Patients and staff at the Royal United Hospital in Bath have received free books as part of World Book Night, an annual celebration of books and reading.
Staff at the RUH with the books
World Book Night, which took place on Friday 23rd April, is run by the Reading Agency.
The aim is to encourage people to put aside some time to read for pleasure, and to share the joy of reading with those who may not always have the opportunity.
This year’s theme, for the 10th Anniversary of World Book Night, was “Books to Make You Smile”.
The hospital’s Academy Library received dozens of copies of award-winning Belfast writer Glenn Patterson’s Where Are We Now.
Working with wards and departments across the hospital, the library gave away copies to staff and patients, aiming to reach people who could really benefit from the uplifting power of fiction.
There was also a display, freebies and book giveaways in the Academy Library, in the week leading up to the event.
Library Assistant Liz Pope said: “World Book Night is always a lovely and worthwhile thing to be involved in and we look forward to next year’s event.
“We also encouraged everyone to take part in #ReadingHour on the same day, by putting aside just one hour that evening to read for pleasure.
“People could share their reading ideas, stories and pictures on Twitter and share a connection with other readers all over the UK.”
The Academy Library also runs a series of popular virtual book groups for staff and the June group will be discussing Where are We Now.
The library provides staff with a range of resources, both print and electronic, to support work, research and educational studies.
The library was also behind the hospital’s innovative audiobooks scheme for patients, particularly those patients with dementia, which has proved very successful and has been copied by other hospitals around the country.
The audiobooks allow patients to listen to plays and TV and radio shows during their stay.
