By Josephine Krupa
Libraries are an essential part of Oxford, and there are too many to count. So my friends and I have decided to go on Library Days, exploring and studying in libraries all around the town. Here are the seventeen libraries we have been to, their vibe, advantages, and inconveniences. Regardless of the review, they are all worth exploring at least once!
Duke Humphrey
Hidden in the Bodleian Library, Duke Humphrey is undoubtedly the most beautiful library at Oxford, my personal favourite. This is one of those places that give you the “I can’t believe I’m at Oxford!” feeling of awe and gratitude. Entirely made of dark wood, with hundreds of hand-painted seals of Oxford on its ceiling, ancient books, tall balconies, and a significant amount of natural light, with some nice views on the corners, Duke Humphrey will always make you gaze in wonder when you enter it for the first time. One inconvenience is that due to its grandeur and age, students cannot bring backpacks but only what they can hold in their hands. In my opinion, a small price to pay to experience this incredible place.
Radcliffe Camera
Hallmark. Definitely up there on the rankings. Intricate engravings on the walls and stunning light-blue ceiling, wooden tables and bookshelves, lots of natural light (in the upstairs area). Best atmosphere in the evenings, when there are less people. Only inconvenience is that we sometimes find ourselves gazing at the grand space instead of working :)
The Old Bodleian
The outside is more impressive than the inside, which is much more modern than Rad Cam and Duke Humphrey. But it has lots of seating, natural light, great views, wooden desks and small old traditional library details (like busts and paintings), good place to work in.
The Taylorian
More of a typical library vibe, with little natural light in some spaces, except for the gorgeous fancy room and the secret and equally impressive Voltaire Room, which remind you of the old Oxford library vibe.
Weston Library
Traditional, older library vibe. Hosts many old books. Beautiful wooden structure and carvings, some natural light. Has an exhibition space which hosts a huge variety of year round exhibitions for both students and public.
All Souls Library
In beauty, it ranks just after Duke Humphrey. Tall ceilings, lots of natural light, rows of books that remind you of the library in Beauty & The Beast, decorated with impressive sculptures. However, it is smaller, has very limited space, and its opening hours are shorter. It is also less accessible, as you need special permission to be able to study there (I happened to stumble in there by chance).
Oxford Union Library
Another very beautiful library following the old, traditional Oxford-ian library architecture. Smaller than most libraries, but lots of natural light, comfortable seats, with cushioned seats along the windows for reading!
Art, Archeology, Ancient World Library
The lack of natural light scared me, but you can find some on the corners. There are no views, but the books are fascinating and it’s still a nice wooden Oxford library.
Philosophy & Theology Library
A lot of natural light, light wood, perfect balance between modern and traditional.
Nizami Ganjavi Library
This is where you will find books written in Arabic and everything that is Middle Eastern. Lovely library (I particularly love that one skylight), a bit of a lack of natural light otherwise, but it is a nice mix between modern and traditional, and the books are so beautiful.
Music Library
Lovely and quaint. Very small, but with lovely views of Christ Church, and being surrounded with tall books of music sheets is a wonderful feeling.
Law Library & English Library
Favorites among students, the Law & English Library, which are in the same building on St Cross Road, have it all : guaranteed space, an incredible amount of natural light pouring from the glass ceilings, some wooden structure, and peaceful wide views of the street on the corners. The Law Library is open until 10pm, which is rare among libraries in Oxford, so enjoy it!
Leopold Muller (Jewish&Hebrew Studies) Library
Small and quaint, not a lot of natural light, but a calming light blue theme, very quiet, perfect for productive work.
Vere Harmsworth Library at the American Institute
The American Library! Lots of natural light, big glass windows, nice individual workspaces. Modern vibe.
Japanese Library
Natural light, Japanese books and arts on display, the desks are lined up along the windows, with the books at the center of the room. It is a bit far from the Oxford Centre, but its unique structure and peaceful atmosphere is worth the trip.
Social Sciences Library
Very modern, white and purple themed. Some natural light in certain corners, with nice views of the garden. Great place to study on rainy days.