Identity: who are you?

Reading for Pleasure: November 2021

Who do you think you are?

If you’ve ever watched the TV show with that title, you’ll know it focuses on folk who are in the public eye and explores their identity through their ancestors, taking us on a timeline journey to see some of their family history and give a glimpse of their cultural, social and economic heritage.

But how do we define ourselves? What does ‘Identity’ mean to you? 

This November our Reading for Pleasure theme is precisely that: 

IDENTITY 

The books and resources we have chosen this month reflect some of the different ways we think of ourselves when considering what makes us the person we are. Sometimes we will identify with a certain group and feel that it gives us a sense of belonging; at other times we feel our identity is what makes us unique, different from those around us. 

Here’s a taste of what you might find in our campus library displays during November and be sure to follow us on social media for updates and more: 

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Marjane Satrapi has lived through a lifetime of social and political upheaval in Iran and is still just a child. But what people present themselves as in public and who they are at home are often very different and what we witness in childhood goes with us as we grow.  

Library Catalogue link

Rio Ferdinand had found fame as a footballer and fortune in meeting and marrying the love of his life and starting a family together, but when she became ill he was forced to consider his role in life and whether he could cope with re-defining it as both Mum and Dad to his children.

Reserve a copy here

Students of the classic tales of Troy, as told in The Iliad and re-told countless times in book and on film, may be aware of the female protagonists Helen and Briseis, but have we ever heard the story from their perspective? 
Celebrated author, Pat Barker, attempts to paint a vivid picture of the last weeks of the Trojan War but considered from a different viewpoint and allowing readers to re-consider the roles these two women play in an intensely testosterone-fuelled story.

Library Catalogue link

These are just a tiny sample from what you can find in the libraries - look out for the displays and feel free to take a look and browse what we have on display and we hope you'll find something that is a change of pace from all the studying.

Luton Campus Library: Level 1

Luton: Reading for Pleasure 'Identity'

Bedford Campus Library: 1st Floor

Bedford Campus

Black History Month October 2021

Black History Month (BHM) signifies a time of celebrations. Celebrations of the efforts of our heroes past and present, of their efforts expended in driving inclusivity and improving our lived experiences and most importantly it signifies how far we have come. It is against this context that I would like to join in these celebrations to acknowledge the efforts of several of our heroes who came before us including Mary Jane Seacole, Lynn Nottage, Maya Angelou, Sidney Poitier, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Dr Martin Luther King, Angela Davies, Marcus Garvey and many others. I celebrate these heroes because of their efforts, we and generations to come after us will continue to rise. In the words of Maya Angelou in her ‘Still I Rise’ poem –

“Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, Weakened by my soulful cries? … You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise. … I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. 

Click link to view our Black History Month 2021 Reading list online!

Display at Bedford library

Display at Luton library

Display at Aylesbury library

Books Unlocked in our May displays

Just in case you haven't been able to visit our campuses recently, here is a taste of the 'From Stress to Success' displays we have on show.

This month is traditionally a time for study and exam preparation, but no matter what stage of study you are at we're sure we have something for you to use to support you, enjoy as reading for pleasure or even some meditation and mindfulness ideas that you may want to try.

But don't worry if you are far away or can't come to campus in person yet, we'll post information and links to the theme in social media throughout the month.

We hope you'll find something for you, no matter where you are.

Luton Campus: Level 1

Bedford Campus: Ground floor