In 1988, Valerie and her husband J returned to Oxford from California and she started her career in the Smith History Library. Through commitment, meticulous research and thorough knowledge of our area Valerie has established herself as a well known and respected local historian.

Her dedication to customer service was always her top priority. Valerie preferred a phone call while on vacation rather than have a patron leave Smith Library without their question answered. I know she has answered reference questions on trains, in airports and thousands of miles away from Oxford. Through this type of commitment Smith History Library has become well known for its outstanding patron centered service.

Over the years she has attended numerous lectures (without a doubt in the hundreds!), historical marker dedications, and tours of museums. In addition she has made many presentations to organizations or classes and facilitated historic district walking tours of Oxford.

At my invitation she has been a guest speaker at the Oxford Rotary Club and her presentations were always engaging, well received and her knowledge was extensive.

Valerie will be greatly missed by patrons and her co-workers

Thank you for your years of service and we wish you all the best for the next chapter in your life called retirement! Enjoy!

Akiko Urayama has been promoted to the Librarian position at the Oxford branch effective on November 2, 2020.