Reference Department

Reference by Email
Oak Ridge Room
Oak Ridge Firsts & Other Important Dates
Historic Photo Collections

Reference Services

Reference Collection
Reference by Email
Ask a Librarian
Computers & Internet Access
Oak Ridge Room
Organization Database
Interlibrary Loan Service
Periodicals
Newspapers
IRS Tax Forms
Community Resources
Telephone Directories

Reference Collection

The letters “REF” are used to designate the Reference Collection. Included in the Reference Collection are materials that circulate for three days and materials for use in the Library only.

Reference by Email

You may address your reference question to us by sending an email to reference@oakridgetn.gov. We will make every effort to answer your question within 24 hours.

Ask a Librarian

Have a question or need help? Ask a Librarian! Chat with or text Reference staff from your phone, device, or computer. Our convenient chat is accessible here or by texting 865-324-0400. When staff is busy or unavailable, you will be prompted to email us and we will get back with you as soon as possible. Or, call the library at 865-425-3455.

Computers & Internet Access

The Library has computers for public use. These computers are equipped with the Microsoft Office Suite (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.), and have Internet access. Printing is available from these computers.

Oak Ridge Room

Materials concerning Oak Ridge history and books by Oak Ridge authors are located in the Oak Ridge Room. The Library also has a growing collection of oral histories. This room houses past city budgets, minutes of City Council and School Board meetings, and a collection of photographs from the early days of Oak Ridge. Please make an appointment with our Local History Specialist if you want to browse or research materials in this room.

Organization Database

The Library maintains a database of over 400 area clubs, organizations, and social service groups. The list can be searched by group name or by a key word that describes the group’s focus.

Interlibrary Loan Service

Materials not included in the Library’s collection may be available from other libraries. These items include books, photocopies of journal articles, and microfilm. These loans are a privilege extended by the lending library, and library patrons are asked to assume responsibility for postage and fees, insurance and any damages to the material. Interlibrary Loan services are currently suspended.

Periodicals

Current issues of periodicals are shelved across from the Main Desk; back issues are shelved behind current issues. Back issues of magazines are available for check out.

Newspapers

Current issues of local and national papers are shelved with the current periodicals. Back issues are held for a specified period. The Oak Ridger and New York Times are available on microfilm; the Oak Ridger is also bound.

IRS Tax Forms

Current tax forms are provided as a service by the library. The Reference staff can also print forms from the IRS web site upon request.

Community Resources

This list includes information for emergency services, library services, city services, community resources (assistance, food pantries, unemployment, etc.), transportation, seniors, blood drives, Covid-19, taxes, voter registration, census, and children’s activities.

Telephone Directories

Printed directories are available for all Tennessee cities and towns as well as Atlanta, Georgia. The library also has a criss-cross directory for Oak Ridge and Knoxville. These directories are located at the Reference desk.

Any Questions?

If you have questions concerning the services at the Oak Ridge Public Library, please ask at the Reference Desk. We are here to serve you! The Reference staff will be glad to help you:

Find information through the Library catalog
Locate Library materials
Answer short-answer questions over the phone
Use the computers
Locate materials not listed in the catalog by using special indices
Refer you to other information resources.