Europe is home to some of the most ancient and magnificent libraries in the world, where millions of books and manuscripts are preserved and studied. Two of these libraries stand out for their age, size, and significance: the Bodleian Library in Oxford, UK, and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris, France. These libraries hold over 13 million books each, and they are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are also repositories of the cultural and intellectual heritage of their respective countries, and they offer invaluable resources for researchers, scholars, and bibliophiles. But what are the stories behind these libraries, and how can one access their treasures?
The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford, and the oldest library in the UK. It was founded in 1602 by Sir Thomas Bodley, who was a diplomat and scholar. He donated his own collection of books and manuscripts to the university, and also obtained the right of legal deposit, which meant that the library was entitled to receive a copy of every book published in the country. The library has grown over the centuries, and now holds over 13 million printed items, as well as many rare and valuable manuscripts, maps, prints, and drawings. The library is also famous for its historic buildings, such as the Duke Humfrey’s Library, the Schools Quadrangle, the Clarendon Building, and the Radcliffe Camera. The library is open to students and scholars of the university, as well as to visitors who can apply for a reader’s card or join a guided tour. The library is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a symbol of the academic excellence and cultural heritage of Oxford .
The Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BNF) is not only the national library of France, but also the oldest library in Europe. Founded in 1368 by King Charles V, the library has amassed over 13 million books and documents, covering every field of knowledge and every aspect of French culture. The library is also home to some of the most precious and rare manuscripts in the world, such as the Gutenberg Bible, the Book of Hours of Jeanne d’Evreux, and the Codex Borbonicus.
But accessing this treasure trove of information is not easy. The library has some bizarre and strict membership rules that make it hard for the general public to enter. For instance, you need to be over 18 years old, have a valid ID, and pay a fee of 15 euros for a day pass or 50 euros for a year pass. You also need to justify your research project and prove that you need to consult the library’s collections. And you can’t just browse the shelves and pick up any book you want. You need to order the books online or through a catalog, and wait for them to be delivered to your reading room. You can only order up to 10 books per day, and you can’t take them out of the library.
The library also has some quirky and outdated regulations that reflect its long and rich history. For example, you can’t wear hats, coats, or bags inside the library, and you have to leave them in a locker. You can’t use pens, only pencils, and you can’t take photos of the books. You can’t eat or drink anything, not even water, and you can’t use your phone or laptop unless you have a special authorization. You also have to respect the silence and the decorum of the library, and avoid any disturbance or damage to the books.
Despite these challenges, the library attracts thousands of researchers, scholars, and bibliophiles every year, who are eager to explore its vast and diverse collections. The library also offers guided tours, exhibitions, and cultural events to the public, as well as online access to some of its digital resources. The library is a living monument to the history and heritage of France, and a testament to the power and beauty of books .
These two libraries are examples of how books can transcend time and space, and how they can inspire and enlighten generations of readers. They are also reminders of the importance of preserving and sharing the knowledge and culture that books contain. They are Europe’s oldest libraries with 13 million books in UK and France, and they are worth visiting and exploring.
