Oxford County Library is looking for feedback from its rural communities to help shape the future of local libraries.

The Rural Community Engagement Survey is open now until May 1, 2024, for public input on library branch hours, the physical set-up of library spaces, collections, technology offerings, programs and activities, and more.

The survey, which can be accessed through Speak Up, Oxford! or the Oxford County Library website, takes only 5-10 minutes to complete. For taking part, rural residents will have an opportunity to win one of five (5) $40 gift cards to a local shop or restaurant of their choice.

For those who would rather send feedback directly, there is also an online question and comment form on the survey website.

The survey is not intended for residents who use Oxford County Library’s Ingersoll or Tillsonburg branches, or Woodstock Public Library.

Oxford County Library’s rural branches are located in Brownsville, Burgessville, Embro, Harrington, Innerkip, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Plattsville, Princeton, Tavistock and Thamesford. The Library also serves rural communities through Ox on the Run, a mobile book unit.

To learn more or fill out the survey, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/speakup                                        

Comment

Lisa Marie Williams, CEO, Chief Librarian, Oxford County Library

“Libraries play a significant role in rural communities, connecting people to information, education, ideas and experiences, while also providing access to community services, technology, the internet and more. We’re asking for feedback from these communities to understand how we are meeting their needs now, and what we can do to improve our services moving forward.”

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About Oxford County Library

With a vision to “connect, discover, share, become,” Oxford County Library provides Oxford’s communities with excellent, responsive services in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Services encompass free lending of books, DVDs and other materials; access to online catalogues, databases and lifelong learning tools; community information; local history and genealogy support; children’s, teen, and adult programming; literacy services; job search resources and information about government services; computer access; the Kitchen Library and more. The Library’s 14 branches are located in Brownsville, Burgessville, Embro, Harrington, Ingersoll, Innerkip, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Plattsville, Princeton, Tavistock, Thamesford and Tillsonburg. For more information visit www.ocl.net.

About Oxford County 

Located in southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 135,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” A partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is committed to 100% renewable energy, zero waste, zero poverty, and being 100% housed. Oxford County is situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, with a diversified local economy that is home to an innovative agricultural industry, leading automotive manufacturers, and the Oxford County Cheese Trail. Oxford also offers a thriving local arts and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The County’s Strategic Plan puts forward a vision of “Working together for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future.” The Oxford County Administration Building is in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca, follow us on social media, or download our Facts and Stats to learn more.