Nottingham City Libraries has launched a campaign to find Nottingham’s favourite comfort read. As part of the National Year of Reading and in support of Nottingham Mental Health Awareness Weeks, we are celebrating the joy of reading for wellbeing.
Library staff and volunteers were asked to nominate their favourite titles. From these nominations, a shortlist was produced featuring titles published within the last four years across a range of genres, including both fiction and non-fiction. The shortlist has now been revealed, and people across Nottingham are invited to vote for their favourite feel-good book, with anyone who lives, works or studies in Nottingham being eligible to vote.
The shortlisted titles are:
- Hope Street – Mike Gayle
- Legends and Lattes – Travis Baldree
- Raising Hare – Chloe Dalton
- The Comfort Book – Matt Haig
- The Lifeline – Libby Page
- Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers – Jesse Sutanto
All books are available in paperback in our libraries, with CD audiobooks and large print versions available. There are some titles available in eBook and eAudiobook formats on BorrowBox which are free to access with a library card.
The public can vote on their chosen title via the Nottingham City Libraries website, social media, and in our libraries.
The shortlisted titles can be borrowed from Nottingham City Libraries or purchased from local independent bookshop Five Leaves Bookshop on Long Row.
We will be revealing the winning title on World Mental Health Day, Saturday 10 October, which falls during Nottingham Mental Health Awareness Weeks.
We are delighted to have the support of Five Leaves Bookshop who are stocking the shortlisted titles, and to be working with library services and other partners across sectors including Nottingham City of Literature, University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University Libraries and Nottingham College Learning Resource Centres.
Cllr David Mellen, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said “Most of us have a book that has stayed with us, whether it’s one we turn to for comfort, inspiration or simply a good story. Libraries help people discover those books every day, and I’m delighted that we’re asking Nottingham residents to share their favourites. I hope lots of people get involved and vote for the book that makes them feel good.”
Cllr Helen Kalsi, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said “Nottingham Mental Health Awareness Week is a great opportunity to spark conversations around mental health and how city residents can improve their wellbeing. Reading for wellbeing one of the most accessible activities available, utilising our local libraries. It is great to run this campaign as a lead up to Nottingham Mental Health Awareness Week to encourage people to take time out to read their favourite book, or try something new. Most importantly it’s a great opportunity to unwind.”
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Nottingham City Libraries: Nottingham City Libraries has a network of 14 libraries around the city, providing access to a range of services and activities for city residents. From reading for all ages and in a range of formats and languages, to access to free computers and WiFi, opportunities to learn new skills, experience cultural performances from theatre to poetry, music and digital arts, as well as exploring Nottingham’s heritage and supporting business start-ups, there’s something for everyone in our libraries.
National Year of Reading: The National Year of Reading is a UK-wide campaign designed to inspire more people to make reading a regular part of their lives. Libraries across the UK are curating programmes aimed at encouraging those who do not consider themselves readers to expand their worlds, sharpen their minds, and fuel their creativity through reading around their interests.
Nottingham Mental Health Awareness Weeks: Nottingham Mental Health Awareness Weeks are now in their 34th year, supporting mental wellbeing across the city. This year’s programme runs from 5 – 16 October. A wide range of organisations contribute to the programme, which includes opportunities to join in activities to support wellbeing as well as highlighting the challenges of living with a mental health condition.