(Photo by Meredith Biesinger)
- Perched on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, Lorelei Books has been enchanting readers since 2006.
Some places don’t just sell things. They hold things — stories, conversations, quiet moments, and a sense of belonging that lingers long after you leave. Lorelei Books in Vicksburg is one of those places.
I stepped inside a few weeks ago, unhurried and curious, the way you do when a town gently asks you to slow down. The building itself feels like part of the story. Set in the heart of historic downtown Vicksburg, Lorelei Books lives inside a space that has clearly seen time pass—solid, grounded, and full of character. The large wooden door sticks just a bit when you pull it open, the way old doors do, offering a soft reminder that this building was here long before us and will be here long after. It’s the kind of entrance that makes you pause, if only for a second, before stepping into something special.
Inside, the air feels calm and inviting, carrying that unmistakable scent of books—paper, ink, and history mingling together. Wooden shelves stretch across the space, warm and worn, stacked generously with books everywhere you look. Not sterile or overly styled, but cozy and alive. Books line the walls. They rest in thoughtful stacks on tables. They wait patiently near the windows, bathed in beautiful natural light that pours through large panes of glass, softening the room and illuminating pages like quiet spotlights.
Perched on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, Lorelei Books has been enchanting readers since 2006. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear this isn’t just a bookstore—it’s a love letter to literacy, community, and the enduring magic of a good story.
Lorelei Books takes its name from both its former owner and the legend of Lorelei—the mythical siren said to sit high above the Rhine River, enchanting passing sailors with her song. It’s an easy parallel to make here. Just as the Mississippi moves steadily below the Vicksburg bluffs, stories have a way of pulling us in, asking us to slow down, listen, and linger a little longer than planned. At Lorelei, the enchantment isn’t dangerous—it’s gentle. And instead of shipwrecks, the only thing you risk is losing track of time.
If you’ve ever watched the classic 90’s movie, You’ve Got Mail, and felt a tug of longing for Meg Ryan’s cozy little bookshop—the bell on the door, the handwritten notes, the regulars greeted by name—this is that feeling, translated into Mississippi. This is Vicksburg’s Shop Around the Corner. And yes, it warmed my heart.
The selection is thoughtful and inviting — a carefully curated mix of new and used books that encourages browsing without pressure. Fiction and nonfiction sit side by side comfortably. Children’s books wait brightly for small hands. Local and regional authors feel right at home here, as they should. Whether you arrive with a list or simply follow your instincts, there’s something waiting to be discovered.
And then there’s the children’s section. As a mother and a former teacher, I adored it. Bright, welcoming, and thoughtfully arranged, it’s a magical little corner. It made me wish my children were still small enough to curl up there, legs tucked under them, listening to a good story read aloud. That season passes faster than you expect, and it’s a good reminder that books don’t just shape readers; they shape memories.
What struck me most during my visit wasn’t just the charm—it was the human connection. Customers were greeted by name. Someone stopped by to pick up a special order, and the exchange felt personal, familiar, and warm. It reminded me why, in an age of instant downloads and next-day delivery, I still love holding a real book in my hands—the weight of it, the crisp pages, the quiet promise of a story waiting to unfold.
Lorelei Books is proudly locally owned and deeply rooted in its community. That commitment shows up in meaningful ways. Profits from sales are donated to support the public library, tutoring programs, and arts and creative nonprofits. When you shop here, you’re doing more than buying a book—you’re investing in the cultural heartbeat of Vicksburg
Meredith Biesinger
