Located in central Oxford, England, the Weston Library is part of the Bodleian Library, the main research library of the University of Oxford. The library reopened within the former New Bodleian Library on the corner of Broad Street and Parks Road.
The building was opened by King George VI. It was constructed of Bladon stone with Clipsham dressings. The Rockefeller Foundation donated 60% of the £1 million cost for the new building. Today, it includes administrative and reading rooms, and an 11-storey bookstack beneath the building. It is still possible to walk underground between the Radcliffe Camera and the new library building.
The library has been well-received, being described by The Independent newspaper as a “hey presto moment for the city“.
About the Weston Library
The building originally opened in 1940 as the New Bodleian Library, designed by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who is also known for designing the iconic red telephone box. The New Bodleian was built to accommodate the expanding collections of the Bodleian Libraries and to provide additional storage and study space. However, by the early 21st century, the building required significant refurbishment to meet modern standards for research, conservation, and public engagement.
After extensive renovations, the library was reopened in 2015 as the Weston Library, named in honor of the Garfield Weston Foundation, which contributed substantially to the refurbishment project. The transformation was led by WilkinsonEyre Architects and was designed to integrate modern amenities while preserving the historical integrity of the building.
One of the standout features of the Weston Library is the Blackwell Hall, an open public space that serves as the main entrance. Blackwell Hall hosts exhibitions, events, and lectures, making the library a cultural destination for both the academic community and the general public.
The Treasures Gallery is another highlight, showcasing rotating displays of some of the library’s most significant items, such as medieval manuscripts, ancient texts, and important historical documents.
Collections and Specializations
The Weston Library is renowned for housing the Bodleian’s special collections, which include rare books, manuscripts, archives, and other unique materials. Some of the most notable collections include:
Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts: The library holds an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, many of which are world-renowned for their historical and artistic significance.
Early Printed Books: The library is home to an impressive collection of incunabula (books printed before 1501), including the Gutenberg Bible.
Modern Manuscripts and Archives: The Weston Library also holds the papers of many prominent figures in literature, politics, and science, including the archives of J.R.R. Tolkien and T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia).
Maps and Ephemera: The library’s collection includes an extensive array of historical maps and other ephemera, offering valuable insights into various aspects of history and culture.
Accessibility
The Weston Library is open to both members of the University of Oxford and the general public. While access to the special collections is restricted to those with a specific research need, the exhibitions and public areas are freely accessible, making the Weston Library an important cultural and educational resource for visitors to Oxford.
Where is the New Library or Weston Library?
The Weston Library is not only a repository for special collections but also a dynamic space for research, exhibitions, and public engagement. The library features several reading rooms, where scholars can access the collections under highly controlled conditions.
