The Bodleian Library

Side door to the Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is the Mother of all university libraries.  It officially opened its doors in 1602 thanks to the generosity of Sir Thomas Bodley.  An ardent book collector, Bodley established the library using money he had obtained from his wife, the widow of a wealthy sardine fishing entrepreneur.  Many of the first books were directly from Bodley's personal library.  The first librarian was named Thomas James.

The quadrangle of the main Bodleian Library is currently being renovated, but the library itself is still open.  Today I went with another American librarian, Susan Martin from Georgetown College in Lexington, KY, to "Bodley" or "the Bod," as it is also known.  We mainly wanted to see if our Bodleian Library cards would get us in -- and they did!  We didn't actually go up to the reading rooms -- we just went through the gates and then came right out.  We also took a peek inside the Divinity School, one of the oldest rooms in the old library.  It has amazing ceilings (picture below).  Visitors have to pay to go in, but flashing our library cards, Susan and I went right in for free.  This card is supposed to get us into all kinds of places and events!  I feel very lucky to have it.  I can't wait to actually go sit in one of the old reading rooms -- and read!



Side of the main Bodleian Library





Divinity School Ceiling