Wellbeing Week

Words from our Librarian

We all know reading helps our literacy and education, and that it promotes an active brain, conveys knowledge and that books are repositories of facts… but reading does far more than that.

Reading brings us together. We can read the same classics that our grandparents enjoyed. We can meet new people by discussing our thoughts about what we’ve read in a book club. We can read the same words that other teenagers are reading across the world. We can travel the world without going outside.

Reading gives us hope. Sometimes a book can leave us feeling stronger, more passionate, and ready to take on the world. Sometimes it can leave us feeling better about ourselves or about the people around us. It can help us look at the world a little differently.

Reading gives us comfort. Books can be our constant companions. I have surrounded myself with books all my life. Reading has helped me through sadness and grief, through stress and change. I have turned to books for comfort: childhood favourites that provide warm memories or recent stories that show I am not alone. There is nothing like curling up in a comfortable chair with my slippers on and a nice cup of tea, a good book and no other plans. 

Reading a book can be like a welcome home. Sometimes it’s to escape, sometimes to return to an old favourite. It is no coincidence that many senior students (or even adults) return to Hogwarts, the Secret Garden or Neverland for a brief break from the stresses of study or work.

The theme of this week is Wellbeing, and I can’t think of a better way to look after your wellbeing than to spend some time in the company of a good book. Spend some time with an old favourite, or find a new one. If you haven’t been to the Library for a while, or if you’ve grown away from reading, take this as an invitation to return.