We may be biased, but here in Learning Services we absolutely love libraries.

Whether for losing yourself in some fabulous fiction or stretching your academic skills muscles, a great library is a breeding ground for personal development, good mental health and connecting with your university or local community. What’s more, the dawning of the digital age has meant not only have many libraries embraced technology, but some have even re-written the rules and catapulted the sector into the user experience stratosphere (hello, Catalyst!)

In celebration of our commitment to innovation and student happiness, we’re just-finished-a-book delighted to be putting on our arts and craft hats for this year’s Libraries Week. With a national theme of ‘Wellbeing’, here are just a few of the events we have planned…

Take What You Need Tree @ Catalyst Help Desk

All week

We all need a little pick me up now and again. For some its chocolate, for others its spending sprees, and for some, a nice note from a beautiful synthetic tree just hits the spot. Feeling kind? Take a tag and write a supportive or encouraging message for fellow students. We’re feeling fuzzy inside already 🙂

Mindful Colouring @ Catalyst 

All week

There’s no doubt about it, adult colouring is all the rage. Why? Research suggests just 10 minutes a day can boost your mood and help to reduce depression and anxiety. We’ll take 10 crayons, please!

Self Help book display @ Catalyst

All week

Who doesn’t love a good self-help book? With shelves lined with expertise from psychologists and psychotherapists alike, we’ve decided to collate our favourites into a one-stop-shop for feel-good literature. Got a recommendation? Join the conversation on Twitter with #LibrariesWeek.

Book Club Launch @ Oak Room

Monday 8^th October 13:00-14:00

In collaboration with Edge Hill’s Big Read, Monday marks the launch of #CatalystBookClub. Bring your friends and thoughts on Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine and be ready to leave inspired, raring for the next one and perhaps even with a few goodies.

Paper Flowers workshop @ Oak Room

Tuesday 9^th October 12:00-13:00

Whether you’re an avid reader or merely a cereal box browser, everybody has a piece of literature that lingers with them long after it has been read. How cool would it be, then, if you could take your favourite pages and make an origami rose? Back by popular demand, this session will show you how.

Knit a bookmark workshop @ Oak Room

Wednesday 10^th October 13:00-14:00

Nourishing your soul, practicing mindfulness and impressing your grandma are just a few of the benefits of coming along to our knit a bookmark workshop. Aimed at beginners and with all materials provided, we’ll show you step by step how to create an envy-inducing page holder.

The Great Textbook Giveaway @ The Hub

Thursday 11^th October 11:00-2:00

Following the donation of over 800 books as part of our successful Pass the Book scheme, we now have a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction titles seeking a new home. This means you can come along to The Hub and take away your next read **completely free!**

Bullet Journal Workshop @ Oak Room

Friday 12^th October 12:00-13:00

Staying organised is one of the biggest challenges of university life. Providing stationary, templates and #BulletJournal inspiration a plenty, we’ll show you how to set up a fun and creative system that means no essay deadline can ever go amiss.

All workshops are bookable on CareerHub.

Written by Maisie Prior.