You are now standing in front of the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest and most renowned libraries in the world. With its rich history, impressive architecture, and vast collection of books, it is a treasure trove of knowledge and a symbol of academic excellence. Founded by Sir Thomas Bodley in the early seventeenth century, the library was an ambitious project to revive the older Oxford University Library. Today, it houses over thirteen million printed items, making it the second-largest library in the UK. It would take even a very avid reader more than six-hundred lifetimes to get through all the books in the Bodleian at the rate of one book per day. What makes it truly unique is its status as a 'legal deposit library' - a title allowing it to claim a copy of every book published in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This law, has enabled the Bodleian to amass an incredible collection. The library's architecture is a marvel in itself and the divinity school which is right ahead of you has an incredibly beautiful fan vaulted ceiling. The Radcliffe camera which we previously visited is another stunning piece of architecture associated with this library. Inside, the library holds numerous treasures. Among its prized possessions are copies of the Magna Carta, Shakespeare's First Folio, and the Gutenberg Bible, one of the first books printed using movable type in the Western world. It also has some strange books like one made of actual cheese slices! The Bodleian Library isn't just a haven for scholars and book lovers; it has also captured the imagination of filmmakers. Its historic and atmospheric settings have been featured in numerous films and TV series. It's famously known for its appearances in the Harry Potter series, 'The Golden Compass', 'A Discovery of Witches', and 'His Dark Materials', One of the more unusual aspects of the Bodleian is its strict rules, which, for centuries, did not allow borrowing of books. Even kings and queens were not exempt from this rule. It's said that King Charles the first was denied permission to borrow a book during his stay in Oxford. Even today you must solemnly swear an oath that you will not steal, mark, set fire to or in anyway impact any of the books in the library when you enter!