Written by Jay Kennedy
Photos by Jim Coarse, Moonlooop Photography and courtesy

I'm proud to be a Library patron, particularly of the Oxford Library. As an avid reader, this comes as no surprise. I owe my love for reading to my mother: when your mom is a first-grade schoolteacher, reading becomes ingrained at a very early age! However, the Library is so much more than just a repository of books. The array of resources it offers is truly expansive.

Let's start with the basics: books, of course, but also audiobooks, e-books, magazines, DVDs, and CDs. But that's just the beginning. The Library provides free WiFi and computer access, as well as mobile hotspots that patrons can check out. There are database subscriptions to enhance job and career skills, test preparation materials, and language learning resources – including English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for those new to the language. Genealogy enthusiasts will find a wealth of research tools at their fingertips.

All of this is available at your friendly neighborhood Oxford Library, but there's even more on offer. Meeting rooms are available for community use, and you can even check out museum passes to local attractions like Longwood Gardens and the Brandywine River Museum. Need to make copies or send a fax? The Library has you covered. Local history buffs will appreciate the historical records available in both microfilm and digitized formats. During tax season, you'll find necessary forms, and come election time, there are ballot drop boxes for your convenience.

One of the more unique offerings is the seed library. Yes, you read that correctly! You can check out seeds for your garden, fostering a love for both reading and horticulture. The Library also hosts periodic used book sales, allowing patrons to build their personal libraries while supporting the institution.

The Library's resources extend beyond the physical building. Using their genealogical tools, I once looked up which of my wife's ancestors were buried in the Oxford Cemetery – a fascinating journey through local history.

My pride in being associated with the Oxford Library led me to accept an invitation to serve on the Library Board of Trustees several years ago. As a frequent patron, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of the governing board, helping to set policy and direction for this vital community resource. Currently, I serve as the Treasurer of the board and am a member of the Development Committee, which plans fundraising events and growth activities for the Library. I also act as the Library liaison with the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce and have been working to increase the Library's representation with Borough and Township councils.

To gain a deeper understanding of the Library's day-to-day operations, I also applied to become a volunteer. While some community members seem to expect me to be omnipresent at the Library, you'll reliably find me there every Wednesday morning. My day typically begins with searching the shelves for items that patrons have placed on hold, either at Oxford or any of the other 17 branches in the Chester County Library System (CCLS).

Next, I empty the Book Drop and check returned items back into the system. Each day, a CCLS van arrives with crates of books – some returning to Oxford from other branches, others requested by Oxford patrons from elsewhere in the system. All these books need to be checked in and either placed on the Hold shelf for specific patrons or returned to the shelves for general circulation.

Shelving books is a significant part of a volunteer's responsibilities, but it's not the only task. We also proofread the shelves to ensure all books are in the correct order (admittedly not my favorite job) and weed out books that haven't been checked out in a while to make room for new acquisitions.

My favorite aspect of volunteering, however, is interacting with the wonderful patrons who visit the Oxford Library. The staff, whom I affectionately call the "Library Ladies," allow me to work at the Circulation Desk on Wednesday mornings. This is where I truly thrive. I love recommending books to mystery and thriller enthusiasts, introducing them to authors they might not have discovered yet. It's a joy to see patrons' eyes light up when they find their next great read.

Another rewarding "job" I've taken on is reading to preschool classes at Oxford Community Preschool twice a month. This role brings me full circle, reminding me of my mother's influence as a first-grade teacher. I look forward to seeing these young readers at the Library during the summer months when school is out, fostering a new generation of book lovers.

As a strong advocate for the Oxford Library, I'm continually amazed by its rich history and ongoing impact. This year, the Oxford Library is celebrating its 240th year of serving the community! Yes, you read that correctly – the Library first opened its doors in 1784, making it the oldest library in Chester County and the third oldest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Oxford Library isn't just a "nice to have" – it's an essential and critical part of our community. It serves as a safe haven for those less fortunate and stands as a bastion of knowledge, discovery, and exploration for everyone. In 2023 alone, the Oxford Library offered an astounding 640 educational and entertaining free programs for patrons, attracting nearly 11,000 participants. These programs ranged from storytimes for children to tech classes for seniors, book clubs for all ages, and informative lectures on various topics.

Our Library Director, Carey Bresler, and Children's Director, Sarah Beyer-Doty, are truly best-in-class in their respective roles. Their dedication and innovative approach to library services have transformed the Oxford Library into a vibrant community hub that goes far beyond the traditional concept of a library.

I encourage everyone to support their local library by participating in its programs, visiting regularly, advocating for its importance, and considering donations if possible. As Andrew Carnegie once said, "A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people." This sentiment rings as true today as it did when Carnegie was establishing libraries across the nation.

The Oxford Library, like many public libraries, faces challenges in the digital age. However, its ability to adapt and provide relevant services to the community has ensured its continued importance. From offering digital literacy classes to providing access to e-books and online resources, the Library has embraced technology while maintaining its core mission of promoting literacy and lifelong learning.

As we look to the future, the Oxford Library is poised to continue its legacy of service and innovation. Plans are underway to expand digital offerings, create more collaborative spaces for community projects, and develop programs that address emerging needs in our area. The Library remains committed to being a place where everyone, regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status, can access information, pursue education, and find a sense of community.

So, whether you're a longtime patron or have yet to discover all that the Oxford Library has to offer, I invite you to stop by and explore. Who knows? You might just see me there on a Wednesday morning, ready to help you find your next favorite book or learn about the latest Library offerings. Here's to another 240 years of the Oxford Library serving as the heart of our community!