Oxford Westgate Library Explained

Oxford Westgate Library is the main public library in the city of Oxford, England.

The library opened in its current location in 1973 as Oxford Central Library above shops in Westgate, Oxford.^[1] Over 500,000 items are available for loan.^[2] The library is run by Oxfordshire County Council.

Due to the redevelopment of the Westgate Centre, the library closed to the public on February 27, 2016. During the Westgate redevelopment it temporarily relocated to a smaller location in the neighbouring Oxford Castle complex.^[3]

The library reopened at the Westgate on December 18, 2017 as Oxfordshire County Library,^[4] before changing to the current name of Oxford Westgate Library on October 30, 2023 to mark the 50th birthday of the library opening.

The Oxfordshire Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) opened on the second floor of the library in 2021.

Notes and References

1. Michael Dewe, Planning public library buildings: concepts and issues for the librarian. Ashgate Publishing, 2006, page 126. .
2. http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wps/portal/publicsite/councilservices?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=http://apps.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wps/wcm/connect/occ/Internet/Council+Services/Leisure+and+culture/Libraries/Your+local+library/LC+-+L+-+YLL+-+Oxford+Central Oxford Central Library
3. Web site: Temporary new home for Oxford Central Library. Oxfordshire County Council.
4. Web site: PICTURES: Oxford Central library 'fit for 21st century' reopens after multi-million pound refurb | Oxford Mail . Oxfordtimes.co.uk . 2020-04-11.