OXFORD – Tuesday afternoon marked the advent of a tradition dating back to the early 2000s. The Oxford Memorial Library stood poised as members of the Garden Club fussed about the interior and exterior of the historic building, hanging elaborate hand-crafted Christmas ornamentations. The annual library decoration bonanza is one facet of the Garden Club’s broader scheme to beautify Oxford.

“We try to decorate the library using a different theme each year,” said Garden Club president and Oxford beautifying co-conspirator Jeanne Cline. Last year, the club decorated the library using an angel theme. Tuesday though, the club chose The Polar Express as their inspiration.

“We plant a garden during the year around the fountain in Lafayette Park and another one in Washington Park,” said Cline. The club also maintains a garden outside the library.