Archive · 17 Jun 2025
British Library Reinstates Oscar Wilde's Reader Pass After 130 Years
Imagine a famous writer named Oscar Wilde who loved to read books.
Over 100 years ago, he was found guilty of a crime and sent to jail.
Because of this, a big library called the British Museum Reading Room took away his library card, so he couldn't read there anymore.
Now, the British Library, which is like a big library, is giving his library card back!
They will give it to his grandson in 2025.
This is a way of saying sorry for how Wilde was treated and showing that they remember his love of reading.
The British Library will reinstate Oscar Wilde's reader pass, 130 years after it was revoked.
The pass was canceled in 1895 following Wilde's conviction for 'gross indecency'.
The cancellation happened shortly after his sentencing to two years in prison.
Wilde's grandson, Merlin Holland, will receive the reinstated pass at a 2025 event.
Wilde had first obtained his reader pass in 1879.
- Who
- Oscar Wilde, his grandson Merlin Holland, and the British Library.
- What
- The British Library is reinstating Oscar Wilde’s reader pass.
- When
- The pass will be presented in October 2025.
- Where
- The British Library.
- Why
- As a gesture of forgiveness and recognition of Wilde's literary legacy.
Historical Context
Contemporary View
Social Attitudes Towards Homosexuality
Historical Context
Historical social norms led to the persecution of individuals based on morality.
Contemporary View
Modern society has evolved to understand and accept diverse sexual orientations.
- Reader Pass Revocation Date
- June 15, 1895
- Reason for Revocation
- Conviction of 'gross indecency'
- Wilde's Original Pass Year
- 1879
- Pass Reinstatement Date
- October 2025
- Wilde's Sentence
- Two years imprisonment with hard labor
- Recipient
- Merlin Holland, Wilde's grandson