‘Write’ Uptown: Taking advantage of the local library

Dear Sally:

I’ve been seeing the Oxford Lane Library around more and more, with booths at events and even posting their own events on Facebook. Can you tell me a little bit more about how I can take advantage of the Oxford Lane Library?

Thanks, Marilyn

Hi Marilyn,

Thanks for the question.

There are so many resources you can get at the Lane Public Library that many people don’t know about above and beyond checking out books and movies for free. In fact, the library offers too many resources to cover in a single column, but I will touch on the main points. 

Oxford Lane Library has two rooms that can be reserved for a wide variety of uses; the larger of the two being the Havighurst Meeting Room which holds up to 162 people, the other being the Helen Weinberger Activity Room which can hold up to 64 people. Go to lanepl.org, click on “Reserve A Space” then “Select A Meeting Room” to learn more or to reserve your time.

If you are looking for something to keep your children busy, make sure to check out the library’s calendar online or pick up a seasonal newsletter for adult and youth events in-person. The library has all types of events for all ages and interests, including for readers, crafters, gardeners and gamers, just to name a few. Aside from one-off events, you can also take advantage of recurring events like Third Thursday Book Club, Artist’s Makerspace and D&D Clubs. Coming up for this season, the library will also have its annual Oxford Area Historic Walking Tours.

If you are interested in history and genealogy, The Lane Library should be your first stop! The Smith Library of Regional History, located on the second floor of the Oxford branch, has a wide array of resources such as historical newspapers, photograph collections  and maps, some of which you can also access online. If you have specific questions, you can fill out a form on their website to get in touch with an employee who is specialized in Oxford’s history.

One last thing I’ll mention, but definitely not least, is the monthly book sale. On the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Friends of Oxford Lane Library holds the monthly book sale. You can buy books and movies at great discounts! The next one is on Sept. 7, and they are always held at the Oxford Lane Library.

Be sure to visit the Lane Library’s website at lanepl.org.

Don’t forget to email me at write.uptownsally@gmail.com to ask me your questions about how to enjoy Oxford to its fullest.

Sally Roi is a lifelong resident of Oxford and a Miami University graduate. She has worked at several local businesses and is now operations manager for Enjoy Oxford.