About this event
Go behind the scenes at the Bodleian Libraries as part of Oxford Open Doors.
Tour of the Bodleian Collections Storage Facility, Swindon
Friday 13 September, 9.15–10.45am, 11am–12.30pm, 1–2.30pm, 2.45–4.15pm
Visit the Collections Storage Facility (CSF) at Swindon which is managed by the Bodleian Libraries and opened October 2010. The warehouse is not open to the public, so this is a unique and first-ever chance to see a warehouse of such scale: 153 miles (246 km) of shelving and 5 levels of map storage on a mezzanine level. The facility stores over 11 million items and brings together collections that were stored in many locations across Oxford and beyond.
Tours last 90 minutes. You must book in advance. Full location details, directions and recommended footwear will be sent to you once you have booked. The tour will involve walking and standing in one position. Suitable for age 16+ only.
This tour is now fully booked, but you can join the waiting list in case places become available.
Join waiting list
Tour of the Oxford University Herbaria & Sherardian Library of Plant Taxonomy
Friday 13 September, 10–11am & 12pm–1pm
In the early eighteenth century, naturalists transformed our understanding of the natural world by collecting plants and animals, and making detailed illustrations and field observations. Moreover, by introducing living material to Europe, these people transformed the appearances of our gardens and the landscapes in which we live.
Using North America as an example, this event will use rarely exhibited historic books, illustrations and herbarium specimens to explore how networks of naturalists operated and the difficulties that had to be overcome to produce information relevant to modern life.
Tours last 60 minutes. You must book in advance. Meet at the Department of Biology, South Parks Road. Please be aware that the venue is step-only access. The tour is suitable for over 18s only, as it is in a working science department.
This tour is now fully booked, but you can join the waiting list in case places become available.
Join waiting list
Tour of the Law Library
Friday 13 September, 3–4pm and 5–6pm & Saturday 14 September, 11am–12pm
The largest law library in the United Kingdom, housed in a landmark modern building by Leslie Martin and Colin St John Wilson, completed in 1964 and now listed at Grade II*.
Tours last 60 minutes. You must book in advance. Minimum age 11, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Book now
Weston Library
Saturday 14 September, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Discover the work of the Bodleian and see behind closed doors by joining a special tour and taking part in our activities.
We will be running tours of the portraits in the Weston Library, the Conservation studio and even a visit to the roof terrace. Sign up in person on the day.
In Blackwell Hall, join in with keepsake printing on our printing press, Tapestry Talks and tours of our exhibition Kafka: Making of an Icon.
Weston portrait tours
Take a tour of the portraits behind the scenes in the Weston Library and discover new stories such as that of Edmund Halley, the astronomer who first predicted the return of comets. The portraits offer a fascinating record of social and academic history and feature a diverse mix of people with connections to the University of Oxford, the world of literature and, of course, Bodley’s Librarians.
Tours will take place at 11am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm and 3pm – 4pm. Sign up at the event welcome desk in Blackwell Hall.
Weston conservation tours
Tour behind the scenes to discover the work of the conservation team and how they care for collections at the Bodleian Libraries.
Tours will take place at 10.30am – 11.15am, 11.30am – 12.15pm and 12.30pm – 1.15pm including time getting to and from the Conservation Studio. Sign up at the event welcome desk in Blackwell Hall.
Weston tours
Discover the work of the Bodleian and see behind closed doors with these special tours, finishing with a visit to the roof terrace.
Tours in the morning can be booked in advance. For tours in the afternoon, sign up in person on the day.
Weston architecture tour
Go inside the Weston Library and hear the architectural story of this 'library of libraries'.
- 10.15 – 10.50am: book in advance – join waiting list
- 1.15pm – 1.50pm: join on the day
Weston family tour
Enter the wonderful world of the Weston Library in this family-friendly tour.
- 11.15 – 11.50am: book in advance – join waiting list
- 2.15 – 2.50pm: join on the day
Weston general tour
An introduction to the work and spaces of the Weston Library, home to the special collections of the Bodleian Libraries.
- 12.15 – 12.50pm: book in advance – join waiting list
- 3.15 – 3.50pm: join on the day
Bodleian printing workshop
Sunday 15 September, 12pm – 3pm
The Bodleian’s letterpress printing workshop will be open for drop-in printing. Come to the ‘Schola Musicae’ door on the ground floor of the Old Library to see the antique presses in action and have a go yourself.
Location
This event is held at the Weston Library, and other locations across Oxford.
Blackwell Hall, Weston Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG
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Wheelchair access
The Weston Library is wheelchair accessible.
