Oxford's seven millionth book moved

 The Bodleian Libraries’ Swindon Book Storage Facility has taken delivery of its seven millionth book  - just over a year after opening its doors.

Bodley’s Librarian Sarah Thomas said: "This has been an important year in the history of the Bodleian, and it has been an extraordinary success. We have tagged and moved all our books, relocated our staff, prepared the New Bodleian building for its redevelopment, opened new facilities for readers in the heart of Oxford and refreshed and developed our IT capabilities."

On 16 Sept 2010, the Bodleian Library has hosted the official launch of Oxford’s bid to become UNESCO World Book Capital in 2014. The bid was announced at a reception in the 400-year-old Convocation House of the Library, and was attended by local authors including Philip Pullman and Colin Dexter, heads of local government, publishers and book readers of all ages.

The bid is being co-ordinated by Oxford Inspires – the Cultural Development Agency for Oxfordshire – on behalf of a steering committee made up of the following partners: The Bodleian Libraries, The Story Museum, Oxfam, University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford University Press, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford Literary Festival and Blackwell’s. The year-long programme would run from April 2014 to April 2015 and would include the openings of new parts of the Bodleian Libraries and the completion of The Story Museum.


Sarah Thomas, Bodley’s Librarian, said: ‘The Bodleian Libraries and the University of Oxford are committed and eager to contribute to Oxford’s campaign to become UNESCO World Book Capital in 2014. The exciting transformation of the New Bodleian Library into the Weston Library will be one of the landmark events within its scope. Nevertheless, we represent just one facet of the sparkling jewel that is Oxford in the world of books and reading.’

Sarah Thomas was appointed Bodley’s Librarian in February 2007. She is the first woman and non-British citizen to hold the position in 400 years. From 1996-2007 she was Cornell’s University Librarian. Previously she has worked at the Library of Congress, the National Agricultural Library, the Research Libraries Group, and Harvard’s Widener Library.

http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_stories/2012/100104.html
http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/librarian/thomas