Reading Hub

Welcome to the Library's online Reading Hub! Here you will find free online reading resources, staff reading recommendations as well as virtual book displays and our Reading Ahead scheme!

Online Reading Resources

The Library encourages all students to keep reading throughout the Lockdown College closure. We have seen so many of you improve in your reading skills and confidence over the past year and urge you all to keep going at home as much as possible!

Here’s some inspiration for you to continue your reading over the next few months:

First News Special Editions: Special editions of First News based on many topics, from Shakespeare, WW1 and WW2 to the future of space travel and how to spot fake news.

Financial Times: Unlimited access to FT.com articles and tools. (Requires registration)

BBC Radio 2 – 500 Words: A selection of the best shortlisted stories submitted to the national 500 Words competition from each year, going back to 2014. Some very inventive and imaginative stories!

Libraries Week book extracts: On here, you will find a range of titles. Read an extract of each of these books below to give you a flavour for reading. (These are ideal for Reading Ahead!)

Public Libraries: You will need to register for a ‘virtual Library membership’ to access a range of great e-reads and audiobooks

Penguin Readers: A selection of classic and contemporary literature that can be read online with audio versions available to listen to at the same time. Please contact the Library for log-in details.

Oxford Owl eBook Library: A selection of tablet friendly eBooks. Please note registration is required to access these resources.

Audible: Audible from Amazon has a selection of audiobooks that are completely free to listen to. Most of these are for children however there are a number of young adult fiction and classic literature titles to enjoy! (Free access during colleges/schools closure period)

Magic Radio Book Club: Need some inspiration on which book to read next? Head to the Magic Radio Book Club and discover the latest must reads! They also record podcasts.. listen back to previous Book Club podcasts here

Library Staff book recommendations

The Casual Vacancy by J.K Rowling

Paula recommends...

The Casual Vacancy by J.K Rowling 

‘When a local council member dies suddenly, his seat on the board becomes vacant, a seat coveted by several of the local villagers. This is a well observed book about village life, from the well to do, to the not so well off living on the estate next door. The book is quite dark and not very light hearted in parts, but I enjoyed it because it was very well written. It is has a cautiously optimistic ending and would benefit from a sequel!’

Cartoon of Paula

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