A special look at the 29th Oxford Conference for the Book

growth as a creative individual.

With this in mind, the organizers try to accommodate younger attendees by scheduling appropriately around the school week.

“Introducing these opportunities to students outside of the classroom is important,” Thomas said. “You become one with the community.”

The program officially began with an Authors’ Party on Wednesday, March 29, welcoming the dozens of authors being celebrated this year.

Thursday and Friday will be filled with opportunities to experience excellent writing firsthand.

On Thursday March 30, the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics will host a conversation about “Redefining Approaches to Cultural Tourism,” as well as one regarding “Family, Migration and Home.”

The Southside Gallery will also hold several events, including another reception at 7 p.m.

The highly revered Thacker Mountain Radio team will host a book signing event for all of Thursday’s authors. This will be held at 6 p.m. at The Graduate.

Friday, March 31, will bring another lunch with Mahogany

L. Browne at the Oxford Public Library at 12 p.m. This will follow two morning events at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

Attendees will also be given an opportunity to explore the Lafayette County Courthouse thanks to two events being held there at 1:30 and 2:45 p.m.

On Friday, the massive event will draw to a close with a celebratory reception and book signing at 5:15 p.m. held at OffSquare Books. This book signing, much like the first, will grant attendees the opportunity to have their books signed by the authors from Friday’s events.

To close things out in style, Ajax Diner will host a handful of writers for readings at 9 p.m. These writers will be accompanied by a musical performance courtesy of Teardrop City.

Of all the things to be said about Oxford, a lack of diversity within the arts is certainly not one of them.

Oxford Conference for the Book is more than exemplary of this fact, and has remained at the forefront of

Oxford’s artistic and cultural mission for almost 30 years.

This year’s event is fairly spread out around the city to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to experience and to learn in whatever way they see fit.

“It’s good to express our- selves in different ways,” Thomas said. “All of it comes together at an event like the Oxford Conference for the Book.” For more information on Oxford Conference for the Book and the full 2023 schedule, visit their website.