What's On? | Visit: About the Bodleian Library
One of the great libraries of the world, the Bodleian is a working library which forms part of the University of Oxford. First opened to scholars in 1602, it incorporates an earlier library erected by the University in the fifteenth century to house books donated by Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester. As the largest university library in the UK, and one of five legal deposit libraries, the Library holds millions of printed items as well as manuscripts.
In its reading rooms, generations of famous scholars have studied through the ages, among them five kings, 40 Nobel Prize winners, 26 prime ministers and writers including Oscar Wilde, CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien.
The Library is located in a remarkable group of buildings which forms the historic heart of the University, and you can explore the quadrangles of these magnificent structures free of charge. Our tours explore our beautiful and historic interiors, which have intricate painted and carved ceilings."
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