There are plenty of good quotes and a fair amount of wisdom regarding “the company that you keep.”  We have all heard them:  “You’ll be known by the company that you keep,” or “the company you keep will affect and influence the opportunities you meet.”

George Washington’s “it is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company” rings as true today as it did 250 years ago, while Epictetus, 2000 years ago, carried the theme a bit further with “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.”  Mark Twain delivers with wit and style:  “Go to heaven for the climate, go to hell for the company.”

BuzzFeed’s “19 Jaw Dropping Wedding Venues for Book Lovers” put Oxford Exchange in some very good company.  In fact, as a book lover, I can’t think of any better accolade than the BuzzFeed compliment of being included on their list. The list includes the greatest libraries on the planet and some of the greatest literary spaces man has been able to dream up.  

The Oxford Exchange may not have the long history of many of the list’s participants, but we aspire to be a book lover’s sanctuary — a place where reading, thinking, and discourse are celebrated along with good food, good drinks, and great design. It helps to have good company inside the walls of the OE as well.  

Our patrons bring a level of enthusiasm and energy that makes this space come alive and which inspires us to bring forth our best every day.  This is the true magic of good company, the mutual benefit of inspiring others and being inspired in return.  

Reading is great; thinking is wonderful; sharing is even better.  We thank the folks at Buzzfeed for including us, and we thank all of the couples who have made the Oxford Exchange their Book Lover’s Wedding Venue.  We are in good company indeed.