Library Competition
Shape the future of your Library – and win £500!
Got an idea that could make the Library even better? We want to hear about it! Help us improve our services, spaces, and the student experience – for you and for future Surrey students too.
Next Chapter Challenge: You could win £500!
What’s it all about?
Entries have closed! Watch this space to find out which idea wins!
We invited all current University of Surrey students to take part in our inaugural Library Next Chapter Challenge to share a bold, creative idea that could make a real difference to how the Library supports students.
We had some amazing entries, thank you to everyone who took the time to come up with an idea. The shortlisted ideas are:
Affirmation Mirror
Katia Gardner-Thorpe
An “Affirmation Mirror” in library bathrooms offering uplifting messages, soft lighting and wellbeing QR links, giving students quick, accessible motivation and stress relief during study periods.
Live heatmap
Mohd Amir Suhel
A digital Library “Live Heatmap” showing real‑time seating availability in the Library using Wi‑Fi data, displayed in an app and foyer screens with simple green‑amber‑red occupancy indicators.
Library of things
Eden Earnshaw and Yuki Chen
A “Library of Things” letting students borrow practical tools and equipment via Libr ary borrowing system, offering short‑term loans of items like toolkits, adapters and small event equipment.
Library Lock in
Demetria Delp
The Library “Lock In” initiative creates weekly evening study sessions where students work individually but together in a reserved space, building motivation, structure and focus through shared intentionality.
Silent study pods
Ben Mcgartland and Ali Safhiq
Silent Pods initiative would provide sound‑insulated, bookable study booths in the Library and across campus, providing quiet, comfortable individual workspaces and expanding silent study around campus to ease pressure during busy periods.
Finalists will be pitching their ideas to the judging panel on Wednesday 25 March 2026.
What's in it for you?
- £500 prize for the winning proposal
- The chance to “pitch and win” and develop your creative, project management, and presentation skills
- Collaborate with the Library staff to explore how your idea could be brought to life
- Present your idea at our Grand Final on campus.
Save the date
Shortlisted finalists will need to be available to pitch their ideas (a 5-minute presentation) to a judging panel on Wednesday 25 March 2026.
Any questions about the competition, please contact us: library@surrey.ac.uk
How to enter
Entries have closed!
Finalists will be notified by email from Monday 9 March 2026.
Top tips for your application:
Be distinctive – we’re looking for original, standout ideas
Do your research – explore current Library services and how your idea builds on them
Think practically – though we welcome big ideas, we are working with a limited budget so consider feasibility as well
Be clear – write your application as if you are explaining it to someone for the first time; provide context and keep it concise
Show your passion – tell us what inspired your idea, and why it matters
Suggested themes
Need inspiration? Your idea could relate to:
- Space – make Library spaces more inclusive, accessible, or user-friendly
- Sustainability – embed eco-friendly practices across services and spaces
- Health and Wellbeing – support the wellbeing of our student community
- Digital – enhance our digital services and tools
- Collections – improve access to, or expand, our Library resources.
Ideas outside these themes are also welcome – we’re open to anything that sparks positive change.
Rules and terms
See the full competition rules and terms & conditions (PDF).
Contact us
Got a question? We’re here to help.
Email: Library@surrey.ac.uk.