27 Sep 07

Books in the Bodleian Library. Credit: Rob Judges

The Bodleian Library has today received the go-ahead for a major new development which will guarantee the world-class status of Oxford’s libraries into the 21st century. The Strategic Development Control Committee for Oxford City Council has approved the application to build a book depository at Osney Mead. The depository will provide improved conditions that will preserve the Bodleian’s collections for many years to come.

The depository will have space for eight million books, enough for 20 years of projected growth. Designed to fit in with the local environment and to blend in with the Oxford skyline, the depository has won the support of English Heritage and the Environment Agency. The building will be safeguarded against flooding and is designed to improve flood defences locally. Work on the building will start imminently and is expected to be finished in 2009.

Founded in 1602, the Bodleian Library is home to millions of volumes and a large number of manuscripts and rare printed books including King Alfred’s translation of Pastoral Care by Gregory the Great, the oldest book written in the English language; as well as a Gutenberg bible and ancient manuscripts dating to the first century AD. It is the largest university library in Britain and the second largest library in the UK.

Dr Sarah Thomas, Bodley’s Librarian, said: ‘We are very pleased and excited by the opportunity this gives us. We shall be able to house all our collections in a secure modern building. We can now also redevelop the New Bodleian into a major research centre for scholars, which at the same time provides the people of Oxford and visitors with inspiring new ways of appreciating and benefiting from this treasure house we have in the heart of the city. We are confident that when the depository is completed it will be recognised as a positive contribution to the city and to Osney Mead.’