The College’s Learning Resource Centre (LRC) team recently held the first Summer Book Festival in the impressively stocked library. The summer themed event encouraged students and staff to borrow up to 10 books to read over the summer holidays to help boost their love of reading. 

The festival featured tables dressed with books of varying genres, from popular titles to prize winning authors. The knowledgeable LRC staff were on hand to provide personal recommendations to those looking to try something new.  

To complement the summer festival theme, the large library area was decorated with brightly coloured bunting, streamers and vibrant banners. Visitors received a VIP wristband and goodie bag, and were provided with drinks and snacks whilst browsing. The addition of summer tunes playing in the background also helped to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Author talks were broadcast on a large TV screen throughout the event, and a VIP photo area was set up with summer inflatables and beanbags, including pink flamingos that were kindly donated by local party shop, Party World, in Sandhurst.

Due to the restrictions put in place because of the pandemic, for many of the students, this was the first time that they had been able to visit the Library in person since they started their studies in September.

The event was well received by all and the LRC team received some lovely feedback including:

“It was great to be able to discuss books with fellow readers.”

“I loved having the freedom to browse with the advice of the LRC staff available if needed.”

“I really liked all of it but especially the atmosphere – awesome!”

Lucy Davis, LRC Manager, commented, “We had a fantastic week supporting the reading needs of our students and staff. We met so many new customers as well as our regular ones. During the week, we loaned over 600 books which was really exciting!''

The Learning Resource Centre comprises three study areas - LRC Lower Bagnall, LRC Whitehouse and the Library. All study areas offer students a quiet place for individual study, essential resources for their subjects and friendly advice from the LRC team. In addition to providing computers and Chromebooks for students to study with, the LRC also offers a wealth of services to students including book subscriptions, a click and collect library service, termly book awards and Accessit, the online resource library. A programme of events including awareness days and a monthly book club are also run throughout the academic year.