Today (29 Sept 2014) is an important milestone in the history of the Bodleian Library: The Weston Library (formerly New Bodleian Library) opened its three reading rooms to readers. The temporary Special Collections Reading Room in the RSL and Rhodes House Library have now transferred to the Weston Library.
At the moment the building is initially opening exclusively to readers. Some disruption, due to continuing collection moves and fitting-out of public areas, including exhibition galleries and tearoom, will continue until the official opening in March 2015.
Where is the Weston Library?
The Weston Library is on the site of the former New Bodleian Library, ie the corner of Broad Street and Park Road. The reader entrance is on Park Road.
What are the opening hours?
Mon-Fri 9am – 7pm; Sat 10am – 4pm; Sun closed
Which reading room should I use?
- RARE BOOKS, ARCHIVES AND WESTERN MANUSCRIPTS is in the Rare Books and Manuscripts Reading Room (Level 1)
- MAPS are in the Rare Books and Manuscripts Reading Room (Level 1)
- MUSIC is in the Mackerras Reading Room (Level 1)
- ORIENTAL MANUSCRIPTS AND RARE BOOKS are in the David Reading Room (Level 5)
- COMMONWEALTH AND AFRICAN STUDIES COLLECTIONS are in the David Reading Room (Level 5)
You can order normal stack request items to any of the reading rooms.
Moves of collections into the Weston Library will take place until Summer 2016 as material currently kept at other locations is transferred. During this period items may still be ordered as normal, but will be subject to a 24 hour delivery time. Updates of collection moves.
Duke Humfrey’s Library is now closed until Monday 13 October 2014 when it will re-open as an invigilated reading room supporting higher-level studies in the Humanities. Open-shelf material, esp local history in R.Top and R1-R3, etc. will remain in Duke Humfrey’s. During the closure period, contact library staff if you need any material in R.Top or R1-3.
Related links:
- Weston Library – Information for readers (pdf)
- FAQs
- Rare Books and Manuscripts Reading Room
- Charles Wendell David Reading Room
- Sir Charles Mackerras Reading Room
- Read more about the project
Special Collections Contact details
- Reading room bookings: email: specialcollections.bookings@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
- Research enquiries: email: specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
