Bodleian Library Oath

While researching at the Bodleian Library yesterday, I had to swear to a librarian the following statement:

I hereby undertake not to remove from the Library, nor to mark, deface, or injure in any way, any volume, document or other object belonging to it or in its custody; not to bring into the Library, or kindle therein, any fire or flame, and not to smoke in the Library; and I promise to obey all rules of the Library.

Every person who wishes to do research at the Bodleian must say this statement.

Interestingly, I noticed that in the gift shop you can purchase tote bags, mugs, towels, and other items with this statement on it to take home as a souvenir.

Oxford!

I'm at Oxford for two days. I arrived in London two days ago before taking the train this morning to Oxford. I plan on doing some research at the Bodleian Library and the Angus Library at Regent's Park tomorrow.

Oxford is an amazing city. After visiting the Oxford University Press bookstore and Blackwell's, I ate one of the best meals of my life: a three-course lunch that concluded with Banoffee pie. I was tempted to eat at the Eagle and Child, but it was too busy. I think that Pierre Victoire was the right choice.