This year, our focus is shaped by the National Year of Reading campaign, which celebrates the transformative power of reading in all its forms. It reminds us that reading is not just an academic skill, but a lifelong habit that enriches our lives far beyond our university years.
Why Leisure Reading Matters
Reading for pleasure has proven benefits. It can:
- Reduce stress and support mental wellbeing
- Improve concentration and vocabulary
- Encourage empathy by exposing us to diverse voices and experiences
- Spark imagination and creativity
- Provide comfort, escapism, and inspiration
In a fast-paced digital world, choosing to sit down with a book can be a powerful act of self-care. Whether it’s fiction, memoir, poetry, graphic novels, or narrative non-fiction, leisure reading allows us to explore new worlds and perspectives at our own pace.
Year of Reading Display: 9th – 20th March
To celebrate the national campaign, the Library will be hosting a Year of Reading Display from 9th to 20th March.
The display will feature:
- Staff and student book recommendations
- Popular and well-loved titles from our leisure reading collection
- A range of genres and voices to inspire your next read
This is a wonderful opportunity to discover what others in our community are enjoying and to perhaps step outside your usual reading choices. We encourage everyone to visit the display in the Pilkington Library, browse the recommendations, and borrow something that sparks your interest.