Dixon Books will open this weekend in Natchez, Miss., the Natchez Democrat reported. Located at 514 Main St., the bookstore will sell general-interest titles for all ages, as well as coffee. Jennifer Boone, who owns Dixon Books with her husband, Walter, and John and Ginger Weaver, plans to host author readings, children's storytime sessions, book club meetings, and more.
"We want the environment to be that of a third space," Boone told the Democrat. "With all that's going on, I want it to be a comfortable, welcoming, all-inclusive space where people can come together."
The owners of Dixon Books also own the building in which it resides, and they decided to open a bookstore there after the previous tenant, a gift shop, moved to a different city. Boone recalled that she had always thought of owning a bookstore, but imagined it as a "very, very distant dream."
As she had no prior experience in bookselling, Boone relied on other Mississippi independent bookstores, including Square Books in Oxford, Lorelei Books in Vicksburg, and Lemuria Bookstore in Jackson, to help her learn the trade. Boone called them "incredibly helpful," and noted that the "bookseller community is very welcoming."
A grand opening celebration is scheduled for this coming Saturday, October 11, that will include a ribbon cutting, giveaways and prize drawings, and a variety of food and drinks.