Oxford County Library (OCL) is taking steps to ensure a safe return to regular operating hours as pandemic-related health restrictions ease across the province.

Many rural branches began increasing open hours this week, while Ingersoll and Tillsonburg are already open six days per week. OCL’s rural branches will continue to expand operating hours each week, with a total return to service hours expected by mid-April, barring staffing issues or changes to public health guidelines. Norwich will continue to offer curbside-only service until March 29, when it reopens to the public.

OCL is following Oxford County guidelines for reopening to ensure the safety of both patrons and staff. Plexiglass shields will remain in place at service desks, and library staff will continue to wear face masks until at least April 11. Mask use among patrons is encouraged but not required. Hand hygiene and physical distancing are also encouraged. Anyone feeling ill should avoid visiting the library until they are better.

Patrons who prefer to use curbside services may contact their local branch to make arrangements. Home delivery may also be available for eligible patrons. For more information, visit the Home Delivery Service page.

Library computers are open for public use, although limited stations are available due to ongoing distancing measures. Some locations may require appointment bookings, while others can accommodate drop-in service. Mobile printing from a smartphone, tablet or laptop is also available at select branches. For details, visit the Mobile Printing page.

OCL staff welcome a return to regular operating hours, and patrons are encouraged to visit their local library branch to browse, borrow, sit and read. OCL staff are also making plans for a safe return to in-person programming as public health measures are further lifted. In-person programs will be limited to small numbers and will require pre-registration due to ongoing distancing measures. For more information and updates about OCL's reopening plans, visit www.ocl.net.

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About Oxford County Library

Oxford County Library is a County of Oxford service that offers free lending of books, DVDs and other materials; access to online catalogues and databases; genealogy support; children’s programming; job search resources and information about government services; and computer access. Branches are located in Brownsville, Burgessville, Embro, Harrington, Ingersoll, Innerkip, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Plattsville, Princeton, Tavistock, Thamesford and Tillsonburg. Oxford County Library is currently operating under COVID-19 guidelines: for information and updates, please visit www.ocl.net/Home/Newsroom/News-Details/covid-19-updates.

About Oxford County

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 125,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero waste community and working towards zero poverty. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that is driving innovation in sustainable industries and diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.