Bodleian Libraries Oxford, England

Some of the most famous libraries in Oxford are the Bodleian Libraries. Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed of the inside and although I did see Duke Humfrey's library, I can't show you a picture of it.

The Duke Humphrey's Library is on the third floor of this building below. The Latin inscription says: "QUOD FELICITER VORTAT ACADEMICI OXONIENSIS BIBLIOTHECAM HANC VOBIS REIPUBLICAEQUE LITERATORUM T(HOMAS). B(ODLEY). P(OSUIT).", which translates to: "Academicians of Oxford, Thomas Bodley has built this library for you and for the Republic of the Learned. May the gift turn out well." During the tour we were told that the library is on the third floor to keep it from floods, etc. Thomas Bodley also instructed that there be no open flame in the library (makes sense) so in the days before electricity, all reading had to be done during the daylight hours!

The Radcliffe Camera below includes a reading room and currently holds history materials for students and faculty.

Divinity School where students defended their learning by verbal exams

Door in Divinity School

Convocation House where students were told the rules of the library among other things.

Above door in Convocation House

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For Harry Potter Fans

J.K. Rowling is from Edinburgh and wrote some of her books while at The Elephant House which is a cute little cafe that has a view of the castle from the back room. It is believed that Rowling got the inspiration for Tom Riddle's name from the nearby cemetery, Greyfriar's Kirkyard, where there is a grave for Thomas Riddell.

Other Library Signage in Oxford

Unfortunately, the public library I came across in Oxford was closed for remodeling when I was there. Old Public Library Building - "Studies serve for delight, for ornament and for abilities" Old Library in Christ Church College

Carnegie in Dunfermine, Scotland

Andrew Carnegie funded many of America's library buildings, but also funded the first Carnegie Library in his hometown of Dunfermline, Scotland. As you can see, the library uses Dewey.

Libraries Are My Passion

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