Jackson Free Press

Some of my fondest childhood memories are of the library. As soon as I was old enough, I got my library card, and trips to check out books became a weekly—at least—event. I would often check out so many that the librarians would have to gently remind me of the limit and tell me they’d hang onto a few until I could bring some back.

The newest library in Jackson appeals to me as well, but to my perhaps more grown-up tastes. The Library, a lounge at Sophia’s Restaurant, part of the historic Fairview Inn, held its grand opening Dec. 1.

Inside the small, two-room nook, the ambiance is unbeatable. One room is all wood and bookshelves and mismatched furniture, topped off by a crackling fireplace. Next door offers better light and more seating in the form of old-fashioned diner-style chairs pulled up to tall tables. I prefer the darker, cozier of the two rooms, which really does feel like the library of an old southern home. The bar occupies a corner of the room, tucked among leatherbounds and knickknacks.

The menu, bound and presented as a book itself, offers signature drinks named after famous authors—Tennessee Williams, Eudora Welty, William Faulkner—as well as wine, appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks such as the “My Dog Skip,” a fruity concoction of blood orange, lime, white peach and cranberry flavors.

I snuggled into a corner table with some friends and ordered a Eudora Welty and a quartet of tasting-sized desserts. The drink, made with Cathead vodka, soda and cucumber, was refreshing, but perhaps a little weaker than its $8 price tag warranted. The desserts didn’t disappoint, though, with enough crème brulee, key lime pie, bread pudding and chocolate brownie for each of us to have a couple bites—the perfect size to share.

Overall, the setting is better suited for an intimate group—we had four, and I wouldn’t want many more. The Library is an ideal place to snuggle up with a book and a glass of wine, and chat with a friend after a long day of work.