Oxford

Oxford Free Public Library

339 Main Street

Oxford, Massachusetts'

Adventure date: 4/15/2025

O is for Oxford

There are six towns in Massachusetts that start with the letter "O". Can you name all six? I knew of four and had not heard of the other two. The answer will be at the end of the Oxford story.

The decision to go to the Oxford Public Library was an excellent one! From the architecture to the friendly staff it was an awesome day. As we were leaving I wanted to be a librarian! Brittany, library director and Fiona, librarian were having way too much fun!

My co-pilot on this adventure was my husband Carl. In under an hour we pulled up to the impressive Oxford library on a picturesque Main street. No need to hurry inside as there was artwork to admire on the front lawn. There was a tall tree stump adorned with carved animals, a Little Free Library and a blue and gold sheep. A whimsical welcome for sure.

The circulation desk was at the top of the short staircase where Fiona welcomed us. She has been a librarian in the Oxford library for two years. She earned her degree from Simmons College in Boston while working at the library. Side note: Almost all of the librarians I have met studied at Simmons. Must be the place to earn your Library Science degree.

Fiona gave us a pamphlet on the historic stained glass windows within the library. They are original to the building which opened its doors to the public in 1903. They are amazing!! The window on the second landing depicts the pilgrims arrival in Plymouth. It is titled "Let there be light."

Fiona told us that the stately Oak table in front of the circulation desk was made from a famous tree. A one of a kind Huguenot tree that set a record of being the second largest Oak tree in Massachusetts. If you don't think a tree can be famous, just google it. There is a lot to learn about the tree and the Huguenot Society. Its life span was from 1686 until 2022.

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Also on the desk was a mini version of the carved tree that greeted us on the front lawn. Sadly that tree is rotting and will have to come down. I guess the mini animal carved tree will have to serve as a reminder.

Fiona was joined by Brittany , the library director. Now we had two friendly librarians, both good story tellers to fill us in on their library. Got ghosts? Yes! Adults and children report spotting ghost. Some believe it is Clarissa, mother to Charles Larned. Charles donated money to the town of Oxford to build a library in memory of his mother. I was loaned the book to peruse while at the library, and I did!

I got comfortable in a large sitting room with beautiful light fixtures, a fire place, large windows and really cozy reading chairs. I read the first few pages and knew I wanted to read the entire book. Call me spoiled, but Carl ordered me a copy of the library haunting book while we sat in the reading chairs. Looking forward to it arriving on my doorstep. I frequently support local book stores, but this seemed like a job for Amazon.

Oxford is a part of the largest network of libraries. The CWMARS network has 195 libraries in its network! Oxford recently joined the ranks of libraries that don't fine patrons for late returns. The fine was two cents, which in retrospect they realized it was silly to be collecting pennies.

I had to ask what the classic blue rotary phone was for. It sat on a table near the main desk and I really wanted to use it! A creative librarian (maybe the assistant director?) created an interactive use for the phone. You pick up the receiver, listen to the question of the week and provide your answer. Last week was what is your favorite candy. I picked up the phone, heard a voice ask me what my favorite season was . I panicked and hung up! Not sure why, but that's how it went. The result of the question is posted at the end of the week. If I had answered it would have been autumn.

The library offers adult book clubs that are very popular. The morning hours bring in people who want to read the newspaper or do a puzzle. The adult books clubs are very popular. They have a long list of museum passes! The EcoTarium in Worcester and the corn maze in Douglas are often checked out.

The teen room really impressed me! The architecture alone is beautiful. Add in games, various seating options, books and abundant space made for an attractive hang out space and you have a winning environment. Even though Carl and I are not between the ages of 10-18 we stayed and played a couple of games. Carl even left a series of magnetic words on a steel board, creating a poem of sorts. I got a kick out of the inflated picture frame! Everyone has a phone, especially kids. I imagine that a lot of pictures have been taken of friends behind that frame.

Throughout the library there are tables and chairs. The tables have activities to stop and use or play. There is an Oxford Monopoly game on one table and a sticker art project on another. This library is super interactive, and remember, we haven't even reached the children's room.

A museum of Oxford history is located in the lower level. The day we visited it was not open as the "Friends of the Library" was setting up for their book sale. This is their largest fundraiser. As with every library we have been to, the librarians are very appreciative of all the "Friends of the Library" do for library!

We headed up the stairs not realizing that we were leaving the early 1900's and walking into the next century. WOW!! The entire second floor is dedicated to children's literature and activities. Oxford is lucky to have their library supported by town government. An addition was added in 2000, and it is amazing! They saved two portions of the original facade, which is a historic reminder of how many years this building as served this community.

The children's space is large, colorful, enticing and comfortable. The librarians set up creative book displays that grabbed my attention. There is a separate room for story times and art activities. On our way out we noticed yet one more (small ) room called, "The Discovery Room." What!? As a long time preschool teacher I would have gone crazy to work in this children's space. Lucky Oxford:)

I love a good sense of humor. Check out these rolling book carts.

On our way out we stopped to thank Fiona and Brittany and ask them the question librarians can't answer. What is your favorite book??? A difficult question for sure. Brittany went with the classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, which she regularly rereads. Fiona liked the Percy Jackson series and Six of Crows, which she said is a duology and read both. I wasn't embarrassed to ask what a duology was, until Fiona answered my question. Duh! A duology is a two book series. Thankfully Carl didn't know either and we had a good laugh. How can we know about a trilogy and not a duology!? Live and learn I guess.

Located on the main level is an art museum. A new artist every month.

Back out into the warm summer like day to have lunch at Carl's diner. A little research before heading to Oxford had us seeking out this restaurant that has a pig car parked next to it! Heading into the Diner you notice the bathroom is located outside/next to the main entrance. Hanging on the door is a bedpan with a sign that says "seat yourself." You don't see that too often! The restaurant is a classic, hometown, breakfast spot. They are famous for large portions and it is true!! Yikes:) You will see the picture that shows what Carl's diner considers a "sandwich ." The very nice waitress suggested that Carl (husband not owner) get his pastrami on a bulky roll as it was a big sandwich. There was enough meat for 3 meals. It was a fun lunch.

We drove over to Buffumville Lake Park in the neighboring town of Charlton. It looks like a place to return with our kayaks. There is also an impressive dam to view with a walking trail on top of the dam. The trail was popular for dog walkers.

Miles traveled: 106

Answer to the question can you name all 6 towns in Massachusetts that begin with the letter "O"?

Oak Bluffs

Oakham

Orange

Orleans

Otis

Oxford