Read a Book by a Mississippi Author

Mississippi’s literary life is beyond compare. Think about those other poor states with only an author or two to brag on. Here, we’ve got so many to choose from, sometimes we need some guidance on where to start! The Mississippi Library Commission has put together some lists to guide you through some bicentennial reading: Mississippi Classics, Mississippi Authors You Might’ve Missed, and Required Reading on Mississippi.

You can also use MLC’s Bookmatch service to help you choose your next big read by a Mississippi author (or any other author, for that matter!). Fill out the form and let our research team do the work.

There are also these great lists of Mississippi authors put together by our friends elsewhere:

• Mississippi Writers and Musicians
• The Mississippi Writers Page
• Mississippi’s African-American Authors

Do you have trouble reading standard print due to a visual or physical impairment or an organic reading disability? Do you know someone who does? You both may qualify for the Talking Books Service, which provides audio, Braille, and large print books to those registered for the service. For more information, click here or call 1-800-446-0892.

Ask Questions about Mississippi

Need to know how to pronounce Shuqualak, or what the origins of comeback dressing are? Ask the MLC Reference Department. From 8-5, Monday-Friday, our professional research team is available to answer your burning questions about all things Mississippi — and we love a challenge. Over the years, we’ve discovered some weirdly interesting things about the state; here are some of our favorites.

To ask a question, contact the Reference Department — aka Mississippi Fact Headquarters — here:
By phone: 1-877-KWIK REF (1-877-594-5733)
By email: mlcref@mlc.lib.ms.us
By text: 601-208-0868
By chat:

Ask a Librarian

Attend a Literary Event

Festivals and Celebrations

Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration — February 2017 in Natchez
Conference for the Book — March 29-31, 2017 in Oxford
Mississippi Book Festival — August 21, 2017 at the Mississippi State Capitol
Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival — Fall in Clarksdale
Tennessee Williams Tribute — September 2017 in Columbus

Literary Homes and Sites

Eudora Welty House and Garden
William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak
Margaret Walker Center
Tennessee Williams’s Home and Welcome Center

Independent Bookstores Readings and Signings

Lemuria Books
Turnrow Books
Square Books

Lecture Series

Millsaps College Arts and Lecture Series
Local public library literary events

Learn about Mississippi Cultures