A new independent bookstore, Dixon Books, is set to open in downtown Natchez, with its grand opening scheduled for Saturday, October 11. Located at 514 Main St., the store aims to become a cultural center for the community, offering a curated selection of books and hosting various events.
The bookstore is a joint venture between two couples, Jennifer and Walter Boone, and John and Ginger Weaver. The Weavers own the historic Dixon building that houses the new shop. The opening marks the realization of a long-held dream for co-owner Jennifer Boone, an avid reader who is leading the project.
Key Takeaways
- New Bookstore: Dixon Books, an independent bookstore, will open at 514 Main St. in downtown Natchez.
- Grand Opening: The official opening is on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Ownership: The store is owned by Jennifer and Walter Boone, and John and Ginger Weaver.
- Community Focus: The owners intend for the store to be a "third space" and cultural hub, hosting events, children's readings, and offering a welcoming environment.
New Retail Presence on Main Street
Dixon Books will occupy the ground floor of the historic Dixon building, a property owned by John and Ginger Weaver. The space was previously home to the Olivina gift shop, which has since relocated to Baton Rouge. According to co-owner Jennifer Boone, the vacancy provided the perfect opportunity to establish a business that would be an intentional and valuable addition to the city's downtown area.
The ownership team consists of two couples who share a long history. Walter Boone and John Weaver grew up together in Mississippi, and the two families are now neighbors in the Jackson area. In 2021, they jointly acquired the building at 514 Main St. The structure had already been restored by its former owners, Brad and Dorie LeMay.
The Building's History
The property at 514 Main St. is a mixed-use building. In addition to the new bookstore on the ground floor, the upper level operates as a short-term rental. The decision to open a bookstore came after the previous retail tenant, Olivina gift shop, moved its operations, leaving a prime downtown space available.
A Vision for a Community Hub
For Jennifer Boone, opening a bookstore was a personal passion project. "I love books. I love to be surrounded by books," she stated. "I thought about opening a bookstore, but I thought that would be a very, very distant dream. But the more I thought about it and prayed about it, the more sense it made."
The mission of Dixon Books is to serve as a central point for culture and community in Natchez. The goal is to create what sociologists call a "third space"—a place separate from home and work where people can gather, socialize, and connect. The store's official mission statement reflects this ambition, aiming to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for readers of all ages to foster a sense of belonging and discovery.
"We want the environment to be that of a third space," Boone explained. "With all that’s going on, I want it to be a comfortable, welcoming, all-inclusive space where people can come together."
Boone also emphasized the unique value of a physical bookstore in an increasingly digital world. "The benefit of having a bookstore is people can come in and look around and be introduced to books that would never otherwise cross their mind," she said. "It’s very important that we offer something for everyone in Dixon Books."
Programming and Community Engagement
To encourage a welcoming atmosphere, Dixon Books will serve coffee, inviting patrons to linger and browse. The store has also planned several initiatives to engage with the local reading community.
Planned features include:
- Discounts for local book clubs
- A customer rewards program
- Weekly children's readings scheduled for Saturdays
- Author signings and other special events
An events calendar will soon be available on the store's website, which is currently active for online book sales. These programs are designed to establish the bookstore as a dynamic part of Natchez's cultural fabric.
Support from Mississippi's Booksellers
Jennifer Boone noted the strong sense of community among independent bookstore owners in Mississippi. She received guidance and support from established booksellers, including John Evans of Lemuria in Jackson, Richard Howorth of Square Books in Oxford, and Kelle Barfield of Lorelei in Vicksburg. "The bookseller community is very welcoming," Boone said, adding that she also attended training sessions to prepare for the new venture.
Grand Opening Details
The grand opening of Dixon Books is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a day of celebration for all ages.
Attendees can expect book giveaways, prize drawings, and complimentary food and drinks. A special children's reading will be held in the afternoon, highlighting the store's commitment to young readers from its very first day.
Boone's connection to Natchez is also personal, which she feels makes the new business even more meaningful. "My mom and I used to come celebrate Mother’s Day and my birthday in May in Natchez," she recalled. "We would come and stay at Monmouth and go out to eat and shop. We fell in love with Natchez." This personal history adds another layer to her excitement about contributing to the city's vibrant downtown.