SurreyReads

SurreyReads is a student-led leisure reading collection, designed to encourage students and staff at the University to pick up a book and read simply for fun.

Reading for leisure

Feel like you need a break from your recommended academic reading? Then why not come and explore our SurreyReads collection on Level 1 for some leisure reading instead? One of the best things about reading for fun is that it can transport you to other worlds - to experiences that are not your own. It’s also a great way of learning about other cultures and engaging with perspectives that might be different to yours, too.

Interested? Then come and browse the SurreyReads collection on Level 1 of the Library today! We have comfortable seating nearby, and you can choose from a broad range of genres, including contemporary bestselling fiction, biography and memoirs, award winning black, LGBT+ and female authors, fiction in translation, wellbeing, health and lifestyle and mindfulness books. Many of the books included in this collection have been chosen by students involved in the Student Curator projects, whose themes centre on diversity, inclusion and liberating the library.

If you’re not able to get into the Library to browse, don’t worry! You can still view our collection online via our specially curated reading lists, which have been themed to help you get started! Whilst the majority of our books are available in print, many are available as ebooks and audiobooks too, for those of you who prefer to read and listen online.

Why is leisure reading important?

The Reading Agency finds that reading increases our understanding of our own identity, improves empathy and gives us an insight into world views of others as well as lowers levels of stress, depression and can improve a sense of wellbeing.

The aims of the SurreyReads collection are:

  • To serve the leisure reading needs of students and academic staff of the University of Surrey by providing an array of reading options that promote diversity, minority voices, well-being, mindfulness and relaxation.
  • To promote an appreciation of reading and lifelong learning.
  • To support work towards decolonising of the curriculum.
  • To develop a culture that supports and promotes reading for pleasure, that increases the readers capacity for concentration and contemplation. 

The choice of books for the collection will be driven by student suggestion and student partnership initiatives.

How can I explore the collection?

You can browse the SurreyReads collection in person on level 1 or via the collection section on SurreySearch. You can explore some of our top picks via the following curated, themed reading lists:

Can I make a suggestion?

How to make a book suggestion

You need to be a student at the University of Surrey. If you would like to make a suggestion please fill out the SurreyReads title submission form.

We will consider all suggestions, but titles should fit into the aims and themes of the collection mentioned above and on occasion books may be prohibitively expensive or unavailable from our suppliers.  Titles added to the collection must ensure the balance of the collection and ensure every individual feels truly welcomed and included at the University of Surrey.

If you require materials for your academic reading lists please email library@surrey.ac.uk.

If you require a book chapter or journal article please email for inter-library loan requests library@surrey.ac.uk.

Journal or magazine subscriptions are not included as part of this collection.

Surrey public library

For even wider recreational reading, you can contact your local public library. For students and staff living in Surrey you can contact Surrey public library services. They have an app to access popular digital magazines, ebooks or listen to audio books.

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