Two Subways, one train and some brisk walking brought us to the Oxford University Bodleian Library. As a reading teacher and future M.S.(actually I wish we pronounced it like they do-libreeery), I was in awe of the thought processes, planning and actual commitment to such a grand undertaking, as creating the very unique library. I had no idea about anything that was there...chained books, a conveyor belt to move them and a "No Loan" Policy. No ink pens, No Borios(I asked and they are Ball Point Pens), no fire for lanterns, no food of course, and no bags. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. Go straight to Jail, if you attempt to exempt yourself from these rules.
Cataloguing thousands of books every week seems impossible to me.
Kathy was so extremely nice to us and gracious in our travels all over the University and then to C.S. Lewis's home. In a country that deliberately preserves its past and culture, I found it strange that the home was sold, and then rented actually. The volunteers renovating it was almost like
Habitat for Humanity.
Everywhere there were beautiful gardens, book stores, the aura of academia, and hallowed halls of learning. The inscription donated in the Quadrangle has gold in the letters so as to show the value. The student's education and the University's devotion to manuscipt books and those printed since Guttenberg were definitely visible as very important to the mission of the University.
The board of numbers was used by Lewis to let the housekeepers know which room of the house he was in to serve afternoon tea. Although it is no longer operational, it is a decoration right over the door way. Along with the Argos Coal Burning, it is a kickback to a time gone by.
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