Overview

The Weston Library is a modern purpose built library building with step free access. It is part of the famous Bodleian Libraries and houses its special collections. However, this is a review of their Tutankhamun: Excavating the Archive exhibition which is on until 5 February 2023.

Transport & Parking

Oxford Railway Station is a 10-15 minute walk away. There are local buses that stop a short distance from the library.

Access

There is a short flight of steps with hand rail and a ramp at the front of the building and automatic double doors at the entrance. Inside there is a large open plan foyer. At one side there is a self service cafe with free standing tables and chairs. There is some additional seating and tables outside with views over to the Sheldonian Theatre which is where I sat and ate lunch. On the opposite side is an information desk. There is one lower desk with leaflets on and a higher desk which is staffed. There are some exhibition cabinets at one side. There is also some bench seating around by the walls. The exhibition was in the Treasury. There was automatic doors. The lighting is low and there is a notice to take care. The exhibition room was medium sized laid out with glass cabinets. There was no seating in the room. I asked the member of staff if they had any stool seating and they didn't. I would have appreciated it they had some seating. The exhibition was utterly fascinating, and on 4 November 2022 it will be 100 years since the tomb was discovered. There was a selection of documents, drawings, maps and photos. I very much enjoyed the exhibition.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet close to the cafe. It was spacious and clean and shares space with baby changing facilities. There were plenty of grab rails. The emergency cord reach to the floor but was in between a rubbish bin and a sanitary waste disposal bin so the space was not clear or easy to reach it. There was also another bin by the pull down baby changing mat and a caution wet floor sign, all of which made the room cluttered and would make navigating the space in a wheelchair a little tricky with all the obstacles that would need to be moved.

Staff

I had minimal contact with the staff. I spoke to the room steward in the exhibition and the waiter in the cafe and when I asked they arranged quickly for someone to take my tray to the table outside. The staff were very nice, friendly and helpful.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

No one except me was wearing a mask, so with covid rates at the time 1 in 17, I did not feel covid safe. The exhibition was amazing and although located in one room it was filled with ephemera. It was also free to visit. I would highly recommend a visit. I also enjoyed my lunch and sitting outside admiring the view. The venue is very accessible and staff are very helpful. I highly recommend a visit.

Photos