AUTHOR APPEARANCE INFORMATION

 

Square Books
160 Courthouse Square
Oxford, MS 38655
(662) 236-2262
books@squarebooks.com

 

Area tour information:

Many authors who come to Square Books often tour one or more other stores in the area. Such a tour could include entirely or in part the following:  Memphis, Tenn. (Memphis Intl. Airport is typically the jumping off point for tours here); Jackson, Miss. (by car two and a half hours south of Oxford); and New Orleans (by car two and a half hours south of Jackson). Nicknamed the I55 tour, this tour can be done in four days.

Other great regional Indie stores and venues are:

Jackson, MS - Lemuria Books
Memphis, TN - Burke's, Novel
New Orleans, LA - Octavia Books, Garden District Book Shop, Faulkner House Books
Greenwood, MS - Turnrow Books
Pass Christian, MS - Pass Christian Books
Fairhope, AL - Page & Palette
Birmingham, AL - Alabama Booksmith
Nashville, TN - Parnassus Books
Tupelo, MS - Reed's Gum Tree
Atlanta, GA - A Cappella Books, Atlanta History Center, Little Shop of Stories
St. Louis, MO - Left Bank Books

Flight information:

If coming only to Oxford, we recommend you fly in and out of Memphis (unless, of course, you're driving from some other place). Memphis is primarily served by Delta, United, American and Southwest. Contour Airlines flies direct from Nashville to Tupelo, but the flights and dates are limited. It is recommended to try Memphis first, especially if making a stop at one of the Memphis bookstores. 

Transportation:

Lee Durkee 
LeeDurkee@yahoo.com
802.498.5442

Bobby Rea 
robertrea@southwestreview.com
662.832.8018

Slade Lewis 
ksladelewis@gmail.com
662.801.7187

Accommodations:

Most authors stay overnight in Oxford, as it is more convenient and Oxford is considered by most a nice change from break-neck airport hopping. We advise you book accommodations early, as Oxford has a bustling tourist trade and university events can sometimes fill hotels. All hotels in Oxford offer comparatively reasonable rates, except for special weekends such as home football games when rates increase significantly.

Recommended:

The Chancellor's House (662) 371-1400 - New boutique luxury hotel.  Closest lodging to Square Books, only a block away. Amenities include an indoor library and upscale dining featuring both regional and international fare. The Square Books Special Rate is $109, Sun. - Thurs., and 20% of BAR (Best Available Rate), Fri & Sat. For reservations, email the Director of Sales at a.houpt@chancellorshouse.com  or call 662-371-1405 and let her know you're a visiting author.

The Graduate (662) 234-3031 - Steeped in nostalgia and southern charm, an academic-themed boutique hotel right on the Oxford Square just two blocks away from Square Books.  Amenities include a cozy southern cafe and a rooftop terrace bar. For special rates for visiting authors, click here  to reserve a room.

Courtyard by Marriott Oxford (662) 638-6014 - Another new hotel located between the Oxford Square and the campus of the University of Mississippi, and across the street from Star Package. Dine on tapas in the Green Roof Lounge while you enjoy the views of Oxford from the rooftop terrace. Walking distance to Square Books and free shuttle service to & from the Square. Rooms are $99 on weekdays. Reservations can be made online or by phone.

The Inn at Ole Miss (662) 234-2331 - Located on the campus of University of Mississippi. Less than a mile from Square Books. Current rates are $86 - $149. Recently renovated.  

The 512 Oxford  (662) 234-8043 - B & B just a short walk from the Square. Very convenient. 512 Van Buren, Oxford, MS 38655 $105-$250 (call for reservations)

Puddin' Place (662) 234-1250 - another B & B, also close. suites and a cottage: $145/night

Castle Hill Resort (662) 236-9601 - 5 miles outside of Oxford. Rates $150 - $215/night 

The Z (713) 927-1295 - a B & B just a few blocks from the Square, 1405 Pierce Avenue $139-189/night

Empty Nest B & B (662) 236-7733 - 7 miles outside of Oxford, country themed with fresh eggs for breakfast $80-$90/night

The Nest Egg B & B (662) 236-7733 - A three bedroom/three bath country house located across the street from the Empty Nest. Rates $125-150/night, $375 for whole house.

There are many other options, but those above are probably the best. Visit the Oxford Chamber of Commerce for more options.

Other hotels nearby:

Super 8 Motel (662) 234-7013

Hampton Inn (West Jackson) (662) 232-2442

Hampton Inn (Conference Ctr.) (662) 234-5565 

Holiday Inn Express (112 Heritage Drive) (662) 236-2500

Days Inn (662) 234-9500

Comfort Inn (662) 234-6000

Fox Hill B & B (662) 513-0120

Dining:

A number of very good choices around the Square. Ditto shopping.

Directions:

Driving Directions from Memphis Airport to Square Books

The Scenic Route:

• After picking up rental car, get on Airways toward Shelby Drive. Take a left on Shelby Drive and go a couple of miles until you get to 78.
• Take a right on 78 (or East, or toward Birmingham).
• A little over 30 Miles to Holly Springs. There are several Holly Springs exits — take the Oxford or University of Mississippi exit, on Hwy 7 south, or a right on Hwy 7.
• Follow 7 a little over 30 miles to Oxford.
• When you reach the outskirts of oxford, stay straight on the 7 bypass until you reach the University Avenue exit.
• Take a right on University Avenue. You'll pass a Macdonald's, a Taco Bell, and continue straight up a long hill until you reach a  traffic light at the apex, the intersection of South Lamar.
• Take a right on Lamar and go two blocks where you will reach the town square, at the front of which will be a confederate soldier monument.
• Immediately to your left is Square Books, an orange two-story building with a long balcony. Park, go in there, and we'll give you directions to your hotel.

The Interstate:

• From the rental car area follow directions to I-55 S and continue south for approximately 50 miles.
• At Batesville take the exit for Hwy 6 E (aka Hwy 278 E) and drive east for approximately 20 miles.
• Take the Lamar Ave/Downtown exit and head north (there is a roundabout).
• Drive about 10 blocks where you will reach the town square, at the front of which will be a confederate soldier monument.
• Immediately to your left is Square Books, an orange two-story building with a long balcony. Park, go in there, and we'll give you directions to your hotel.

Driving directions from Jackson to Square Books

• Come up I-55 North. About 2 hours.
• Take the Coffeeville/Hwy. 7 north exit off I-55. This exit is just past the paper mill exit, which is just past the main Grenada exit (it's about 10 miles between the Grenada exit & the Coffeeville exit)
• Turn Right off the exit ramp, going toward Coffeeville. Keep on Hwy. 7N for about 40 Miles.
• You'll reach a dead-end T junction (more like a Y) -- Turn left. Oxford is about 7 miles away.
• Take the University Ave./Downtown exit. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp & go back under Hwy. 7 bridge, past Larson’s Cash Saver grocery on left, up the long hill, at the top of which is South Lamar & a stoplight.
• When you reach the courthouse and confederate soldier monument, Square Books is on your left -- a two story orange building with a balcony.

 

Local Publications:

Oxford Eagle
Oxford's local paper. It's an afternoon daily published Monday through Friday, as well as Sundays.
P.O. Box 866
Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: (662) 234-4331 (advertising)
Fax (662) 234-4351
Email: news@oxfordeagle.com
News Editor: Alex McDaniel

The Local Voice
A biweekly free newspaper with a fun vibe; centered around art, entertainment and local culture in Oxford.
P.O. Box 443
Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: (662) 832-3574
Email: thelocalvoice@thelocalvoice.net
newt@thelocalvoice.net
nature@thelocalvoice.net

Daily Mississippian
The Daily Mississippian frequently does book reviews. It is a student-run university paper, published Monday through Friday, while classes are in session. An academic calendar can be found from here.
University of Mississippi Student Media Center
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677
Phone: (662) 915-5503 (advertising)
Phone: (662) 915-7701 (news desk)
Email: thedmnews@gmail.com
theDMfeatures@gmail.com

Scene
Published by Journal Publishing Company in Tupelo just outside of Oxford; Scene is a weekly (Thursday afternoon) arts & entertainment supplement. This newspaper covers northeast Mississippi.
P.O. Box 909
Tupelo, MS 38802-0909
Phone: (662) 842-2611
Fax: (662) 842-2233
Email: scene@djournal.com

Invitation Oxford
Oxford's premier community lifestyle magazine. A free monthly publication.
PO Box 776
Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: (662) 533-0150
Email: mary.invitation@gmail.com
andersonlena@gmail.com
invitationoxford.com

HottyToddy.com
HottyToddy.com is an online source for information for those who love Ole Miss and Oxford, and who visit our community to find out about what's happening in the community.
307 West Jackson Avenue
Suite #3
Oxford, MS 38655
Email: hottytoddynews@gmail.com
callie.daniels@hottytoddy.com
emily.newton@hottytoddy.com

The Panolian
The Panolian is the local newspaper for Batesville, MS, a town about 20 minutes west of Oxford. It's a twice weekly newspaper (both print & online) that covers Batesville and surrounding areas in Panola County, MS.
363 Highway 51 North
P.O. Box 1616
Batesville, MS 38606
Telephone: (662) 563-4591
Email: dhowl@bellsouth.net
rita@panolian.com

North Mississippi Herald
The North Mississippi Herald is the local newspaper for Water Valley, MS, a town about 20 minutes south of Oxford. It a twice weekly newspaper (both print & online) that covers Water Valley and surrounding areas in Yalobusha County, MS.
P.O. Box 648
416 North Main Street
Water Valley, MS 38965
Phone: (662) 473-1473
Email: dhowl@bellsouth.net

 

Regional Publications:

Commercial Appeal
This is the main Memphis, TN newspaper and, being only an hour away from Oxford, they will often cover literary events in Oxford. Often, authors appearing in Oxford will also have engagements scheduled in Memphis bookstores (Burke's Books).
495 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 529-2376
Fax: (901) 529-2787
Email: ronald.maxey@desotoappeal.com

The Clarion-Ledger
Jackson, MS is further away than Memphis, approximately 2.5 hours. But Oxford, because of the university, etc., is a frequent day- or weekend-trip destination. Many authors appearing at Square Books have engagements booked in Jackson as well (Lemuria).
P.O. Box 40
Jackson, MS 39205
Phone: (800) 222-8015 ext: 7290
Fax: (601) 961-7211
Email: KDFleming@jackson.gannett.com
Scott Hawkins: SHawkins1@gannett.com

Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal
The Daily Journal is the main newspaper for Tupelo, about an hour east of Oxford. Like Memphis, its proximity makes it a viable place to advertise.
P.O. Box 909
Tupelo, MS 38802
Phone: (662) 842-2611
Fax: (662) 842-2233
Email: editor@nems360.com
leslie.criss@journalinc.com
scott.morris@journalinc.com

Delta Magazine
A bimonthly regional lifestyle publication that includes an events calendar in each issue.
P.O. Box 117
Cleveland, MS 38732
Phone: (662) 843-2700
Email: cadey@deltamagazine.com
events@deltamagazine.com

Mississippi Magazine
Mississippi Magazine is the state's premier lifestyle magazine. It is a bimonthly publication that celebrates the positive points of our state- from interesting people and places to homes, gardens, food, history, culture, special events, and more.
P.O. Box 16445
Jackson, MS 39236
Phone: (601) 982-8418
Email: editor@mismag.com

Mississippi Today
Mississippi Today is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) news and media company with a forward-facing mission of civic engagement and public dialog through service journalism, live events and digital outreach.
750 Woodlands Parkway, Suite 100
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Phone:(601) 533-4860
Email: rlnave@mississippitoday.org
rcleveland@mississippitoday.org

 

Regional Radio:

Mississippi Public Broadcasting
This is the Mississippi affiliate of National Public Radio and will often do stories and features on writers.
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
Phone: (601) 432-6565
Email: teresa.collier@mpbonline.org
news@mpbonline.org
sid.scott@mpbonline.org

WKNO FM (Memphis NPR affiliate)
National Public Radio affiliate out of Memphis, TN.
P. O. Box 241880
Memphis, TN 38124
Phone: (901) 458-2521
Fax (901) 325-6505
Email: wknofm@wknofm.org

SuperTalk North Mississippi 93.7 WTNM
Local radio station that covers happenings and events in the Oxford and greater North Mississippi area.
P.O. Box 1077
Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: (662) 236-0093
Email: rmize@telesouth.com
Q937@telesouth.com

 

Other:

Center for the Study of Southern Culture
The Center for the Study of Southern Culture is an important department at the University of Mississippi. The curriculum includes Southern art, history, & literature and often a southern writer can have an opportunity to be a guest lecturer in a class.
Barnard Observatory
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677
Phone: (662) 915-5814
Fax: (662) 915-5787
Email: cssc@olemiss.edu

Department of English
Obviously this is an important department for the same reasons as above.
Bondurant Hall
University of Mississippi
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677
Phone: (662) 915-7439
Fax: (662) 915-5787
Email: engl@olemiss.edu

Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC)
The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council is Oxford's local arts council which provides a diverse offering of artistic and cultural opportunities to the local Oxford community. YAC also maintains an online community events calendar and sends e-newsletters once a week announcing upcoming community events.
P.O. Box 544
Oxford MS 38655
Phone: (662) 236-6429
Email: yacoperations@gmail.com

University of Mississippi Media and Public Relations
The Public Relations team manages all media relations for the university and produces a wide range of print and digital communications, including news releases, newsletters, magazines, posters, advertising, social media campaigns and more.
Phone: (662) 915-7066
Email: jonscott@olemiss.edu
mdiggs@olemiss.edu

Oxford Convention & Visitors Bureau
Maintains an online events calendar for tourists.
1013 Jackson Avenue East
Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: (662) 232-2477
Email: tourism@visitoxfordms.com

Oxford Chamber of Commerce
Maintains an online community events calendar.
299 West Jackson Avenue
P.O. Box 147
Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: (662) 234-4651
Email: info@oxfordms.com
pam@oxfordms.com