Famous Library FOUNDERS
Word Meanings & Techniques
Themes & Purpose
Modern Connections
Advanced Connections/Historical Impact
100

Who is Thomas Bodley?

He demanded that the Oxford University library be restored after seeing it in poor condition.

100

What does “promote” mean?

To further or encourage the progress or existence of learning.

100

What is the central theme of “Bodley’s Quest”?

Thomas Bodley wanted to rebuild the library so students could have a place to study and learn for years to come

100

Which modern situation is MOST like Thomas Bodley’s challenge?

A hospital naming a new wing after someone who donated money.

100

Who is Thomas Bodley?

This individual not only restored the Oxford University library but also established a system that ensured copies of every book published in the United Kingdom would be added to the library, creating a resource that has influenced scholars for centuries.

200

What shows that the library aided students?

The sentence says students and faculty could borrow books from the library

200

What is alliteration?

The repetition of the “p” sound in “power and prestige” is an example of this poetic technique.

200

What is the quest referred to in the title “Bodley’s Quest”?

Bodley’s quest is to raise funds for the Oxford library.

200

Which headline would be MOST relevant to “The Amazing Story of England’s First Libraries!”?

“British Author Publishes Book and Sends a Copy to Oxford University.”

200

 What is appealing to someone’s vanity or prestige?

By persuading wealthy donors to contribute to the library, Bodley used this strategy, appealing to their pride and desire for lasting recognition.

300

Who is Duke Humphrey?

He gave so many books that Oxford had to build a new library in 1444.

300

Which word has a similar meaning to “benefactor”?

Donor

300

Which theme often found in myths and fables is shown in “Bodley’s Quest”?

Bodley convinces donors by appealing to their pride and vanity

300

What detail shows Duke Humphrey’s impact on the library?

He had a reading room named for him after donating books to Oxford University.

300

What is the system of cataloging and restricted lending (or the Bodleian Library system)?

This was one of Bodley’s innovations that allowed the library to grow and maintain an organized collection, giving students and scholars access while preserving books for centuries.

400

Which question BEST guides research about Bodley, Cobham, and Duke Humphrey’s contributions to society?

Why did they believe giving students access to so many books was important?

400

Why does the author use the word “terrible” to describe the library?

: To emphasize the poor condition the library was in when Thomas Bodley saw it.

400

What is the author’s main purpose for writing “Bodley’s Quest”?

To entertain readers with a story about a man’s dedication to rebuilding a library.

400

What modern practice connects to Bodley’s contribution?

The Bodleian Library still receives a copy of every book published in the United Kingdom.

400

What is his lasting impact on education and scholarship worldwide?

By creating a lasting repository for books and knowledge, Bodley influenced not only Oxford but also future libraries worldwide, demonstrating this long-term effect of his contributions.

500

Who is Thomas Bodley?

In addition to restoring the library, this founder ensured it would remain relevant for future generations by establishing rules for borrowing, cataloging, and accepting all new published works in England.

500

What is rhetoric?

This word, often associated with persuasion and influence, describes how Bodley convinced wealthy donors to contribute to the library by appealing to their desire for recognition.

500

What is the importance of collaboration and foresight?

A central message of Bodley’s story is that preserving knowledge requires foresight, planning, and motivating others to contribute—showing that lasting change often depends on more than one person’s effort.

500

What is establishing a scholarship, digital archive, or foundation with lasting public access?

A modern example of Bodley’s challenge would involve creating a system that provides ongoing access to resources or information while honoring the contributions of donors or founders.

500

What is the challenge of rebuilding and sustaining the Bodleian Library?

This challenge faced by Bodley involved convincing donors, managing the library’s collection, and establishing rules for access—requiring strategic thinking, persuasion, and vision to create a library still in use today.