aspiration.: The Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is actually for The University of Oxford students/staff, but thankfully our director got us a free library card and we can visit whenever we wish. People refer to it as 'The Bod.' You can not check out any books, it is mainly used for references, but they have over 10 million items that we can use. It is the 2nd largest library in the UK, right after the British Library. New members have to say an oath in order to have access to the library and in their native tongue. A long time ago it was only said in Latin. This is the oath we had to say today:

I hereby undertake not to remove from the Library, nor to mark, deface, or injure in any way, any volume, document or other object belonging to it or in its custody; not to bring into the Library, or kindle therein, any fire or flame, and not to smoke in the Library; and I promise to obey all rules of the Library.

When the library was first opened it was unheated because fire was so dangerous, but now they have heating. It isn't like your Kansas heating unit though, it is still a bit chilly. It wasn't until 1600 when Thomas Bodley came through and helped redevelop the library. There is a statue of him in the Divinity Square. The first 2 Harry Potter films were filmed there. The Divinity School was where they filmed the Hogwarts hospital and Hogwarts library.

I unfortunately did not get my card today so I couldn't get into the library. I'll receive mine over the weekend and then I'll take pictures inside for everyone. I'm sure this is where most of my months will be spent. Here are some pictures from the outside though :)

Also, check out my facebook page for more pictures.