Early Children's Book Collection

The Early Children's Book Collection is a reference collection of approximately 1700 items housed at Harcourt Hill Library.

Content and background

The Early Children's Book Collection (ECBC) is a small collection that has emerged since the amalgamation of Oxford Brookes University with Westminster College in 2000. Although the ECBC holds examples from Westminster College Library, the majority of the collection stems largely from Bletchely Park College. Bletchley Park College was opened in Buckinghamshire as a teacher training college in 1948 before moving to Oxfordshire and becoming the Lady Spencer Churchill College in 1966, and latterly merging with Oxford Polytechnic in 1976. The Vice-Principal and Librarian at Bletchley Park, Miss Josephine Hodgson, developed the school library and built an enviable collection of children's literature, examples of which are now held in this Early Children's Book Collection.

Search

You can search the contents of the collection using the search box below, which links through to the Library Catalogue.

Access

The Early Children's Book Collection is housed at Harcourt Hill Library, and can be used for reference purposes only. No prior appointment is required to use the collection, but we ask all users to complete a brief Registration Form (available in Word format). This form is also available from the Harcourt Hill Library Enquiry Desk.

At the time of application:

Oxford Brookes University staff and students are asked to show their staff/student card and complete Part A only of the form.

Other users and visitors are also welcome to consult the Early Children's Book Collection , but we ask you to bring with you proof of identity and address such as a drivers license or utility bill, and complete Part B only.

Applicants must agree to abide by the Library's regulations and specific regulations relating to the use of Special Collections at Oxford Brookes University Library.

Photocopying

Photocopy cards are available to buy on campus. With consideration for conservation of these items, please ask a member of staff to photocopy anything you require subject to copyright restrictions.