Kickstart 2026 with 'Atomic Habits' - the bestselling guide to productivity - or 'Mediterranean Every Day' - a gorgeous recipe book; or immerse yourself in the world of medieval women, Black history, or German poetry, amongst others. The library's latest non-fiction purchases also include the latest books by visiting speakers, historian Al Murray and geographer Tim Marsall. Enjoy!

The History of Art in One Sentence is a genuinely enjoyable and unique take on art history that never feels heavy or intimidating. Verity Babbs takes what can often seem like an overwhelming subject and breaks it down into funny one sentence summaries, making different movements and artists easy to understand and surprisingly memorable. One of the best things about the book is its sense of humour, Verity Babbs includes entertaining stories and unexpected details about artists ranging from the Italian Renaissance through to the Young British Artists, which keeps the book feeling lively and engaging. What I especially liked is how the book doesn’t oversimplify for the sake of it, instead, it creates curiosity and encourages you to think further, often leaving you wanting to research the artists in more depth. When Babbs visited Channing, she spoke about wanting to make art history feel more open and this really comes across in her writing. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone studying art, as well as to readers who are simply curious and want an accessible, enjoyable way into the history of art. 

Click on the link to explore an exciting and carefully curated reading list, featuring something for every reader. From thrilling sci-fi and chilling gothic fiction to powerful political and historical memoirs — and so much more — there’s plenty here to challenge, inspire, and spark your imagination.

Listen to Dr Hayward read and review Will Hill's tense psychological cult mystery, After the Fire. 

Listen to Dr Spinks read from Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. This is one for the festive season. Set in Ireland during the 1980s, Keegan's novel deals with the Magdalene Laundries, the power of kindness, and moral courage. 

Listen to Mr Raine as he brings to life Michael Shaara's portrayal of the Battle of Gettysburg in The Killer Angels.

Listen to Ms Penglase read from Mark Haddon's mystery novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.