National Year of Reading: Staff Favourites - Lisa

As you may already be aware, 2026 is the National Year of Reading!

The National Year of Reading is a UK-wide campaign designed to help more people rediscover the joy of reading. As a library, it only felt right to celebrate by asking some of our lovely staff to share their favourite books or magazines and why they love them.

Lisa, who works at the Campus Library, has chosen Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes as her favourite. She explains:

"Like others have already mentioned, it's almost impossible for me to choose a single favourite book. However, one that has really stayed with me since reading it recently is Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. The novel is told through a series of progress reports written by Charlie Gordon, a man with a learning disability who is selected as the first human participant in an experimental procedure designed to increase intelligence. The surgery follows the apparent success of a similar experiment on a laboratory mouse named Algernon. What I found particularly compelling is the way the story explores complex ethical and moral questions in a deeply moving and thought-provoking way. Because the narrative is presented through Charlie's progress reports, the language, spelling, and writing style evolve throughout the novel, reflecting the changes brought about by the experiment. If you enjoy books that make you reflect long after you've finished the final page, I'd highly recommend giving Flowers for Algernon a read. It's a powerful and unforgettable story that has certainly lingered in my mind."

Feeling inspired as part of the National Year of Reading? Visit Libby to explore a wide range of ebooks and audiobooks, including staff favourites and new discoveries. Wherever and whenever you’re reading, Libby makes it easy to celebrate the joy of reading all year long.

Join us in making 2026 a year of reading!