Library Termly Update - Autumn Term 2
NOVEMBER
Remembrance Greetings Readers,
Our author of the month is Michael Morpurgo. Morpurgo is an English author, poet and playwright, who is known best for children's novels such as War Horse (1982). Hailed as a 'magical storyteller', he uses recurring themes such as the triumph of an outsider or survival, for characters' relationships with nature, and for vivid settings such as the trenches of the First World War. Morpurgo was Children's Laureate, from 2003 to 2005, and is President of Book Trust, a children's reading charity. The library chose Morpurgo, not just because he is a fantastic author and we love reading his books, but because he ties in neatly with the big theme of November.
November is the month for remembering and honouring those who fought for our freedoms in the Great Wars, and 2025 has had some pretty monumental 80th anniversaries. Perhaps you were able to attend some of them this year or caught some of them in the news. Our library display attempts to capture the essence of this meaningful anniversary.
The year 1945 saw the end of World War II and 2025 saw the 80th anniversary of that ending. In 1945 the world also saw the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Dresden, the Battle of Iwo Jima, the liberation of the concentration camp - Bergen-Belsen, The Battle of Okinawa, the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, VJ Day and VE Day and the Nuremberg Trials to name but a few momentous occasions in world history. Monumental historic events that re-shaped the world and therefore our lives in its wake. So, this year's Red Poppy Remembrance Day is a very important event.
These significant anniversaries serve as poignant reminders of the brave sacrifices made and the valuable lessons learnt during World War II, which we should never forget. As we commemorate these historic events throughout 2025, it is essential to reflect on their historical significance in our turbulent world today, which is why here in the library we have such a large range of books on this important era. Our shelves are bursting full of books that cover every aspect of the Second World War, from far flung places to the Battle of Britain on the home front. From exciting narratives, heart wrenching facts, daring diaries, awe inspiring fiction, brave biographies and touching autobiographies: here in the library, we have a story for every event.
Happy Reading,
The Librarians.
DECEMBER
Warm Winter Wishes Readers,
It's a significant month in the literary world this December, as it marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth (1775-1817). Jane only lived to be a mere forty-one years of age, but in that time, she broke the mould and created a new genre - Romantic Comedies. That's rom coms to you and me. Which is why we have chosen Jane Austen as the Author of the Month.
Here at the library we have been pondering on the possibility of our lives without Jane Austen.
It's been over 200 years since a new Jane Austen novel was written, but they're still as popular as ever. They are in continuous publication around the globe and every year she attracts new fans. Luckily for us her stories and characters have continued on to live long and fruitful lives. Every one of her novels have been translated into a play and a film and she is still voted as one of our greatest literary heroes of these fair isles.
But what would life be like without the benefit of Jane Austen in it?
Would we all still be readers, well of course we would, but we would have had rom-coms? Probably not. Would we have had female authors? Well, Jane did help break the social mindset that women could actually write, and that fictional 'romance' novels weren't dangerous for the female mind. So, perhaps it would have taken longer, who knows what ripples we make in time.
We would perhaps have a different view of marriage and the choosing of a life partner. Jane Austen showed the world that not all marriages were doomed to be unhappy or love less financial business transactions - she brought the world the idea that love and romance could be a harmonious match made in heaven and that people should hold out for that ideal.
Yet, it's the structure of her novels that makes Jane so influential. She revolutionised the novel format by including the use of free indirect discourse. This narrative technique allows readers to experience a character's thoughts and feelings, all while maintaining an objective omnipotent viewpoint. In short, she created the intimate readers experience where we get to be in the thick of the gossip; no doubt, just like Jane was back in her day. This writing technique has influenced countless writers and completely shaped the trajectory of modern-day fiction books.
Austen's works also included a range of social classes, and she helped to portray strong driven independent ( to a point) female characters, the like of which had never been seen before in writing. That is because she boldly wrote from a unique female point of view and explored the boundaries of gender roles of her time. Her female characters challenged the social norms of the time, laying down a feminist blueprint for years to come.
Once you get used to the ways of Austen you will find her works incredibly witty and humorous. She is just as full of observational humour as her acerbic male counterpart, Oscar Wilde. This cultural viewing window on to a society and way of life that is no longer present is another of her appeals. Austen gave us a peak behind the closed doors and inside the ballrooms of Regency society. This behind the curtain cultural reveal has never lost its appeal.
In truth, we cannot measure the extent of Jane Austen's influence on literature and society, it is too vast and too multifaceted. What we do know, is that her works continue to inspire and resonate with readers and writers alike in every new generation, solidifying her place as a pivotal figure in literary history. So, we hope you'll be adventurous this month and pick up one of her novels, or perhaps a rom-com inspired by her trope and dip your toe into the Regency world of gossip, romance and true love.
Upon the library shelves we have all of Jane's novels, as well as stories directly inspired by and sometimes continuations of her narratives, such as 'Jane Austen Stole my Boyfriend', by Cora Harrison, as well as hundreds of romance pastiche novels which imitate and parody her works. So why not pop into the library and learn more about Miss Austen and her rom-com world that has literally influenced probably every romance novel, film or tv show you've ever watched, read or encountered.
Of course, in the library we always have a wide and varied selection of Christmas themed stories for those wanting to embrace the season like a pair of cosy woolly socks. Some new seasonal authors will be on display as well as the national treasure Charles Dickens and his beloved 'A Christmas Carol'. So, come and check out some fun Christmas spirit from the library and keep those seasonal bah humbugs at bay. Our selected book of the month is 'A Boy Called Christmas', by Matt Haig, which coincidentally is showing as this year's Christmas Highlight at Chichester Festival Theatre. Matt Haig's speculative fiction stories transport readers to alternative realities and faraway lands. So, grab a hot chocolate and snuggle down with a cosy book this Winter term, there's always a diverse and inviting selection on the library shelves; and as Jane Austen once wrote, 'I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!'
Happy sighing,
The Librarians.