University of Bath: Library News

Vision to Competition

Our Library’s vision for a dedicated new wellbeing space and reading for pleasure book collection on Library Level 2 dates back to a business case presented by Library staff in November 2024. Since then we have been working to make this a reality. See our new Library Nook webpage. We wanted to empower students through a co-creation effort, in part to give more ownership of the space and ensure it reflected the real requirements of students and staff.

In February 2025 we launched a student-design competition for placement students in the Faculty of Architecture & Civil Engineering to design this space. The competition brief outlined our maximum potential budget, CAD files for Level 2 of the Library were provided plus rationale for the Nook. The winner of the competition would go on to work with our Head of Library Operational Services and reps from approved furniture suppliers to refine this into a plan within our budget. Not everything would be possible and as the client there were some things we knew from experience that would not work as intended (e.g. bean bags!)

Gallery 1: the area at the back of Level 2 in need of development and ideal for a Library Nook

There is strong evidence of the benefits of reading for pleasure, particularly in the role it plays in promoting mental wellbeing – reducing stress levels, particularly beneficial for students dealing with academic pressures. The relaxed, welcoming space will counter student loneliness, encourage social interactions and a sense of community.  Refurbishment of the space with moveable furniture will also enable it to be used to host associated wellbeing focused events such as book groups or author events, further enhancing the student experience.

Reading for Wellbeing – Amelia Jedynak and Sarah Ormes, Nov 2024

The competition deadline was set in March 2025. The competition entries were judged by members of our Library Nook project team, plus Laura Green (Faculty Placements team) and Sara Biscaya (Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering). Four students entered the competition. They will each receive a certificate and book prizes at the upcoming ACE Placement Returners event (Autumn 2025). We would like to thank all of the students who took part – Annie Tang, Jessica Tapley, Charlotte Choi and Chadapaurn Si Khoman. All of the designs were of a very high quality and it was encouraging to us to spot common themes and ideas between them – be they related to colour schemes, flexible shelving options or other elements.

The timing of this competition was planned to coincide with funding bids for the Nook. We could not guarantee we would receive sufficient funding to proceed and so we encouraged plans that also considered incorporating some existing furniture. We are delighted to note that were able to top up our small budget with funds we successfully bid for from the Student Experience Fund and Alumni Fund. We could not have completed the project to the same standard without this investment.

Gallery 2: Summer time! It’s quiet on campus, the wooden wall panels have been added to the walls and work gets underway replacing the carpet. Only then can the new furniture and shelves be delivered

The Winning Design

The judges all felt that Annie Tang’s design was the best fit for the brief. There were lots of great elements – from colour scheme, selection of materials, attention to lighting and noise-dampening (acoustic panels). In addition Annie had thought carefully about costing of new materials and potential for use of existing furniture to save money if needed.

Gallery 3: Annie’s initial concept sketch and a selection of design images that followed

My initial design is inspired by a warm theme creating
a comfy home like atmosphere in a small area, comfy
enough to read and forget yourself in a book.

I decided to … use all
movable furniture for easy use and adaptability, as this
area of the library is next to the stairs and may have more
foot traffic on that side therefore I introduced decorative
soundproofing which comes in a oak wood, which
crested a more soft and comfy area for leisure reading.

For additional seating some softer furnishings … and
plants could be very cosy, and a protected area.

Annie Tang

Annie’s winning design

The seating arrangement was postioned and directed so
that the windows on the north side would always provide
natural light the the users and if possible some additional
house lights could be added.

Annie Tang

From Installation to Launch

The interim Nook space near the student lift and Reader Services on Level 2 will remain, rebranded the ‘Little Nook’. It will feature changing genre displays and a selection of loanable board games. The new Library Nook at the back of Level 2 will be formally launched on 29 September 2025. It is already accessible whilst still in development. We hope you enjoy this space!

The Nook nears completion…

There is more to come in the future. We wanted flexible, mobile furniture so we could easily adapt the space for different purposes – author talks and other wellbeing events. Keep an eye on our Library homepage and Instagram for news and highlights e.g. Friendship Day Reads.

One final, student-led addition to the Nook was also suggested by Annie:

Adding art or wall pieces drawn by the students may also
bring them more connected to this space. I believe that a
warm home like space like this will help mental wellbeing
and encourage a sense of community.

Annie Tang

Student art has been printed and framed for the Nook…
(L) Untitled concept art (2024) by Charley G (Psychology);
(R) Untitled (2023) by Sophie Peaucelle (Architecture)

If you would like to make recommendations for books or board games to go into the Library Nook, please either fill out a recommendation slip and post it in the wooden box in the Nook, or email us at library@bath.ac.uk We would also love to hear what you think about this new space!