Our Collections: Spotlight on Library Resources Blog Posts

Spotlight on: the new Leisure Collection, Summer Reads & Libby

Looking for a summer read? Borrow or download a book from the Library’s new Leisure Collection. 

The Leisure Collection has something for everyone, from novels and graphic novels to comedy, cooking and travel. Pick up a book from the Library Café or read or listen to a book online. 

Most of the eBooks and audiobooks in the Leisure Collection and Wellbeing Collection are available to download onto your phone or tablet via the Libby app. Just search for ‘University of Roehampton library' and sign in using your UR username and password.

The app is simple to use. You can borrow up to 5 titles for 7 days at a time. If the book is on loan, place a hold on it and Libby will notify you when it becomes available. If we don't have a title you want in Libby:

• Use UR Library Search to expand your search across the library’s other eBook collections.
• Check your local public library. Joining and borrowing books from UK public libraries is free. Many public libraries also use Libby (Overdrive), which means you can link to both your university and public library accounts and borrow books from both!

Summer Reads, need some inspiration? Take a look at the display in the Library Foyer or check out these recommendations from Library Team.

The Midnight Library, eBook

Waterstone's review: When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change. The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. 

Normal People, audiobook The Bookish Elf review: Normal People by Sally Rooney is about Marianne and Connell, their secret friendship, and their on and off again relationship. They are two young people drawn to each other who drift apart at times, but always end up coming back to each other throughout their lives. 

Winner of the British Book Award for Book of the Year 2019. Adapted to TV - available to watch on BBC iPlayer

Becoming, book

Waterstone's review: In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her-from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. 

Here are some more titles to get you started – enjoy!

Novels & graphic novels:

Girl, woman, other, by Bernardine Evaristo

My last 10 minutes 38 seconds in this strange world by Elif Shafak

How to kill your family by Bella Mackie

Pride, prejudice, and other flavors: a novel by Sonali Dev

A concise Chinese-English dictionary for lovers by Xiaolu Guo

Stranger things: Erica the great by Danny Lore

Acid Town, Volume 1, by Kyugo

Critical role: Vol. 1: Vox Machina origins by Matthew Colville

Non-fiction:

Free London: explore the capital without breaking the bank

Chinese Takeaway in 5:  80 of your Favourite Dishes Only Using Five Ingredients

Plant protein revolution cookbook: supercharge your body with more than 85 delicious vegan recipes made with protein-rich plant-based ingredients

Notes on a nervous planet by Matt Haig

My name is why by Lemn Sissay (Quick Reads)

Straight outta Crawley: memoirs of a distinctly average human being by Romesh Ranganathan