Bring your children to the Global Week children’s storytime in the University Library! On Wednesday 13 March 2024, we are inviting staff, students and members of the local community to bring their children to a storytime event in the University Library starting at 4 pm, where we will read translated children’s stories sourced from around the world.

Why is the Library such a popular place for students to come and study? Perhaps it is because a space between home and work fosters spontaneous encounters, critical conversations and new friendships forged in the blaze of relaxed industry. Ray Oldenburg suggested such spaces such as the Library are defined less by place, although it is still one of the largest and most diverse open access study spaces on campus, as the way studying in the Library encourages serendipity, finding unusual books, resources, chance encounters with others and engaging in unhindered interchanges that can open doors and take you in new directions.

You have your laptop set up just the way you like it; it’s light and portable, but you crave a full-sized screen and keyboard when you settle in for a proper study session. We hear you! That’s why we bring you the best of all possible worlds with desktop computers you can plug your devices into and enjoy the use of a mouse, full-size keyboard and a monitor so large it had to be made curved for you to be able to see everything from side to side without moving! It’s the best of all possible worlds: the power and customizability of your own device with the luxury of a dedicated, modern desktop setup.

Are you considering a career working with children – perhaps as a teacher or learning support worker? Don’t miss the exciting upcoming opportunity to read to local children and the children of our current students during Global Week in March. Read a story to a group of children in the Library and help engage their imaginations in a creative artwork exercise afterwards. You will be able to choose the book you read, and full training and support will be given.

Working early or late has some benefits – there’s always space to spread out, it’s quieter, so you can concentrate without distractions, and it’s a good time to wander over to the Library and get stuck into some serious study. Yet, you need to stay hydrated and fed even when you’ve exhausted your snack box and the local coffee shops have closed (or not yet opened). Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

It’s amazing how much we’ve changed since you joined us (unless you’ve just joined us, in which case we are busy changing even as I type this!). We are always keen to hear what our clients think and want, and we are forever watching to spot what you find challenging. Our ongoing Customer Service Excellence Standard recognition shows our ongoing commitment to delivering the best service possible as our staff “go the extra mile” and embed enhancements to your Library experience across the board. So, what’s gotten better?