Oxford Reads brings readers together for an evening with Claire Cameron

Gala event completes fall programming for the 2026 Oxford Reads experience

Oxford County Library and Woodstock Public Library invite readers to take part in fall programming celebrating the 2026 Oxford Reads title, How to Survive a Bear Attack: A Memoir, by Claire Cameron, culminating in the Oxford Reads Gala on October 30.

At the gala, host Warden Marcus Ryan will lead an intimate conversation with Claire Cameron, who will answer audience questions and share candid reflections on her own experiences with illness, motherhood, fear and survival.

Oxford Reads Gala
Friday, October 30, 2026, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Woodstock Collegiate Institute
34 Riddell Street, Woodstock

Tickets are free and available at www.oxfordreads.ca. Copies of the book will be available for sale at the event, followed by a book signing.

Additional Oxford Reads fall programming

Leading up to the gala, Oxford County Library and Woodstock Public Library have planned additional programming to help readers explore the book beyond the pages. Participants can join a guided hike around Hodges Pond or a Nature Therapy hike, with opportunities to slow down, connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

Terry Parker nature photography

Registration is not required in Ingersoll; Registration is required in Woodstock; space is limited.

• Tuesday, September 22, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Oxford County Library – Ingersoll Branch
• Monday, September 28, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Woodstock Public Library

Hodges Pond Trail guided hike

Registration is required; space is limited.

• Tuesday, September 29, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Hodges Pond Trail, Woodstock

Community-wide book club

No registration required.

• Thursday, October 8, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Commonplace Books, Ingersoll

A beginner’s guide to hiking and solo backpacking in Ontario

Registration is required; space is limited.

• Thursday, October 15, 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Oxford County Library – Tavistock Branch

An introduction to Nature Therapy with Laurel Martin

Registration is required; space is limited.

• Saturday, October 17, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. | Trillium Woods, Beachville

Guest speaker – Laura Darby, bear attack survivor

Registration is required.

• Wednesday, October 21, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Virtual Zoom meeting

For more information and to register for any Oxford Reads programming, please visit www.oxfordreads.ca.

Oxford Reads is a community-wide reading initiative from Oxford County Library and Woodstock Public Library, which aims to connect readers across the County while celebrating Canadian literature and fostering discussion.