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.
‘Immaculate footballer. Imperial defender. Immortal hero of 1966. Master of Wembley. Captain extraordinary. Gentleman of all time.’
These are some of the words inscribed beneath the statue of England’s World Cup-winning captain, Bobby Moore, at Wembley stadium. Since Moore’s death, of bowel cancer at just 51, these accolades represent the accepted view of this national treasure. But what do we actually know about Bobby Moore as a person? What about the grit alongside the glory?
Acclaimed football writer Matt Dickinson traces the journey of this Essex boy who became the patron saint of English football, peeling away the layers of legend and looking at Moore’s life from all sides – in triumph, in failure, in full.
The greatest run-scorer in the history of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar retired in 2013 after an astonishing 24 years at the top. The most celebrated Indian cricketer of all time, he received the Bharat Ratna Award - India's highest civilian honour - on the day of his retirement. Now Sachin Tendulkar tells his own remarkable story - from his first Test cap at the age of 16 to his 100th international century and the emotional final farewell that brought his country to a standstill.
She's faked her profile picture. He's just a fake . . .
When happily divorced Joni finds Ant via a dating app, neither is entirely honest about who they are.
But when they meet in real life, they fall for each other. Soon they are a happy, steady item. Until Joni discovers Ant is still on the app, still dating other women . . .
Having secret rivals devastates Joni. So she decides to take revenge. But not on them.
Can she turn these rivals into allies to get back at the real enemy . . . Ant?
A faded list. Nine favourite stories.
For two strangers, friendship is only a page away . . .
When Mukesh Patel pops to the local library, forgoing his routine of grocery shopping and David Attenborough documentaries, he has no idea his life’s about to change.
He meets Aleisha, a reluctant librarian and the keeper of a curious reading list – just a scrappy piece of paper with the names of 9 stories. It doesn’t seem anything special. Yet something tells her to keep it close . . .
Story by story, Mukesh and Aleisha work their way through the list – their worries slipping away with every encounter, with every world discovered in their unlikely book club of two.
A fresh chance at life, at friendship, wasn’t on the cards for these lonely souls – but every story starts somewhere . . .
After a wild bet, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who's ten years younger than her and as casual as they come - the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable.
While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn't need glory or fame. She's fine with being a 'mere' ER doctor. And every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she's discovering just what's really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people.
Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can't just give up the joy she's found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?
You’ve been in school for most of your life; now, you’re beginning further education – and you may not feel fully prepared for all that your new life brings!
Award-winning student mental health expert Dominique Thompson is here to help. This easy-to-read guide is packed with advice and information to help you overcome the most common issues you may face at university, including:
Roommate and relationship conflicts
Self-esteem and confidence crises
Stress, depression and mental health challenges
Living far from home and feelings of loneliness
Maintaining good physical health
Academic pressure and study skills
Armed with this book, you’ll have all the tools you need to establish a problem-solving mindset, and not only survive your years at university – but thrive.
The start of your higher education can be an exciting time, full of opportunities to explore your interests and meet new people. However, it can also be a difficult transition – between adapting to a new environment, keeping on top of deadlines and trying to socialize, managing anxious thoughts and feelings can seem like too much.
In this practical guide, award-winning student mental health expert Dominique Thompson helps you understand where anxiety comes from and why it exists, and draws on real students’ experiences to help you feel less alone.
Whatever the source of your worries, whichever way anxiety shows up for you, this book gives you the strategies and tools you’ll need to address it and find a place of calm.