Within our library collection, we have a varied selection of 'reading for pleasure' books including fiction, sport biographies and books to support wellbeing. These are available for all students and staff to borrow. Why not check Heritage Online to see if we have any of your favourites in our catalogue?
If you don't have a library account, just come to the desk between 9am and 5pm weekdays with your staff ID and we can set one up for you.
The National Literacy Trust (2006) define reading for pleasure as; "Reading we do of our own free will, anticipating the satisfaction we will get from the act of reading."
Clark, C. & Rumbold, K. (2006). Reading for pleasure: A research overview. National Literacy Trust.
Image CC0 PD, from Piaxbay
Reading is the foundation of all studies and the bedrock of communication and critical thinking skills. Those who develop the habit of reading have a greater likelihood of success in their immediate and long-term future. College-aged students are also at the point in their lives when reading can open up worlds – can indeed motivate and inspire them for the future.
Dewan, P. (2013). Reading Matters in the Academic Library: Taking the lead from public libraries. Reference & User Services Quarterly,52(4).309-319. https://scholars.wlu.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1025&context=lib_pub
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Seuss. (1978). I can read with my eyes shut! Random House Children’s Books.
In Cairo, General Penrod Ballantyne and his fiancée, Amber Benbrook, plan their future until Penrod's jealous ex, Lady Agatha, sows doubt. Amber leaves for Abyssinia, where she becomes involved in helping King Menelik II overcome a plot to invade his beloved country. Heartbroken, Penrod falls into ruin but is offered redemption by an old friend. As war looms, can they reunite?
Paris 1944
A young woman's future is torn away in a heartbeat. Herded on to a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.
Santa Cruz 1953
Jean-Luc thought he had left it all behind. The scar on his face a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi Occupation. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.
On a darkened platform, two destinies become entangled. Their choice will change the future in ways neither could have imagined...
In The Icarus Deception, Seth Godin's most inspiring book, he challenges readers to find the courage to treat their work as a form of art. He shows us how it's possible and convinces us why it's essential.
29 Gifts is the insightful story of the author’s life change as she embraces and reflects on the naturally reciprocal process of giving. Many of Walker’s gifts were simple—a phone call, spare change, a Kleenex. Yet the acts were transformative. By Day 29, not only had Walker’s health and happiness improved, but she had created a worldwide giving movement. 29 Gifts shows how a simple, daily practice of altruism can dramatically alter your outlook on the world.
Full of stories of endurance and competition as well as practical advice and some of his original recipes, Eat and Run will motivate people to go the distance, whether that means getting out for a first run, expanding your food horizons, or simply exploring the limits of human potential.
The three-time Olympic gold-medallist chronicles her own determined journey to the heights of the sports world, describing her poverty-stricken youth, family tragedy, battle with life-threatening asthma, marriage, and new careers as a professional basketball player and motivational speaker.