Bodleian Library

University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, a magnificent survivor from the Middle Ages.

The Bodleian Library, is among the most celebrated library in the world, not only for its incomparable collections of books and manuscripts, but also for its iconic buildings. It is housed in a remarkable group of buildings which forms the historic heart of the University, and visitors can explore the quadrangles of these magnificent structures.

The 27 Bodleian Libraries of the University of Oxford form the largest university library system in the UK, and includes the University’s principal and world famous Bodleian Library. Collectively, the Libraries are the most effective university library service possible, in response to the research and teaching needs of current and future users; and to maintain and develop access to Oxford’s collections as a national and international scholarly resource. The combined library collections number more than 12 million printed items, in addition to 30,000 e-journals and vast quantities of materials in other formats.

Guided tours

Visitors can enter the Bodleian Library’s central 17th-century quad to admire its ancient buildings for free. To enter the rest of the complex, a regular programme of guided tours of the magical reading rooms, including the Divinity School, medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library, and the impressive Radcliffe Camera.

All tours, including the two most popular daily options – the ‘mini-tour’ and the ‘standard tour’ start in the ornate medieval Divinity School, the university’s earliest teaching room, and in the Harry Potter films, it served as the Hogwarts hospital wing.

For full details of all tours and to purchase tickets, visit the Tour pages at Bodleian Library

What’s On at the Bodleian Libraries

A profusion of events, exhibitions, lectures and tours are organised and scheduled throughout the year giving visitors an opportunity to discover the distinguished collections, magnificent buildings and informative programmes.

For an up to date programme of events and exhibitions visit the Bodleian Library here.