The Bodleian Library is a working library which forms part of the University of Oxford. Part of the library doubles as Hogwarts library and dining room in the Harry Potter films, and special guided tours are provided for ages 11 and over. Tours for younger children are held during the school holidays. Make it part of a great day out in Oxford.
The library is housed in a remarkable group of buildings which form the historic heart of the University, and you can explore the quadrangles of these magnificent structures at no charge. Different ticket options allow you to visit the interior of some of the buildings, such as the University’s oldest teaching and examination room, The Divinity School (built 1427-88). Here you will discover more of the University’s fascinating history. Our guided tours go behind the scenes in the Library, including its oldest research library, The Bodleian, dating from 1602.
Access to the Old Bodleian Library: The Bodleian Library is situated in Oxford on Broad Street, OX1 3BG. There are six (6) entrances to the central complex, three (3) on Broad Street (facing North), two (2) on Catte Street (East) and one (1) from the Radcliffe Square (South) Please view the map.
Recommended entrance via Catte Street: The Great Gate is the main entrance which provides direct access to the Old Schools Quadrangle and the Old Bodleian Library. You can purchase tickets on the right hand side of the Gate, in the Wooden Lodge.
Old Schools Quadrangle. Admission to the Old Schools Quadrangle is free. Once you reach the Old Schools Quadrangle, the Old Bodleian Library entrance faces west. Through the glass doors behind the statue you enter the Proscholium. From the Proscholium you can access the Divinity School where all tours start. There is a ramp for wheelchair access.
Exhibition Room. Admission to the Exhibition Room is free. The entrance to the room is via the Old Schools Quadrangle. There is a ramp for wheelchair access. For a full list of our current and forthcoming exhibitions please visit the Exhibitions and Events website.
Bodleian Shop. The entrance to the Shop is via the Old Schools Quadrangle. There is a ramp for wheelchair access
Parking. There are limited parking spaces available on Broad Street and Parks Road. If you wish to drive, you will find park and ride by far the best way to get into Oxford. Please visit the Park & Ride website for more information:
Toilets. We regret that we have no toilet facilities on site for visitors. Currently the closest public toilets are located outside Covered Market, in Market Street (ca. 300m away).
Concessions. We regret that currently no concessions are available in the Bodleian Library.
Opening times
We are open Monday – Sunday all year round, except at Christmas, New Year and Easter, when we close on certain days. Please check our opening dates at these times.
Our opening hours are:
Monday – Friday 9.00 – 17.00
Saturday 9.00 – 16.30
Sunday 11.00-17.00
For admission to the Divinity School no charge is made for members of the University (students and staff); alumni; Bodleian Library card holders; and Friends of the Bodleian. Up to four guests of the above will be admitted free.
EASTER 2011: We will be open as usual on Good Friday, 22 April 2011; Saturday, 23 April 2011; and Easter Monday 25 April 2011. Please note we will be closed on Easter Sunday, 24 April 2011.
THE ROYAL WEDDING 29 APRIL 2011. We will be open as normal on Friday 29 April 2011
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