Ox on the Run “bookmobile” aims to connect residents to library resources and programming

Oxford County Library’s Ox on the Run program is expanding thanks to a new mobile library unit and two outreach staff as a pilot project in 2023-2024. The new mobile library unit, or “Bookmobile,” is a decommissioned ambulance from Oxford County Paramedic Services retrofitted to serve as a library branch on wheels. The Ox on the Run summer outreach program was first introduced in 2019 to connect residents to library resources at local community spaces. The new vehicle will allow the program to extend beyond the summer months for the first time.

The Bookmobile will serve residents of all ages, offering access to library books, storytime programming, and other resources, like internet and computer access, printing services and technology support, during visits to parks, splash pads, community centres, and special events throughout the year. The pilot project will bring Oxford County Library’s many resources to people who may otherwise struggle to access their local library during regular operating hours. 

Communities Building Youth Futures Oxford County has generously donated technical equipment to support the mobile library project. Food Forward Oxford is partnering to provide support for users experiencing food insecurity. The mobile library unit will also offer care products for those in need and can connect users to other local resources, agencies and organizations for additional support.   

To follow the Ox on the Run “bookmobile” calendar, visit https://www.ocl.net/en/library/ox-on-the-run.aspx?_mid_=5819.

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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 the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 130,000 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.