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 

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
  • Share Embro branch on Facebook Share Embro branch on Twitter Share Embro branch on Linkedin Email Embro branch link

    Embro branch

    by Deb , 28 days ago
    The library is a vital part of our community. I have brought my grandchildren for 8 years and always come away with several choices. The Lego was always a hit. More recently myself and friends have participated in the cooking class and hope they continue. I do appreciate the organizing of all the different projects offered. Thank you, Jane.
  • Share Thankyou Hilda Mason on Facebook Share Thankyou Hilda Mason on Twitter Share Thankyou Hilda Mason on Linkedin Email Thankyou Hilda Mason link

    Thankyou Hilda Mason

    by Norma Collis, about 1 month ago
    Hilda Mason the chief librarian at the Tillsonburg Library in the 1960's gave me my first chance at pursuing a career as a teacher librarian. She let me help with Saturday morning story hours which led to a part time (after school)job in the Children's section housed in the basement of the. Library.
  • Share Foldens little library on Facebook Share Foldens little library on Twitter Share Foldens little library on Linkedin Email Foldens little library link

    Foldens little library

    by Cc, about 1 month ago

    Growing up on the corner of Foldens, there was a township yard with a little library next door. While it wasn't open every day or waking hour, it was a great resource for all my school projects. There were encyclopedias, national geographics amongst other books and magazines

    Librarians, Mrs DeWitt and Audrey Shelton were very helpful with assisting with local history and getting the books I liked to read for pleasure.

    Unfortunately time came for it to close. You never really know what you are missing until it is gone

  • Share Friendly and Helpful on Facebook Share Friendly and Helpful on Twitter Share Friendly and Helpful on Linkedin Email Friendly and Helpful link

    Friendly and Helpful

    by Liz, 2 months ago
    Wow this library has the friendliest staff. They are all so helpful. I have been coming to this branch to learn how to use my cricuit machine with Leslie. She is so patient and friendly. I am so thankful for being introduced to this branch by my daughter and grandkids. It is also their favourite for picking books and doing crafts. It is very clean and welcoming.
  • Share Great library on Facebook Share Great library on Twitter Share Great library on Linkedin Email Great library link

    Great library

    by Blair , 2 months ago
    Ingersoll library is a nice place to visit for all ages the staff is friendly i recommend visiting
  • 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 , 3 months 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

  • Share Many Thanks to the Library on Facebook Share Many Thanks to the Library on Twitter Share Many Thanks to the Library on Linkedin Email Many Thanks to the Library link

    Many Thanks to the Library

    by Linda M, 3 months 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!

  • Share Our Small Library is Big in Town on Facebook Share Our Small Library is Big in Town on Twitter Share Our Small Library is Big in Town on Linkedin Email Our Small Library is Big in Town link

    Our Small Library is Big in Town

    by Deborah, 3 months 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
  • Share Where I discovered Jack Reacher on Facebook Share Where I discovered Jack Reacher on Twitter Share Where I discovered Jack Reacher on Linkedin Email Where I discovered Jack Reacher link

    Where I discovered Jack Reacher

    by Dan, 3 months 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
  • Share THANKFUL FOR OUR PLATTSVILLE LIBRARY on Facebook Share THANKFUL FOR OUR PLATTSVILLE LIBRARY on Twitter Share THANKFUL FOR OUR PLATTSVILLE LIBRARY on Linkedin Email THANKFUL FOR OUR PLATTSVILLE LIBRARY link

    THANKFUL FOR OUR PLATTSVILLE LIBRARY

    by Denise Tew, 3 months 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!