Monthly Archives: April 2026

Book display: Frances Perkins

Posted on by

The Vere Harmsworth Library’s latest book display explores the life of Frances Perkins, the US Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945 and the first female member of the US presidential cabinet. She is known for her work on the New Deal and for upholding workers’ rights.

Books and posters displayed on shelving

The display features two works by Perkins herself: The Roosevelt I knew, and People at work. Readers will also find biographies including Madam Secretary, Frances Perkins and Frances Perkins : a member of the Cabinet, and contextualising works such as Nothing to fear : FDR’s inner circle and the hundred days that created modern America, Challenge and change : a brief history [of the U.S. Department of Labor, 1913-1963, and For the many : American feminists and the global fight for democratic equality.

Library staff have also selected online resources which may be of interest to those wanting to learn more about Perkins’ life and legacy. The Library of Congress research guide and the Frances Perkins Center website both provide biographical information and links to a range of other resources for further research. Readers may also be interested in Time magazine’s August 1933 article, Labor: Truce at a Crisis, which discusses her appointment as Secretary of Labor, or in chapter 3 of U.S. Department of Labor: the first seventy-five years, which discusses the period 1933-1945 during which Perkins served in that role.

The book display can be found on the ground floor of the Vere Harmsworth Library by the comfy chairs towards the back of the room. Books are labelled as loanable or for library use only, and links to ebooks are given where the Bodleian has ebook access.

If you have any questions about working in the Vere Harmsworth Library, please email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Scaffolding installation in the RAI Foyer (2nd April & 7th April 2026) UPDATE: 9.4.26 Removal completed

Posted on by

UPDATE: The scaffolding has been successfully removed from the RAI Foyer. Access into the building through all three entrances (including the automated door) are available. [9.4.2026]

UPDATE: The scaffolding will be removed from the RAI Foyer on the morning of Thursday 9th April. As before, access into the building will be maintained, but the automated door will be out of use. Readers should expect some noise disturbance from the foyer during this time. [8.4.2026]

UPDATE: the scaffolding has been installed in the RAI Foyer, but the essential works have not yet been completed. The scaffolding remains in place, but access into the building is maintained, and the automated door can be used. We will continue to provide updates for when the scaffolding will be removed. [7.4.2026]

Essential works in the Rothermere American Institute (RAI) Foyer, will require the installation of scaffolding in the Foyer on the 2nd April, and removal of the scaffolding on the 7th April.

Entry into the RAI building and the Library will be maintained, but the automated door (on the far right as you approach the building entrance) will be unavailable. The revolving door and manual door on the far left will remain available. Signage will be provided outside for building users who are unable to access the building.

Access to the RAI basement level will be restricted.

The Library will remain open as per our currently advertised opening hours (9am-7pm). However, Readers should expect noise disruption whilst the scaffolding works are taking place. It is recommended that Readers sit on the western side of the Library (the side where the Group Study Rooms are located, closest to Rhodes House) and avoid the Mezzanine level. Readers may also request soft earbuds from the Library Enquiry Desk.

Please note that the library will also be closed, as previously advertised, on Friday 3rd April and Monday 6th April for the Easter Bank Holidays.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused during these works. If you have any questions about the works, or using the library during this time, please email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.