“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” and “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” With these words in mind, we invite you to explore the leisure reading bookshelf at the SU Library.

Located just inside the library entrance, this collection was established in 2012 to offer students and researchers a way to take a break from the pressures of academic life. But relaxation isn’t the only benefit. Dewan (2010) highlights multiple studies showing a strong connection between reading, cognitive development, verbal skills, academic achievement, higher-order reasoning, and critical thinking.

The books in this collection come from the library’s regular literature shelves, donations from staff and the public, and purchases made through the Library’s general book fund. The books can be identified by the letters LR in front of the shelf number. As illustrated in the image below, you can use the advanced search option in the library’s catalogue to find a list of the 1 040 titles in the collection. You will find books by authors such as Deon Meyer (Afrikaans and English versions), Jo Nesbo, Ken Follett, Marita van der Vyver and Rudie van Rensburg, and popular comic books, poetry, and many more.

With the winter holidays approaching, feel free to visit the SU Library and pick up a few titles to help you relax and recharge after a busy first semester.

Reference:

Dewan, Pauline. 2010. Why your academic library needs a popular reading collection now more than ever. College & Undergraduate Libraries, 17(1), 44–64. DOI: 10.1080/10691310903584775

Author: Naomi Visser