The collection offers the capability of researching the history of the area through its books, periodicals, files and photograph collections.  For more in depth information about each area of our collection, click on the appropriate button on the left.

In addition to published books and periodicals, staff has created files of information not otherwise pulled together in one resource.  The library has a collection of Biography Files in the Special Collection Room.  They are indexed according to the biographee's name and subject.  An example is a file on Erle Stanley Gardner which is indexed under his name as well as his careers of lawyer and writer.

As with biography files, Ephemera Files have been created for the purpose of pulling together information on  particular subjects into one easily accessed folder. An example is a file of newspaper and journal articles written about the founding of the City of Oxnard, or the Oxnard High School, or Saint John's Regional Medical Center and many, many more.  Ephemera Files are indexed according to the subject matter of the file and may be viewed in the Special Collection Room.

Unfortunately, we do not have staff available to do research for patrons. However, for people not living in the area, some brief assistance is available.  For instance those needing copies of obituaries for genealogical research may request such. The staff will search for an obituary provided we have at least the month and year of the date of death.  The library will mail up to 10 pages of photocopied material anywhere in the continental U.S. free of charge.