Oxford County Anniversary Year

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Oxford County celebrates the 175th anniversary of its incorporation of Oxford County as a county in 2025! This year is also:

  • the 50th anniversary of the restructuring of Oxford County into its eight area municipalities;
  • the 60th anniversary of the Oxford County Library system; and,
  • the 25th anniversary of Oxford County Archives.



Coming up: Book launch for special anniversary book by Oxford County Archives


Folklore, true crime, heroes and Elvis: Oxford County’s most noteworthy moments are captured in, “Growing Stronger Together - A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past,” a new book by the Oxford County Archives that celebrates the 175th anniversary of the County’s incorporation.

Join us for the book launch event:
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Presentation at 1:30 p.m.
Oxford County Archives (Governor's House building)
82 Light Street, Woodstock

Copies of the book will be on sale at the event for $45 each. The book will also be available for purchase online at www.oxfordcounty.ca/archives, at the Ingersoll and Tillsonburg branches of Oxford County Library, Oxford County Archives, and at the Customer Service desk in the Oxford County Administration Building.





Special anniversary events

Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past
Book launch: July 2025

A new book by the Oxford County Archives that celebrates the 175th anniversary of the County’s incorporation, this collection of stories, articles and historical research profiles local people, events and communities. Curated by Oxford County Archivist Liz Dommasch. More


Display at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: “Oxford County: Celebrating 175 Years”
April– December 2025

Part of the Legislative Assembly Community Exhibits Program, this submission by the Oxford County Archives and Oxford County Library celebrating Oxford County’s 175th anniversary and the County’s historical and milestone achievements is on display now at Queen’s Park in Toronto. More


Woodstock Art Gallery Exhibit: Oxford County Archives: Celebration, 175+ years
July 12, 2025 – January 24, 2026

This exhibit explores the history of some of Oxford County’s iconic administrative buildings, including the Court Houses, Jail, Registry Offices, and House of Refuge, and highlights some of the architectural drawings, photographs, and artwork maintained by the Oxford County Archives. More





Oxford County Archives and Oxford County Library exhibits in the Oxford County Administration Building

The Archives is featuring four displays throughout 2025 highlighting the history of the County; promoting the Archives’ holdings, programs and services; highlighting stories from the new anniversary book; and sharing the history of the Oxford County Library system.

Oxford County Archives: “Who Do You Think You Are”

Coming this fall, this video series will share the genealogical stories of some of Oxford’s current County Councillors.


Local History Speaker Series (Oxford County Library)

Twice a Pioneer: A History of Oxford County Library Services” takes place on July 19, featuring local historian Dr. Matthew Griffis in a presentation that will share archival images and other historical items.
In May, Oxford County Archivist Liz Dommasch offered a sneak peek of “Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past” as part of the Local History Speaker Series.





Oxford County Library Memory Wall

This virtual scrapbook invites stories, photos and other creative expressions of people’s memories of County library branches over the years. Visit the wall at www.ocl.net/memory-wall.


Oxford County Library Reception

Remember When: Celebrating Our First 60 Years,” a public celebration of the Library’s anniversary, will be held on September 20, 2025, at the Ingersoll branch. Watch for details at www.ocl.net or Speak Up, Oxford!


Oxford County Library Anniversary video

A short video that celebrates Oxford County Library’s anniversary, “The Oxford County Library at 60: Foundations and Future,” is being released in July through the Library’s social media channels.



Oxford County celebrates the 175th anniversary of its incorporation of Oxford County as a county in 2025! This year is also:

  • the 50th anniversary of the restructuring of Oxford County into its eight area municipalities;
  • the 60th anniversary of the Oxford County Library system; and,
  • the 25th anniversary of Oxford County Archives.



Coming up: Book launch for special anniversary book by Oxford County Archives


Folklore, true crime, heroes and Elvis: Oxford County’s most noteworthy moments are captured in, “Growing Stronger Together - A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past,” a new book by the Oxford County Archives that celebrates the 175th anniversary of the County’s incorporation.

Join us for the book launch event:
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Presentation at 1:30 p.m.
Oxford County Archives (Governor's House building)
82 Light Street, Woodstock

Copies of the book will be on sale at the event for $45 each. The book will also be available for purchase online at www.oxfordcounty.ca/archives, at the Ingersoll and Tillsonburg branches of Oxford County Library, Oxford County Archives, and at the Customer Service desk in the Oxford County Administration Building.





Special anniversary events

Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past
Book launch: July 2025

A new book by the Oxford County Archives that celebrates the 175th anniversary of the County’s incorporation, this collection of stories, articles and historical research profiles local people, events and communities. Curated by Oxford County Archivist Liz Dommasch. More


Display at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: “Oxford County: Celebrating 175 Years”
April– December 2025

Part of the Legislative Assembly Community Exhibits Program, this submission by the Oxford County Archives and Oxford County Library celebrating Oxford County’s 175th anniversary and the County’s historical and milestone achievements is on display now at Queen’s Park in Toronto. More


Woodstock Art Gallery Exhibit: Oxford County Archives: Celebration, 175+ years
July 12, 2025 – January 24, 2026

This exhibit explores the history of some of Oxford County’s iconic administrative buildings, including the Court Houses, Jail, Registry Offices, and House of Refuge, and highlights some of the architectural drawings, photographs, and artwork maintained by the Oxford County Archives. More





Oxford County Archives and Oxford County Library exhibits in the Oxford County Administration Building

The Archives is featuring four displays throughout 2025 highlighting the history of the County; promoting the Archives’ holdings, programs and services; highlighting stories from the new anniversary book; and sharing the history of the Oxford County Library system.

Oxford County Archives: “Who Do You Think You Are”

Coming this fall, this video series will share the genealogical stories of some of Oxford’s current County Councillors.


Local History Speaker Series (Oxford County Library)

Twice a Pioneer: A History of Oxford County Library Services” takes place on July 19, featuring local historian Dr. Matthew Griffis in a presentation that will share archival images and other historical items.
In May, Oxford County Archivist Liz Dommasch offered a sneak peek of “Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past” as part of the Local History Speaker Series.





Oxford County Library Memory Wall

This virtual scrapbook invites stories, photos and other creative expressions of people’s memories of County library branches over the years. Visit the wall at www.ocl.net/memory-wall.


Oxford County Library Reception

Remember When: Celebrating Our First 60 Years,” a public celebration of the Library’s anniversary, will be held on September 20, 2025, at the Ingersoll branch. Watch for details at www.ocl.net or Speak Up, Oxford!


Oxford County Library Anniversary video

A short video that celebrates Oxford County Library’s anniversary, “The Oxford County Library at 60: Foundations and Future,” is being released in July through the Library’s social media channels.


OCL Memory Wall

Photo of the 1953 Oxford County Library Cooperative bookmobile appears with permission of the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario   

60th Anniversary Memory Wall


Have Oxford County Library branches played a role in your life or in your family history? We welcome your stories, photos and creative expressions on this public memory wall! 

Please note this is a space to celebrate the moments that make our library special, from favourite programs to unexpected connections and stories that stayed with you. We invite you to share a memory that makes you smile. If you’d like to offer feedback or suggestions instead, please visit our Feedback Form.

Questions? Please contact Matthew Griffis, Digital Literacy and Local History Technician.


Note: This is a moderated section. Your submission will be posted after it has been reviewed.

By submitting content to the Memory Wall, you give Oxford County and the Oxford County Library permission to publish it and your screen name. You further attest that any images or creative works submitted are works you own the copyright to, and you give Oxford County and the Oxford County Library permission to publish them.


Thank you for contributing to our Memory Wall! To learn more about Oxford County Library, visit www.ocl.net 

All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

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  • Share Find a book and Go read! on Facebook Share Find a book and Go read! on Twitter Share Find a book and Go read! on Linkedin Email Find a book and Go read! link

    Find a book and Go read!

    by Donna Caldecott , 14 days ago
    My mother’s favourite words when my sister and I stated we were bored. I have loved books with all the adventures and information that came when turning those pages.

    The Plattsville library has been a source of inspiration. I found especially during COVID that I was able to expand my knowledge and experience with new authors and topics. It made that period of time easier to deal with.

    I love that our library and librarian Kathy H have been there with support and new experiences. Various Events, Classes and constant updates with audio, books and ebooks.
    I feel that our... Continue reading

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    Many Thanks to the Library

    by Linda M, 15 days ago

    The staff at the Tillsonburg library are so friendly and welcoming. My family has enjoyed many of the fun adult and teen programs there. We really appreciate all that you do!

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    Our Small Library is Big in Town

    by Deborah, 15 days ago
    Living in a small town (Tavistock), our resources can sometimes be sparse. I am finding that our library is increasingly bountiful in resources, information, support, programmes, children's activities, and has increased in hours open. For all these things, I am thankful for the Tavistock Public Library. I am now bringing my 'Littles' for an hour or two of quiet, thoughtful and meaningful 'research' as they play games, online and hands-on, look at books and complete activities offered. During my most recent visit, I noticed that a new patron, an elderly gentleman, was kindly and patiently informed by the librarian about... Continue reading
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    Where I discovered Jack Reacher

    by Dan, 16 days ago
    Some years ago, I was looking for something to read to disconnect from the constant barrage of technology. Never having been much of a reader in the past, I was looking for something that wasn't too long, was an easy read, and was entertaining. They had a shelf of recommended reads at the front of the library and having read a few chapters from a selection of books, I chose a Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child. This one book quickly became two, and then four, and then I was hooked. It struck the right chord at the right time... Continue reading
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    THANKFUL FOR OUR PLATTSVILLE LIBRARY

    by Denise Tew, 16 days ago
    Our two boys when young would visit the Plattsville Library with their Grandmother when it was located at the Old Scout Hall in Plattsville. With our combined Plattsville School & Plattsville Public Library so many more programs can be offered to the community. It is a welcoming place for all and I continue to use the Library. So thankful to Kathy Hofstetter and her staff that work along beside her. We are so lucky to have this beautiful library!
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    They are so helpful.

    by Frances Ranger, 16 days ago
    I am now 80 years old and have been using libraries since I was very young. Years ago I discovered that you were able to get e-books through the library which I have used continuously. The Ingersoll library has also helped me greatly with research, faxing and e-mailing which I cannot do at home. They have been very helpful over the years and I appreciate it muchly.
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    Feeling always so welcome

    by Hendrika, about 1 month ago
    My library in Burgessville has amazing staff.

    They remember you, although there are many people coming in and out. If a have a book on hold, they told me with a big smile right away as I enter: we have a book for you! It’s the personal approach I appreciate so very much in this busy world. You feel so welcome!


    The staff is always attentive and willing to help. If a book is not available in Oxford County they look up if it’s available somewhere else.

    I am very happy with my library membership.


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    Help with phone and tablet and laptop

    by Les and Ken, 2 months ago
    We are so grateful for the Tillsonburg library and the appointments w. Matt we've had to resolve issues and understand the workings of our phone's tablet and laptop. We are not as afraid of technology, banking, finding reading materials. Our calendars are so handy as we plan our days. Hoopla has been helpful finding reading materials. Recently I attended a bookclub in Tillsonburg library w Patricza and learned about some interesting books I had not considered reading before. My repertoire is expanding. The topic of choosing a book by it's cover was interesting!
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    Outstanding services

    by Lani, 3 months ago

    The first time i set foot in the Ingersoll branch I fell in love with the light. It is such a peaceful atmosphere. I became a regular patron. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Over the past few months I have become housebound and greatly miss my visits to the library. However, thanks to their Outreach program, they deliver books to me on a regular basis. This has saved my sanity. I know it would never happen in larger centres so am eternally grateful to the Oxford Public library and to the staff at the Ingersoll branch.

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    Full Circle

    by L Pearson, 5 months ago

    As a child I was an avid user of the Otterville library during summer visits with my Nana. I loved the walks to the library, being met by the librarian who knew my Nana and so by extension, somehow also knew me. We would leave with a bag full of picture books and later on, chapter books. Now a couple of decades later, I have moved to the area and work for the Oxford County Library. On occasion I have worked at the Otterville branch and although it is now in a different building and I'm on the other side... Continue reading

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Page last updated: 20 Oct 2025, 10:57 PM