Oxford Central Library

I returned again today to pick up the audio book version of Ramit Sethi’s «I Will Teach You to Be Rich». Sure, the title is gimicky, but the guy has some really good points. Regardless, I reserved the copy online several days ago and received an e-​mail this morning about the reservation being ready. So, after trekking into town, I found myself standing in front of the reservation pick-​up area scanning for the book. It was easy to find as there weren’t too many books on reserve and I had to take it to the information desk to check out. Audio books cost £1.50 to borrow for three weeks and the reservation cost £0.95. Not bad, considering the audio book is going for £13.72 on Amazon. I also ended up grabbing five other books to tide me over for the rest of the month. I’m really falling in love with the Oxford Central Library.

Oxford is so full of Librarys that it must be a severe fire hazard! Most are University based though whereas this is for the general public. They have a good range of books especially fiction, and also have a good music library. The registration system is very quick and easy, you can even take out books on your first visit without waiting for your card to arrive. Useful even for students if you find that your book is reference only in the Bod.

The Oxford Central Library is the best library in the area.
It is situated next to the main entrance to the Westgate shopping centre, and the entrance looks very grand! You have to walk up some stairs to get to the library, although there is a lift if you cant manage the stairs.
They are fairly well stocked, and have a range of titles across all subject areas. It is probably worth checking the online library catalogue at
before you visit if you are after a particular book, as like most libraries the most popular books always seem to be out on loan!
It is possible to reserve books or have them ordered in if they are not available.
There are quite a few computers for the general public to use in the library, and a couple which are only used to look up books in the catalogue. They also have a paper version of the classification system if you find that easier to use!
The DVD and music collection seems very lareg and is alwways worth a browse!

this is a great library a bit outdated well actually it looks the same as it did in my youth .
you have access to a wide range of books, computers with internet access which is well worth the visit if you dont have access at home.
you have the books but alot more is on offer if you take a look around, fax facilities and photocopying are available, and obvoiusly reference materials and audio and video if you wanna look at some history but this is all what you would find in a main central citys library so if your near by take a look at this amazing library that you will love and has lots to offer!

This was my childhood haunt and now I am back 20 years later and it’s almost exactly the same (the children’s library has shrunk though, surely? or am I just taller?).
Friendly and efficient reception staff got me registered and carded in a flash and off I was browsing the shelves. Fiction is good, and the music library rivals the Westminster Music Library (the UK gold standard I think) but not a massive number of non-​fiction books in each category. Still, if you’re after a specialist subject you’ll probably be going to a specialist library, won’t you?

A good, well stocked central library. Has a reference section with many current UK and International newspapers and journals, all up to date. Has a number of drop-​in 15minute computers as well as about 8, 1 hour internet access computers that you have to sit and wait for until someone finishes. If your in Oxford and need internet access its worth popping in. The usual array of books, photocopying, fax, audio/​video and reference materials that youd expect from main city library.