Tag Archives: Book Display

Women’s History Month 2026

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Purple banner with text reading International Women's Day and a white circular arrow logo

Join us this March as we celebrate Women’s History Month in the Social Science Library (SSL) and mark International Women’s Day on 8 March.

Women’s History Month aims to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women across the world, while also recognising the ongoing fight for gender equality.  Despite extraordinary progress in the 116 years since International Women’s Day was first marked, significant inequalities remain.

As of March 2025, 122 million girls are still out of school globally, and women hold just 64 per cent of the legal rights that men have worldwide. These figures remind us why continued activism remains essential.

Image shows Women's History Month book display featuring 4 shelves of relevant titles from across the social science subjects.

At the SSL, we have curated a book display that highlight the triumphs and achievements of women across the social sciences and beyond – from works on early pioneering female anthropologists to studies books exploring the writings of medieval women.

Alongside titles from the SSL’s own collection, we have included works from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF) that explore Women’s history more widely. Some of the books on display are available to borrow, while others are for use in the library only — please ask a member of staff if you are unsure

Green Action Week Book Display

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A collage of colourful book covers with the titles 'Climate change: what everyone needs to know', '123 seriously smart things you need to know about the climate', 'Mend it, wear it. love it!', '365 ways to save the planet', 'Living plantfully', 'Wilding' 'The hidden world', 'How to repair everything' and 'How bad are bananas?

To celebrate Oxford University’s Green Action Week from 23-27 February 2026 we have put together a display of books covering climate change, nature and sustainable living. You can find the book display around the corner from the Issue Desk and it will be in place until 8 March.

Some of the books are from the SSL’s collection and can be borrowed. Most of them are on loan to us from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF). They are for use in the library only and cannot be borrowed. Do feel free to remove them from the display to look at in the library and then return them there afterwards.

If you can’t make it to the library the books on display are listed here:

Climate change

Sustainable living

Nature

LGBT+ History Month 2026

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It’s February already! In the UK, this means that it’s LGBT+ History Month, which offers the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people throughout the ages. This year’s theme, Science and Innovation, fits perfectly with the LGBT+ related items in the Social Science Library’s collections. To learn more about LGBT+ History Month and this year’s theme, visit the LGBT+ History Month website.

At the Social Science Library, we’ve created a book display showcasing the contributions made by LGBT+ scientists, inventors, and innovators across the social science subjects. We’ve also selected material in our collection that reflects how science has sometimes been used to medicalise and pathologise LGBT+ identities, reminding us how we need to continue addressing these issues today.

Image shows LGBT+ History Month book display featuring 4 shelves of relevant titles from across the social science subjects.

Alongside titles from the SSL’s own collection, we’ve included works from the Collections Storage Facility that explore LGBT+ history more widely. Some of these books are available to borrow, while others are for use in the library only — please ask a member of staff if you’re unsure.

In addition to our physical display, Oxford University staff and students can access eBooks from the display through SOLO. For an even broader selection of texts exploring LGBT+ History across the Bodleian Libraries, take a look at the LGBTQ+ History Resources LibGuide.

Happy New Year! Find a hobby for 2026 in our Reading Resolutions book display

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The first daffodils are now in the shops, and the days are just beginning to get longer. Despite the sprinkling of snow in Oxford, we are starting to look forward to the start of spring and Hilary term at the SSL. The change of the year marks the perfect time to try something new or just get outside more – why not come by the SSL to explore our new Pop-Up Book Display: Reading Resolutions.

Reading Resolutions book display. Grey bookcase with 4 shelves of books on new hobbies, recipe books, and self-help. 21 books are on the display and there is a yellow poster advertising the display.

Feeling adventurous? Pick up a book on Wild Swimming or Rock Climbing. Need some calm in the chaos of Hilary term? Check out our books on Yoga and Meditation. New year’s resolutions are notoriously hard to keep; so, we’ve made sure to include books on how to make lifestyle changes that last.

Perhaps after all the feasting of Christmas, you’d like to eat more plant-based foods or try Veganuary? The production of food accounts for a staggering 25% of our global greenhouse gas emissions and can have serious biodiversity impacts.  Veganuary is a campaign to encourage people to move to a plant-based diet that has lower environmental impacts, prevents animal suffering, and improves our health.  For plant-based recipes, see our book Plant Academy: the cookbook: plant-based techniques & recipes for creative cooking.  If you prefer a more gradual change of diet, take a look at The flexitarian cookbook: adaptable recipes for part-time vegetarians. See also the University’s Environmental Sustainability Team’s Sustainable Recipe Collection.

The books featured in the display are on loan to us from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF). They are for use in the library only and cannot be borrowed. Do feel free to remove them from the display to look at in the library and then return them there afterwards.

UK Disability History Month 2025

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From 20th November through December, we’re marking Disability History Month here at the SSL. The 2025 theme, “Disability, Life and Death,” addresses concerns about the Assisted Suicide legislation currently making its way through Parliament, and the risks it poses for disabled people. The Disability History Month website situates this legislation within a longer history of threats to disabled people’s right to life; from eugenics and lifelong institutionalisation to the mass murder campaigns of the Nazis. In an increasingly hostile environment for disabled people in the UK, this year’s theme invites reflection on the “value of disabled people’s lives”.

At the Social Science Library, we’ve created a book display exploring this theme in books across the Social Science subjects. This selection highlights both the historical and contemporary challenges disabled people have faced, including discrimination, persecution, and state violence, while also honouring their lives, agency, and contributions in activism, academia, and the arts. Alongside titles from the SSL’s own collections, we’ve included works from the Collections Storage Facility. Some items can be borrowed, while others are for use in the library only; please ask a member of staff if you’re unsure.

Image shows Disability History Month book display featuring 4 shelves of relevant titles from across the social science subjects.

In addition to our physical display, Oxford University staff and students can access ebooks from the display through SOLO. For more material on disability history, take a look at the Disability History LibGuide here: Home – Disability History Resources – Oxford LibGuides at Oxford University

Winter Wellbeing Book Display November 2025

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Image shows the Winter Wellbeing Book Display case. The grey display unit holds 4 shelves of books on Winter wellbeing, along with a pile of leaflets on local walks and a poster advertising the display

Winter’s setting in here in Oxford as we enter the second half of Michaelmas term. Why not take a break from studying and explore our array of Winter Wellbeing books on our new pop-up book display? From winter recipes and wellbeing books to short stories and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, we have books for all your winter wellbeing needs.

As the nights draw in and it gets harder to get enough sunlight in the winter, pick up one of our local walking leaflets for ideas on where to go during your study break.

The books featured in the display are on loan to us from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF). They are for use in the library only and cannot be borrowed. Do feel free to remove them from the display to look at in the library and then return them there afterwards.

Image depicts wellbeing corner in the Social Science Library. There are 3 blue arm chairs with pink cushions with a coffee table in front of them. On the coffee table there is a jigsaw puzzle, mindful colouring books, coloured pencils, and 3 puzzle books. In the corner there is a large plant.

Did you know that we have a Wellbeing Corner in the SSL? Located behind the reader PC area is a space where readers can take some time to relax while visiting the library. In our Wellbeing Corner you will find:

  • Mindful colouring books and colouring pencils
  • Puzzle books
  • Origami material and instructions guides and books
  • Jigsaw puzzle

Bonfire Night Book Display

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This week (Mon 3rd Nov – Fri 6th Nov), we’re celebrating Bonfire Night at the SSL. From books on Guy Fawkes and the history of the Gunpowder Plot to texts exploring the chemistry of fireworks and the art of pyrotechnics in European history, you’ll find a wide range of books to spark your interest!

Image shows Bonfire Night book display featuring 4 shelves of books and ebooks. There are two paper firework rocket decorations stuck to either side of the display unit.

If you’re in need of a mid-term study break, you can find these books on our pop-up book display, located just around the corner from the issue desk. The books in this display are on loan to us from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF) and are for use in the library only. Please feel free to remove them from the display to browse in the library, and return them there afterwards.

Black History Month 2025

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Black History Month 2025 logo in black font, with subheading "Dig Deeper, Look Closer, Think Bigger" underneath

This October, we’re celebrating Black History Month! The theme for 2025 is “Standing Together in Power and Pride,” where power represents ‘the influence, leadership, and capacity to effect positive change’ and Pride reflects ‘cultural identity, heritage, and the celebration of Black excellence.’ To learn more about Black History Month and this year’s theme, visit the Black History Month website and magazine.

At the Social Science Library, we’ve created a book display showcasing the contributions of Black leaders, activists, and pioneers across the social sciences. Alongside titles from the SSL’s own collection, we’ve included works from the Collections Storage Facility that explore Black history more widely. Some of these books are available to borrow, while others are for use in the library only — please ask a member of staff if you’re unsure.

Image shows Black History Month book display featuring 4 shelves of relevent titles from across the social science subjects.

In addition to our physical display, Oxford University staff and students can access ebooks from the display through SOLO. For an even broader selection of texts celebrating Black scholarship across the Bodleian Libraries, take a look at the ORLO reading list: CY25_OXF_Black History Month_Celebrating Black Scholarship.

As part of the celebrations, Oxford University will host its annual Black History Month Lecture, Power and Pride: Histories of African and Caribbean People in Britain, delivered by historian Professor Hakim Adi. You can find more information and book your ticket on the website here.

Pride Month Book Display 2025

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June was Pride Month. Did you catch our display in the SSL? This display contained books on Pride, the history of Pride and books on the LGBTQ+ community.

Some of these items were on loan to the Social Science Library from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF). However, most items in this display were from the SSLs own collection.

We also included several eBooks in this display. Here are a few examples.

Do you have any recommendations of LGBTQ+ books? Please let us know by emailing ssl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Oracles, Omens and Answers Book Display

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To tie in with the Weston Library exhibition on Oracles, Omens and Answers, we have created a pop-up book display.

A display of books in the Social Science Library to tie in with the Oracles, Omens and Answers exhibition in the Weston Library.

The exhibition in the Weston Library (which runs until 27th April 2025) looks at several time periods and traverses the world, looking at ways that people tried to find answers to some of life’s questions.

The book display in the SSL includes books on the concept of divination as well as books on the anthropological studies of the practices that are displayed in the Weston Library exhibition.

This book display contains books from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF) and the Social Science Library’s own collection. The items from CSF are for use in the library only and cannot be borrowed. The SSL items are loanable.

You can find out more about this, and upcoming exhibitions in the Weston Library on the Visit Bodleian website.