Oxford Reads presents an evening with Ted Nolan

Gala event completes fall programming for the 2025 Oxford Reads experience

Oxford County Library (OCL) and Woodstock Public Library (WPL) invite readers to take part in fall programming celebrating the 2025 Oxford Reads title, Life in Two Worlds: A Coach’s Journey from the Reserve to the NHL and Back by Ted Nolan.

This year’s offerings include creative workshops, book clubs, and community skating events inspired by Nolan’s memoir, culminating in the annual Oxford Reads Gala on November 7. At the gala, hosts Sarah Acchione and Chris McMillan will lead an intimate conversation with Ted Nolan, who will answer audience questions and share candid reflections on perseverance, identity, and navigating two worlds while breaking barriers in professional hockey. Copies of his book will be available for sale at the event, followed by a book signing.

Oxford Reads Gala

Friday, November 7, 2025 | 7:00 p.m.
Market Centre Theatre, 22 Reeve Street, Woodstock

Tickets are free and can be obtained through www.oxfordreads.ca.

Additional Oxford Reads fall programming

Leading up to the gala, Oxford County Library has planned additional programming to help readers further explore themes from the book, including:

Paint programs

Registration is required; supplies will be provided.

• Monday, October 20, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Woodstock Public Library
  
  

Sponsored public skating

Free community skates; no registration required. Bring your own skates.

• Sunday, October 19, 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Embro Arena
• Saturday, October 25, 10:00–10:50 a.m. | Ingersoll Arena
  
  

Hockey storytime

Join players from local hockey clubs as they read aloud. Registration is not required.

• Woodstock Navy Vets | Saturday, November 1, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Woodstock Public Library
  
  

Indigenous drum-making workshop (ages 6–12)

Registration is required; supplies will be provided; space is limited.

• Tuesday, October 7, 6:30–8:00 p.m. | Woodstock Public Library
• Tuesday, October 14, 4:30–5:30 p.m. | OCL Ingersoll Branch
  
  

Memoir Writing with Elaine Cougler

Registration is required; space is limited.

• Saturday, October 18, 2:00–4:00 p.m. | Woodstock Public Library
  
  

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, connecting readers across the County while celebrating Canadian literature and fostering discussion.

For information about the fall programming from Woodstock Public Library, please visit www.mywpl.ca.

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About Oxford County Library

With a vision to “connect, discover, share, become,” Oxford County Library provides Oxford’s communities with excellent, responsive services in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Services include free lending of books, DVDs and other materials; access to online catalogues, databases and lifelong learning tools; community information; local history and genealogy support; programming for all ages; literacy services; job search resources; computer access; the Kitchen Library; and more. The library’s 14 branches are located in Brownsville, Burgessville, Embro, Harrington, Ingersoll, Innerkip, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Plattsville, Princeton, Tavistock, Thamesford and Tillsonburg. For more information, visit www.ocl.net.

About Woodstock Public Library

The Woodstock Public Library is a welcoming place to create, connect and explore. Located in historic downtown Woodstock, the iconic Carnegie library opened its doors to the public in 1909 and has remained on the same site through several renovations and expansions. Today it meets the varied needs of Woodstock residents by offering free lending of books, DVDs, audiobooks and other materials, as well as digital and online resources. The library provides engaging programming and outreach for children, teens and adults, both in the library and throughout the Woodstock community.

About Oxford County

Located in southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 140,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” A partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is committed to 100% renewable energy, zero waste, zero poverty and being 100% housed. The County is situated in one of Ontario’s richest agricultural regions, with a diversified economy that includes innovative agriculture, leading automotive manufacturers, and the Oxford County Cheese Trail. Oxford also offers a thriving local arts and culinary community, conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Strategic Plan puts forward a vision of “Working together for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future.” The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca, follow us on social media, or download our Facts and Stats to learn more.