Square Books schedules January closures and community readings in Oxford

Square Books announced a brief shutdown for inventory on January 5, during which all brick-and-mortar locations will be closed and the online shop will remain available. Beginning January 6 and continuing through January 9, the main store on the Square will keep its first floor closed for construction work. Off Square Books, Square Books Jr., and Rare Square Books will remain open throughout that period, providing alternatives for shoppers and event attendees.

The bookstore's January calendar includes multiple author events and a community reading that community members may find especially relevant. On January 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., W. Ralph Eubanks will read and sign When It's Darkness on the Delta at Off Square Books. Jennifer Moorman will present and sign The Charmed Library on January 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Also at Off Square Books, a community reading and program centered on Letter from Birmingham Jail will take place January 17 at 5:00 p.m., featuring a guest speaker. The month concludes with Kristina Joy Carlson in conversation with Beth Ann Fennelly for Outrageous Kindness on January 29 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Square Books maintains this calendar as a regularly updated local events resource for Oxford residents and visitors.

For Lafayette County, the operational changes and lineup matter beyond retail hours. Bookstores in small cities serve as more than commercial outlets; they are gathering spaces that support civic engagement, literacy, and social connection. Events such as the community reading of Letter from Birmingham Jail create opportunities for public reflection on civil rights and systemic inequities, conversations that intersect with public health and social equity by shaping community trust, awareness, and civic participation.

Temporary closures and construction can create access barriers, especially for people with mobility challenges or limited transportation. The availability of Off Square Books locations and the online shop will help mitigate disruption, but residents who rely on the main store's first-floor accessibility should plan accordingly. Public institutions and community organizations often rely on predictable public meeting spaces; short-term changes emphasize the need for inclusive planning so that community programs remain reachable to older adults, people with disabilities, and families with limited resources.

As the month unfolds, the bookstore's schedule will be a practical as well as cultural guide to local life in Oxford. Residents seeking to attend readings or community programs should note the dates and locations, and consider using Off Square Books or the online shop while the main store completes inventory and construction work.