With its gorgeous stone buildings and luscious green quads and parks, Oxford draws in both tourists seeking a holiday and students seeking a stellar education. And what’s one thing both the tourists and students have in common? A love for the coolest libraries in Oxford!
There are plenty of amazing things to do in Oxford, but the libraries should definitely be on your list! But which ones to see? Here are four libraries in Oxford that you won’t want to miss!
Four of the Coolest Libraries in Oxford
1. Radcliffe Camera
It’s not difficult to see why the Radcliffe Camera has earned the title of the “heart of Oxford.”
With its domed shape towering into the skyline, this is easily the most recognizable and iconic building in the city. It features in every Oxford tourist’s and student’s Instagram. It features in far too many movies set in Oxford (and set in other places but filmed in Oxford). And you will rarely see it during the day without crowds hobbling across the cobblestone streets of the square!
But while the outside is stunning and often-photographed, the inside is equally beautiful but more rarely seen by the public. With exquisite stonework, large windows, and rows upon rows of bookshelves, it is hard to improve upon this library.
The Rad Cam dates back to 1737-1749 when it was built with a bequeath from Dr. John Radcliffe—a famous English physician and a former student at University College, Oxford. Inside the Rad Cam, you can find his statue high on the wall and a plaque engraved with his name. Although this was originally a standalone library with its own collection, it has since been incorporated into the Bodleian Libraries and is used as a reading room today.
Address: Radcliffe Square, Oxford OX1 3BG
2. The Taylorian
The Taylorian (more formally called the Taylor Institution Library) is Oxford’s center for studying Modern European languages and literature. It was established in 1845 with an endowment from the estate of architect Sir Robert Taylor.
If you love libraries with wood paneling, solid wood tables, walls filled with shelves and books, and an atmosphere of elegance, the Taylorian is a treat. It can get chilly in the winter even with the radiators on, but this library’s interior is worth being a little cold while you study!
The Taylorian stands conveniently adjacent to the Ashmolean Museum, another must-see (and free!) place to visit while in Oxford. So at the very least you should take the time to admire this library’s exterior on your way to explore the collections next door.
Address: St Giles Street, Oxford OX1 3NA
3. Duke Humfrey’s Library
Duke Humfrey’s Library is the oldest Bodleian reading room and contains maps, music and arts, theology, and Western manuscripts. It sits attached to the Old Schools Quadrangle and is on the second floor of the library.
This was my favorite library during my time at Oxford, as it is beautiful and old but still comfortable. The paintings adorning the ceiling are particularly gorgeous and gloriously depict the arms of the university!
Duke Humfrey’s is named after literature aficionado Humphrey of Lancaster (the 1st Duke of Gloucester and younger son of Henry IV). As early as we can track, it was built between 1450-80 to house his collection of manuscripts. So if you are in Oxford to experience the city as a longstanding center of Western learning, this library should certainly be on your list of places to visit.
But if you are also interested in Oxford as the place where many movies and TV shows have been filmed, you may want to visit this library because it features as Hogwarts’ library in the Harry Potter movies. It is a popular tourist attraction and you can frequently find hushed groups huddled in the hall with a guide.
Address: Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG
4. Divinity School
Although not technically a library, the Divinity School is directly below Duke Humfrey’s Library and adjoins the Bodleian Library complex. It is simply stunning.
This medieval building was built between 1427-1483 and was used for lectures, oral exams, and theology discussions. And the vaulted ceiling and tall windows may look familiar since this building, like Duke Humfrey’s, was used in filming Harry Potter (it is the Hogwarts Infirmary).
Take some time to admire the 455 ceiling bosses designed by William Orchard in the 1480s, and then make sure to look at the intriguing artifacts placed throughout the room.
Although the Divinity School does not contain books, its role in the university and importance to the libraries makes it worthy of a visit on any Oxford library tour. Its history and beauty will amaze and astound you!
Address: Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG
Visiting Information
Because all of the libraries above are working libraries for Oxford students, professors, and visiting researchers, you will need to book a tour or make arrangements with a specific library to see inside. You can check out the libraries’ individual pages or the more general tour information from the Bodleian to see times and prices.
Alternatively, you can look into applying for a reader card if you have a specific reason you need to access library materials.
Stepping into Oxford feels like stepping back in time to the medieval days of this city’s origins, but stepping inside the beautiful libraries magnifies this feeling. You start to feel even closer to the great minds who have studied and worked here across the ages—including literary greats from John Donne, to Dorothy L. Sayers, to T.S. Eliot, to C.S. Lewis! (Check out these books you should read before visiting Oxford!)
If you love literature and learning, consider adding these libraries to your itinerary on your next trip to Oxford!
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