Your comments and suggestions are welcome to any of us individually or by e-mail to: Oxford Library Planning Committee.

Objectives for a new Oxford Public Library

To fulfill it’s mission of independent learning with an emphasis on children’s service and community cultural and information services the library needs to focus on improving its facilities. Nearby communities such as Derby, Southbury and the soon to be completed Monroe library have shown how important expanded facilities are to the improvement of library services. The Oxford library building is by far the smallest in its population class and less than one fifth of the size needed for its present population.

From the inception of library services in Oxford in the Nineteenth Century citizens have wanted the library to be a cultural and information center for the citizens of Oxford. It should provide patrons with the ability to view art displays, to listen to music, to join in book discussion groups. All of this will motivate citizens to use the library’s collections.

The new library should have:

• A Separate children’s area — Children need their own space for study, programs, and computers.
• Space for a growing collection — The library needs to have room to expand its range of materials to offer users the opportunity for independent learning.
• More seating is needed so that users will have room to read.
• Quiet study areas — Citizens need a comfortable and quiet place to read.
• Group study areas — Students need room to work together on projects.
• An area for young adults — Young adults need computers and study space.
• A community program room — The lack of meeting places in Oxford is chronic. Organizations and library programs need a choice of small and large meeting space to enhance cultural activities in Oxford.
• Efficient staff work facilities— Staff need well-designed and comfortable space to perform the support services needed in a library. They need to select order and process materials and do computer searches for users in a comfortable well-ventilated work area.
• Space for more computers. The Internet greatly facilitates the materials collection in searching for information for library users. In addition users need to be able to use a variety of computer programs in comfortable ergonomically designed electronic workstations
• Secure space for our local history and Connecticut collection. Unique Oxford materials need to be housed in a climate controlled secure room with controlled access.
• Out-door library space — The beautiful rural setting of Oxford and the town’s emphasis in developing open space for enjoying nature should be part of the library experience.
• Friends activities space — A vital and active Friends organization that engages in library programs, assists with book sales and provides funds to expand the library’s programs needs a spacious location for its activities.

Other Benefits of a new library building

• A larger town library will improve the value of local real estate.
• Community culture and quality of life will be enhanced.
• An educated community will increase income.
• The Town Hall will be able to expand into the vacated space.

Why We Need a New Library

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