GBP5m donation will open the Bodleian Library's collections

"The largest single cash donation ever made to a university library in the UK has been given to the Bodleian Library, University of Oxford. Julian Blackwell has donated GBP5m towards the redevelopment of the New Bodleian Library in Oxford City centre. The renovation will transform the housing of the Bodleian's priceless collections and will open up its treasures to the public. The 10,000 square feet main hall of the redeveloped New Bodleian Library will be named Blackwell Hall in honour of Julian Blackwell. The donation launches the fundraising campaign for the redevelopment of the New Bodleian Library building into a major research centre, and a significant new cultural centre, where scholars, citizens of Oxford, and visitors to the city can view some of the University's greatest treasures, and gain insights into the research activities of the University"