Exploring Oxford’s Literary Legacy

Our library ladies took 15 lucky students to Oxford for a visit with the Bodleian Libraries education team.

In the university's printing room, they learnt about how books had been printed for five centuries, handled printing materials, and experienced the craft and labour involved in creating a printed book. After selecting and arranging letters for print, students were able to use the University's historic letterpress printing equipment to make a keepsake to print and take home.

They then toured the Weston Library, home to the Bodleian's special collections, where they learned about unique items in their catalogue, the incredible conservation work they carry out, and they even made a quick stop onto the roof terrace!

Following their wonderful experience in the Weston Library, the group then visited Blackwell's bookshop; a tremendous bookshop founded in the 1800s where J. R. R. Tolkein sold his first poem. Students had a great time searching the extensive shelves. From manga to Jane Auten, each student found a keepsake they will treasure.

Student Quote - "The Oxford trip was fun and educational. We went to the print room, library, and bookshop in Oxford. It was fantastic and we got to learn some history of Oxford. It was an amazing trip and people should get the chance to go on it. 5 stars."