University proud to support Northampton General Hospital’s Bedside Book Club campaign

The University of Northampton is proud to support a new campaign by Northampton General Hospital, which aims to create a library of the town’s favourite books.

The hospital is asking people living and working in Northampton to donate their favourite book to its Bedside Book Club, the new library service for patients.

Emma Wimpress, volunteer services manager at Northampton General Hospital, said: “We’re expanding our volunteer service to introduce a bedside library service for our patients and we’d love to create a collection of Northampton’s favourite reads.

“We’re asking people to donate their favourite book, or a copy of it if they can’t bear to part with it. It can be any genre or subject – novels, short stories, poetry, non-fiction – as long as it’s a book you’ve enjoyed and you’d happily recommend.

“We’re hoping that by the end of the campaign, we have a collection of books that really reflects Northampton’s favourite reading material and give our patients a great choice of books to read while they’re staying with us.”

Jon Mackley, Senior Lecturer in English and Creative Writing, explained: “Reading is a great distraction when you are feeling under the weather. It can take you anywhere, in any time. Of course, sometimes we may not be able to concentrate on reading a full novel. Sometimes it’s easier to read poetry or a short story. The most important thing is it’s something that you enjoy. In addition, donating books is a great way of sharing some of your experiences of enjoyable stories and helping others with their recuperation.”

If you have a book to donate, there is a collection point at the University of Northampton’s Park Campus, in the foyer of the Silverstone building.

How to get involved:

1.      Donate a favourite book using the donation box located in the foyer of the Silverstone building, Park campus. If it’s more convenient, you can donate at the drop-boxes located at:

• The main entrances to Northampton General Hospital
• Royal & Derngate
• First Stop Shop in The Guildhall
• The Match Village at Northampton Saints Rugby Club during their home game on Friday 3 February

2.      You can use the adhesive labels provided at the donation box to say why you’ve chosen that particular book. Stick the label on the inside cover of your book.

3.      Post a photo or short video on Twitter or Instagram to let people know which book you’re donating. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #NGHBBC

4.      If you’re not on social media but you’re happy for the hospital to share your book choice, you can email details to volunteer.services@ngh.nhs.uk

5.       If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering at the hospital to help deliver the new library service, get in touch at volunteer.services@ngh.nhs.uk