy of your fame and splendor. You're quaint, you're charming, you're all we ever wanted in more. Even though this is well before your time, I picture Faulkner himself sitting on the balcony eating a chocolate chip cookie, constructing Yoknapatawpha. Ok maybe the balcony is a little too functional for his style, but regardless, he would've loved you. I hope you will consider uprooting yourself and landing in Oklahoma City. Sincerely, Melissa

Loved this place, I wish we had them back home but I'd definitely come back through town to shop here again. Super friendly and patient staff interacted with us and our kids in a helpful manner. Big assortment of all the best books and a number of unique local ones that would be great gifts. Books were fun, educational and current with options for Oxford and Ole Miss, children's books on current presidential candidates that were informative and/or irreverently funny, regional favorites, international current events, and great stories of role models past and present. This is not just a book shop with a couple toys but is comparable to great local toy stores in any town as well. Lots of plush, wooden toys, puzzles, dress-up, kitchen/grocery/home, and other Melissa & Doug toys. Really great stuff. My son was literally screaming (sorry about that) when we had to check out and leave. The clerks gave stickers to my kids to cheer them up. We could have stayed for hours. Definitely a new favorite store to hit whenever traveling in the area!!!

Square Books is a very small, quaint, unique book store! It is much unlike the big chain bookstores that you normally see, but it does have a huge selection of new and old books. Walking into Square Books is like walking into a 1950's book store. I like to think that if Winston Groom described it, it would go something like this: Square Books carries fiction books, non-fiction books, cookbooks, classic books, new books, music books, history books, autographed books...you get the point. I'm sure this would be his kind of bookstore and I bet he would be proud to see Forrest Gump, Shrouds of Glory, Shiloh and Vicksburg, and some of his other books sitting on the shelf. It is a great place to look for books signed by the authors, as they host a lot of book signings. They also have a section dedicated to everything Mississippi, including, of course, a huge selection of William Faulkner books and books about music and the blues musicians behind it. If you can't find the book you're looking for at Square Books, you can also check out Off Square Books, where we once met Michael Oher, or Square Books Jr, which has a great selection of children's books and toys. We could spend hours in here! If you find yourself down in O-town, step in, give them a friendly "hotty toddy" and spend and hour or so perusing the books, and maybe even treat yourself to an ice cream cone.

Last year while visiting good friends in Mississippi, they were kind enough to conclude the tour of Faulkner's Oxford with a trip to Square Books. I have to say that it was the highlight of the day. You see, this was during a football game ("Go Rebs!") and try as I might, it was hard to see anything even remotely associated with the town's namesake in the UK. In other words, this was really no Oxford. Nothing remotely cultured that is, until we walked into Square Books. What a breath of fresh air. Not that there was anything wrong with Oxford, Miss. in general. But it just didn't have that academic college town feel until walking into this bookstore. It seems like all two of the really bookwormy intellectuals in the town that day were either pursuing the bookstore or working there. And the great Southern writers represented in the book section! Faulkner of course, but others, as well as histories and studies of same. Yes, it's no City Lights, but what a great find for so many things that made U of Miss's town something worth celebrating!

Oh what a bookstore. I could have spent hours here. Took as many photos as I did at Graceland earlier in the day and fantastic selection of books. This is a real destination. Too bad the city parking restrictions are so severe. Fifty dollar parking fine on expired meter.

This was my first trip to Oxford, but I had heard about Square Books for years and wasn't disappointed. The selection is good with plenty of Mississippi-themed titles and lots of author signed ones. If I were an author, I'd certainly want to stop at Square Books for an autograph party! If you can't find something to read here, you are probably a functional illiterate!

This place is everything I look for in a book store other than a good price on the actual books. You pay for the privilege of buying books just a stones throw from where Faulkner used to smoke a pipe and contemplate the world he lived in.

Great store, but they need to fire Katelyn. Her attitude is off the charts negative. It saturates the environment like a bad smell and can ruin the happiest person's day.

Wide variety of books and a great location. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Love finding places like this, not chain stores so they pay more attention to the customer.

A really impressive variety and quality of books; friendly staff; and a neat older building housing them all. It's a dangerous combination if you enjoy reading/literature. When you're done shopping but your partner isn't, or you just need a break, their second story balcony is open and overlooks the courthouse square. While ringing up our purchases, the staff person learned why we were in town and gave us a couple of recommendations on things to do that evening and a head's up on a local musician. One of the highlights of a very enjoyable trip to Oxford.

One of my favorite book stores! I live in Memphis, but my husband and I will drive down to oxford just to visit this bookstore and a few other shops on occasion. There is a huge selection of books, and they are laid out in a way that is easy and fun to browse. They have a section with Faulkner and other southern lit upstairs that I always end up gravitating towards. Always love to stop in and browse or grab a few books.

This really is one of the best independent bookstores in the country. I've been to many bookstores in my time but this is certainly among my favorites. The fact that they are still able to survive and prosper in the age of Amazon and ordering cheap books online speaks volumes to how great this place is. I always find interesting and new (to me) books that I never would have thought to even look for if I wouldn't have found them browsing here.

When you're in the mood to totally immerse yourself in a truly Southern literary experience or are interested in channeling your inner Faulkner, make a day trip to Oxford. Oxford is a great town to enjoy the slow Southern pace, do some shopping, eat at some fun restaurants and cafes, cruise the campus and, of course, browse the books at Square Books. Oxford is steeped in literary history and Square Books is it's epicenter. As soon as you walk through the doors you can easily imagine you've walked into a 1920's era store. Creaky stairs, an old style cafe, and lots of nooks and crannies to help you forget the outside world. The store carries mostly new books and curios and you can sip a beverage and nibble on a treat on their second floor balcony. Fun! Square Books should be on any fan of literature's must do list. Grisham still considers it his home bookstore as they supported him long before it was fashionable to do so. Also, if you have the time, zip around the corner to Off Square Books for an excellent selection of used and remaindered books.

You can't not love this place. If you're a bibliophile, this is a great place. This is the first-rate bookstore that every college town should have. Heaps better than the college's own bookstore, that's for sure.

Perfect. I bought a Southern cookbook and a Faulkner book. I loved this place- truly on the list of independent bookstores that are worth taking a little side trip for. They were open on a Sunday morning (unlike the rest of Oxford), there was coffee, and there were books. This is all I want in life. The atmosphere was adorable, the staff helpful but not intrusive. The exterior of the building was beautiful, truly felt like the South. One of the better bookstores to be found anywhere.

I loved the atmosphere of this bookstore. When I walked in, I felt like I'd stepped back in time. I know it's not the only of it's kind, but I can't remember visiting another bookstore like this in real life. This is that cute and cozy shop you see in romantic movies where the man of your dreams is waiting to excite you with his love for your favorite author. This is the bookstore around which mystery novels are centered. My cousin was looking for a specific Christian book so we went upstairs. It was a new release and they had it. In fact, there was a whole section of religious based books that included atheism. Now that's education. There was no fanciness, no meddlesome clerk, just book lovers hanging out.

Easily one of the best bookstores in America and one of the stalwarts of the great independents. I had heard about this place for years and I made sure to stop in during my recent trip. What makes a great bookstore? It's more than just books - it has to have character. Like my favorite - Von's in West Lafayette- Square Books oozes charm and has literally every book possible in every genre with special focus on books related to William Faulkner, Southern literature and culture, and other specialty topics. If I transfer to Ole Miss next year for grad school, I expect this place will be my home away from home,

Great independent bookstore in Oxford, MS. Very old school, and a coffee shop upstairs. A great local selection, and I give them props for putting trash books in a section called "Pop Literature" instead of, you know, Actual Literature. Take that Dan Brown. A very knowledgable staff, they recommended a Faulkner book to me based on the other books I'd asked about. They couldn't find the copy of Bukowski's "Ham on Rye" that their computer said they had, but I don't suppose it's their fault someone moved or stole it. They also have a kids bookstore and a used bookstore on the Square. The place is obviously an institution, and while it's not quite up there with, say, Elliott Bay in Seattle, it's a pretty great bookstore.

Independent bookstores are becoming more and more difficult to find because of the overwhelming influence of online mega bookstores like amazon.com. Moreover, those independent bookstores that survive usually have small and unspecialized inventories. This is not so for Square Books, which is perhaps the best bookshop in the Southeastern United States. The customers can be a bit rude to you if they believe you're an employee. It took me 5 minutes to convince a lady I didn't work there. The only way she became convinced was when an actual employee walked up and said that I didn't work there.

I really enjoyed this place. Really awesome for a Faulkner-freak. It's one of the better bookstores I've visited in the USA.

Cool little bookstore. Very eclectic with a bit of a funky vibe but still retains it's small town identity.

A classic bookstore in the heart of Oxford. I pondered purchase of a William Faulkner novel before settling on the far more readable Calico Joe by John Grisham. Both authors lived in Oxford at a time and that made it fun to stop here.

Support your local, independent book store! This store is tightly packed with books. New books, bestsellers, history, cooking, Southern writers - you could easily spend hours browsing the stacks. At the very least, you should browse the stacks to read the staff recommendation cards. Hilarious. Lots of big time authors come to this very store on their book tours. Check out Square Books Junior for kids across the Square - get those kids interested in reading! There are toys, too.

First time to this shop and I was blown away. I was looking for some new SciFi reads and one of the staff who was already coming up with great suggestions called another staff member from a different location as a reinforcement. What service!! The store is so beautiful, and has a nice café/ balcony for laid-back reading time. Everyone here loves books and is a great help, without ever being overbearing. I'd drive 2.5 hours to come here regularly for sure. Great Mississippi section, and a whole section on/ of Faulkner. I can't recommend this shop highly enough.

This is my all time favorite children's book store. Square Books Jr I make it a point to stop by when visiting Oxford MS. The staff is always helpful and makes great recommendations. There were 2 books that I wanted and they held one and ordered the other and we picked them up today along with a lot of other selections the grandchildren will love. Personal attention and the best selection of books will always have me coming back whether in person or on line.

The bookstore every town and city needs. From adult to children will find books they want. The staff is amazing and can help you find the book perfect for you to read. Our whole family loves the store

One of my favorite bookstores in the world, there is nothing like buying a book of an author recommended by the fantastic staff...most recently had a great experience with Pace...taking it upstairs, grabbing a coffee and sitting outside to read and watch the goings on around the square. Hell...the owner was the mayor of this oasis southern town. Amen to that. Oh---and they have an amazing signed book array and the best selection of southern authors....

I have been purchasing books from here for over 15 years! I live out of state but they don't miss a beat. The staff is great!!

What a beautiful diamond in the rough of Oxford, Mississippi. Helpful staff and great selection in the hometown of William Faulkner.

Would be a great bookstore but it has bad employees...rude, uninformed and generally snobby. Had a good selection and a nice Faulkner collection. Don't waste your time getting a coffee here, not good either. The balcony would be a perfect place to read, they need to rethink their hiring practices.

Nice place for browsing or just hanging out. There's a cafe on the 2nd floor (cash only, I believe) where you can get tea or coffee and a cookie, maybe hot chocolate as well (can't remember). Balcony is nice in the spring time for enjoying your drink while overlooking the square (so I'm told). Good selection of books!

I love to read and had to stop into this bookstore before we went to eat during our visit to Oxford's square this past Saturday. It is really homey and kind of like going to a familiar family members house to pick out a book. It isn't too large but they have a surprisingly great selection on its three floors. I was warmly greeted by several staff members during my time in the store browsing. I even got to hear a little of the live reading of To Kill A Mockingbird that they were doing that day. I hope this local, independent book store continues to thrive and I will definitely be visiting it ever time I am in the area.

This has to be one of the best bookstores I've ever dealt with. The staff is courteous, friendly, and just nice. They just make you feel welcome and appreciate the love of books, just as I do. Cody is spectacular and I hope to do business with him for a good while.

This bookstore alone would make a trip to Oxford worthwhile. If you are a bookworm, you will feel the urge to remain here for hours, if not days. The selection of books here is marvelous. Southern lit, with an emphasis on Faulkner of course, takes pride of place, but other sections are also extensive. The place invites a long browsing session punctuated by a moment to relax with a cup of tea on one of the tables on the balcony upstairs overlooking the courthouse and the central square. This is truly a book lover's bookstore, and a true Oxford treasure!

Fabulous book store! If you don't have a love for books, a visit to this place may just ignore a new passion! Three levels of books, many signed by authors. Love that they offer books not seen in typical stores and also offer personal reviews and recommendations of books that might otherwise be overlooked. You are welcome to sit and preview a book in the store or purchase the book and enjoy some time on their patio. They also offer a small assortment of coffees. The real treat though really is the variety of books they offer. Surely anyone can find a new favorite for themselves or a friend. Also, check out their kids store and discount store located in different shops within the same square.

Phenomenal independent book store with incredibly knowledgeable book sellers. The local collection is without doubt tops in the state and the collection of general interest books is top notch. The coffee shop is quaint and perfect, especially considering it is a Cell Phone free zone.

(Hey Lisa - we bought your book! So nice of MIss Jean to introduce us at Snackbar.) We very easily spent an hour in Square Books. We had such a nice time looking around. We bought a composition book to record our travels. There are small corners where you can sit and look at books. I pulled some off the shelves that talked about Mississippi. If I lived in the area I would spend a lot of time there. Thanks for the great Oxford experience.