The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

Category: Celebrations (Page 3 of 7)

International Children's Book Day AI generated image of a child with a book grinning

International Children’s Book Day

02/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

International Children’s Book Day

Unlocking Imagination and Knowledge in Children

April 2nd is a day filled with wonder and imagination. It’s International Children’s Book Day! This special day celebrates the joy of reading and honours the power of stories to shape young minds.

The Origins

International Children’s Book Day was first celebrated in 1967. It was established by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). The date was chosen to honour Hans Christian Andersen, the famous Danish author known for timeless tales like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling.”

Why Reading Matters

Books open doors to new worlds. They spark creativity and teach valuable lessons. For children, reading is not just about words on a page. It’s about adventures, dreams, and learning about different cultures and experiences. Reading helps develop language skills, boosts imagination, and improves concentration. Plus, it’s a great way for families to bond.

The Role of Illustrations

Illustrations play a crucial role in children’s books. They enhance the storytelling experience, making it more engaging and easier to understand. Vibrant pictures help young readers visualize characters and scenes, aiding comprehension and memory. For early readers, illustrations provide context clues that support word recognition and vocabulary development. We have lots of great books on illustration including this one: When we were young : two centuries of children’s book illustration

Famous Children’s Books

  • “Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling
  • “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
  • “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
  • “Matilda” by Roald Dahl

These classics have inspired generations and continue to captivate young readers. What are some of your favourite children’s stories? Comment below

The Power of Reading

Reading isn’t just fun. It helps build empathy and critical thinking. When children dive into stories, they step into different perspectives and learn about kindness, bravery, and friendship. With the help of beautiful illustrations, stories come alive and leave a lasting impact on young minds.

So have a Happy International Children’s Book Day. Perhaps you might want to write your own one day. If so check out lots of great resources at librarysearch.napier.ac.uk.

By Juliet Kinsey

read more fun posts on our blog such as: Books that shaped you

St Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day

17/03/2025 / / 0 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day

The 17th of March marks the Feast of St. Patrick. A day traditionally dedicated to celebrating the Christian Saint Patrick. But which has grown and developed into a celebration of Irish heritage and culture as a whole.

Saint Patrick

Although many specifics of his life have been lost to history or are up for debate, St. Patrick is traditionally remembered as a Christian missionary and priest. He is seen as having brought Christianity to Ireland. Converting much of the population from traditional paganism. This is commonly remembered as the story of St. Patrick having driven snakes from Ireland, an allegory for paganism. Tradition says that St. Patrick passed away on the 17th of March, leading to that day being a day of national celebration in Ireland.

Celebrations

These celebrations typically take the form of public parades with traditional Irish music and the wearing of green clothing. More recently, there has also been a tradition of famous landmarks being lit up with green lights. This includes the  Colosseum in Rome or the Empire State Building in New York. In Ireland itself, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are used to emphasise and celebrate the Irish language. The two weeks leading up to St. Patrick’s Day are a festival dedicated to promoting Irish language use.


St. Patrick’s Day has become rather infamous for its revelry. With the day practically being synonymous with sessions of heavy drinking. There is actually a historical basis for this. St. Patrick’s Day falls during the period of Lent, a Christian observance in the lead up to Easter where Christians refrain from a particular luxury for 40 days. With alcohol being a common choice. Traditionally, St. Patrick’s Day was seen as a day exempt from Lent restrictions. So that many choose to use it as a chance to indulge as much as they could before going back to fasting.

The Irish Diaspora and the significance of the day

The mass migration of Irish people during the 19th century has led the spreading of St. Patrick’s Day traditions worldwide. It is one of the most celebrated national holidays around the globe, with the celebration actually being more popular amongst the Irish diaspora than the population of Ireland itself.  Ireland did not even have St. Patrick’s Day parades until the 20th century. A major reason for this is that many celebrations of Irish pride were banned in Ireland until the early 20th century. Meaning that members of the diaspora living overseas were the only ones able to carry out these celebrations and saw the day as a chance to remember where they came from.

So if you’re out celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th (or have already gotten your celebrations out the way over the weekend!). Try to remember that the day is more than just a chance to party, but is a celebration of Irish tradition.

 

By Matthew Ferrie

Photo by Erika SZ

Read about the Lughnasa Celtic Harvest

Banner image for Books that Shaped you National Library of Scotland’s 100th birthday

Books that Shaped you

20/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

Books that Shaped you

The National Library of Scotland’s 100th birthday

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the National Library also asked people to share the books and publications they love called Books That Shaped You. They will be exhibiting many of these next recommendations in the summer; celebrating books and the value of libraries around the country

The National Library of Scotland is hosting a special exhibition called Dear Library. Created in partnership with organizations across the country, this heartfelt tribute to libraries is designed to inspire, engage, and ignite your passion for these vital spaces. You’ll walk away with a fresh appreciation for what libraries offer and how you can support them.

Their exhibition space will be transformed into an open reading room, featuring bookshelves filled with recommendations from the public and well-known Scottish personalities. Explore the portrayal of libraries and librarians in popular culture, discover protest banners and badges from library advocacy movements, watch vintage film footage that brings historical libraries to life, and much more.

To celebrate the National Library of Scotland’s 100th birthday some of our Edinburgh Napier University Library staff have shared books that have inspired or shaped them.

Emi

The Maiden by Kate Foster

A book I enjoyed the most this year was “The Maiden” by the Scottish writer Kate Foster. The story happens in Edinburgh and Costorphine during the 17th century and it has been publicly described as a piece  “inspired by a real-life murder trial, with a feminist revisionist twist”.

Personally, her book has allowed me to enjoy a genre, Historical Fiction, that normally wouldn’t be my first choice. The highlight of the book is the diverse range of women that lead the story and how their particular personal/socio-economical background pushes them towards their own decisions and consequences (sometimes for survival reasons, others because of how much they want to thrive or because they can’t bear the hypocrisy around them anymore!). Let’s keep in mind that the story happens in a period when being and developing as a woman, in public and in private, was very challenging.

I enjoyed the book very much and I have discovered very recently that the book was Winner of the Bloody Scotland Pitch Perfect Award 2022 and the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year 2023.

You can purchase this book at Topping and Company independent bookshop

Kieran

The Third Policeman by Flann O’Brien

My choice of book would be The Third Policeman by Flann O’Brien. It’s Flann O’Brien’s second novel proper – it’s funny, intriguing, absurd and experimental all at the same time. O’Brien (the pen name of Brian O’Nolan, a civil servant by day) wrote for a variety of publications in his lifetime  – most notably as a satirist for The Irish Times – but this novel is, for me, his best work. Upon its belated publication in 1967, it became a cult hit, and was featured famously in an episode of 2000s survival drama Lost and influenced a host of Irish writers and musicians in the years since. O’Brien was largely underappreciated as a novelist in his own lifetime but was subsequently recognised as a pioneering postmodernist writer. His tone is what I love the most about his writing – deadpan and hilarious.

Rachel

Breaking Night by Liz Murray

‘Liz Murray, the protagonist of this inspiring memoir, overcame so many difficulties, hardships and challenges throughout her childhood and lifetime. Her courage and determination to change her life for the better is remarkable. Despite being faced with many adversities such as poverty and deprivation, homelessness, and the loss of her mother at a young age. This book was a very insightful, powerful, and inspiring read and moved me to tears throughout various chapters. I had originally borrowed it from our library but ended up purchasing a copy to keep on my bookshelf as a reminder of the power that courage, kindness and community can hold, particularly during difficult times and periods of adversity.

Borrow Breaking Night from the Library or grab your own from a bookshop.

Juliet

Eichmann in Jerusalem by Hannah Arendt

I know this is a dark choice, but it feels very of the moment and is a book that really reshaped how I thought about evil. I read this in my early twenties when it was easy to view everything as black and white. This book helped me to see the complexity of the subject and opened up so many questions about what it is to be complicit in harm without ever physically committing an act of violence. I also found the bravery of the author who was Jewish to be inspiring.

Eichmann in Jerusalem is a political and philosophical analysis of the trial of Adolf Eichmann, a key organizer of the Holocaust. Based on her coverage of the 1961 trial in Jerusalem, Arendt explores how Eichmann, rather than being a monstrous villain, appeared as an ordinary bureaucrat blindly following orders. She introduces the concept of the “banality of evil,” arguing that great atrocities can be committed not by fanatical individuals but by thoughtless, rule-abiding functionaries. The book examines moral responsibility, justice, and the nature of evil, sparking significant controversy and debate. You can borrow a copy from the Library, find it using Librarysearch.

Local Libraries and Independent Bookshops 

Local libraries are essential for fostering literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement. They provide free access to books, digital resources, and educational programs, making knowledge available to everyone, regardless of their background. Libraries also serve as community hubs, offering study spaces, events, support for students and low-income members of the community, children’s programs, and help for job seekers. By utilizing and supporting local libraries, we help ensure they remain a vital resource for future generations. So why not join today. Edinburgh Libraries are amazing and there are many to choose from. Join here!

Supporting independent bookshops helps sustain local businesses and strengthens communities. These shops offer curated selections, personalized recommendations, and a welcoming space for book lovers. Unlike large online retailers, independent bookshops champion diverse voices and authors, often hosting events that bring people together. Why not check out some of Edinburgh’s many bookshops. It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

What books inspire you?

Tell us in the comments books that have inspired you, we would love to hear your recommendations.

Read more on the blog about book recommendations here

Picture of scrabble squares saying love for blog post A History of Valentine's Day

A History of Valentine’s Day

14/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

A History of Valentine’s Day

‍Love, Legends, and Lupercalia: A Fascinating Journey through the History of Valentine’s Day ‍

Valentine’s Day, a day filled with love, romance, and heartfelt gestures. But have you ever wondered about the origins and true history of this beloved holiday?

Origins of Valentine’s Day: Lupercalia and Ancient Roman Traditions

To understand Valentine’s Day, we must look back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia. Held on the ides of February, this lively event honored Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. It featured feasting, dancing, and a unique matchmaking ritual. Young men would draw women’s names from a jar, forming pairs for the festival. These matches often sparked lasting relationships and even marriages.

So, how does St. Valentine fit in? The connection likely began when the early Christian church sought to replace pagan traditions. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th as St. Valentine’s Day, commemorating a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage by secretly performing weddings. Over time, St. Valentine’s story merged with the celebration of love, giving the holiday its romantic roots.

The Legend of St. Valentine: The Story Behind the Holiday

The true history of St. Valentine is clouded by mystery, with multiple legends surrounding his life. One popular tale describes him as a kind man who, while imprisoned, healed the blind daughter of his jailer. Before his execution, he wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine,” inspiring the tradition of love notes.

Interestingly, St. Valentine is also the patron saint of epilepsy. Although the details of his life remain unclear, his legend has deeply influenced the Valentine’s Day we celebrate today. Read more on this through Librarysearch.

However, it is important to note that the true history of St. Valentine is still a subject of debate among historians, and the details of his life may forever remain elusive. Nevertheless, the legend of St. Valentine has played a significant role in shaping the holiday we know and cherish today.

Valentine’s Day Cards

Valentine’s cards, or “valentines,” have been a key part of the holiday since the 15th century. In Europe, people exchanged handwritten love notes adorned with lace, ribbons, and even locks of hair. These intricate cards symbolized love and admiration.

The printing press made valentines more accessible. By the 19th century, mass-produced cards with elaborate designs and sentimental verses became popular. These cards helped spread the romantic spirit of Valentine’s Day to people from all walks of life.

The Commercialization of Valentine’s Day

In the 20th century, Valentine’s Day shifted from a simple celebration to a commercial phenomenon. With advancements in technology and a growing consumer culture, retailers saw an opportunity. Soon, chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and extravagant gifts dominated the holiday.

Movies, songs, and advertisements amplified the idea of grand romantic gestures. Today, Valentine’s Day is a multi-billion dollar industry, celebrated with everything from romantic dinners to heartfelt gift exchanges.

Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World

Although Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, traditions vary by culture. In Japan, women give chocolates to men on February 14th, with men reciprocating a month later on “White Day.” In Finland, the holiday focuses on friendship, known as “Friendship Day.”

South Korea extends the celebration further. February 14th is for women to give chocolates, March 14th (White Day) is for men to return gifts, and April 14th (Black Day) is for singles to gather and celebrate. These customs show that love, in all forms, transcends cultural boundaries.

Share the Love

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. It’s a chance to celebrate anyone special—family, friends, or even yourself. Whether you embrace its commercial aspects or prefer a more personal touch, the day reminds us to show love and appreciation to those who matter most.

For me, celebrating Galentine’s Day with my friends is always a highlight! How will you celebrate this year?

Resources

Want to deep dive into all things romance? Why not check out an entire Journal dedicated to the subject: The Journal of Romance Studies. Alternatively, get comfy on the sofa with a wealth of romantic movies all freely available through Box of Broadcasts.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read about how wonderful your Library is here on the blog with our posts on “love your Library”

Image Source: Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay

January

January’s Origin Story

03/01/2025 / / 0 Comments

January’s origin story

January, it’s cold, it’s dark and the festivities are another year away. But there is a lot more to January than the bleakness. We are going to dive into January’s origin story.

January and Janus’ origin

He has two heads, loiters in doorways and carries a big stick and a set of keys. Meet Janus – Roman deity, guardian of passageways and gates, and founder of the Roman calendar.  As we leave the old year and enter the new, it is Janus who ushers us in. He looks both ways, back into the past and forwards into the future, marking the passage of time and life’s cyclical nature.

Janus has been represented throughout western art and iconography over the centuries. John Bellany was a world-renowned artist from Port Seton, just a few miles from Edinburgh. In 1982 he created this image which was purchased by the Tate Gallery.

‘Janus‘, John Bellany, 1982 | Tate

Janus is a deity without equal, his dual nature unique in the Roman pantheon of gods. In today’s world, his significance is symbolic and highlights the duality of human nature. In a metaphorical sense, Janus helps us transition from old to new, between war and peace, good times and bad, public life and private.

It’s fitting, then, that the beginning of January is often a time of reflection, when we spend some quiet moments summing up the year that’s passed. Maybe it’s been the best year ever and you want to celebrate. Maybe it’s been so-so and you’re happy to carry on and consolidate the plans you made over the last 12 months. Perhaps it’s been a challenging year, and you just want to draw a line under it and move on to a better, brighter future.

Wherever you stand right now, whichever direction you’re facing, we wish you a happy, healthy January and the very best of what 2025 has to offer.

By Lesley McRob

Photo by Aaron Burden Unsplash 

Read about the origins of leap year

Clocks go back

Clocks go back

28/10/2024 / / 0 Comments

Clocks go back

 

I dread this weekend all year: the weekend the clocks go back to Greenwich Mean Time. In case you’ve forgotten, time will move back by one hour at 2am on Sunday 27th October. In this way, we “rob” an hour of daylight from the morning and add it to the end of the day. The concept has been around since the late 1700s, but it was only introduced in the First World War as a way of saving the nation’s energy.

It’s been with us ever since and yes – it’s nice to get an extra hour on Sunday, but that’s little consolation for the now rapid descent into winter.

If, like me, you already struggle with the long hours and weeks of darkness, it’s worth noting the wealth of research that suggests that changing the clocks can have a serious effect on our health. It can knock out the alignment of your body’s natural rhythms and leave you more accident-prone, more vulnerable to lower cognitive performance, mood disruption and other debilitating effects.

Perhaps the biggest problem is a potential disruption to your sleep pattern. Well-managed sleep hygiene is crucial to general good health and well-being, and The Sleep Charity has published a guide to minimising the disruption:

How To Minimise Sleep Disruption When Clocks Go Forward – The Sleep Charity

Along with your physical health, it’s important that you take special care of your mental wellbeing in winter.  Look out for signs of SAD – seasonal affective disorder.

Overview – Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

And don’t forget that we have a well-resourced Wellbeing Collection which we hope will help you transition to the shorter days and the darker nights.

Sleep well!

Learn to sleep well kit

Winter blues

By Lesley McRobb

 

Photo source Alex Krivec

Take some time out with our virtual relaxation space

Black History Month 2024

Black History Month 2024

03/10/2024 / / 0 Comments

Black History Month 2024

We are celebrating Black History Month. And we don’t want to miss the opportunity to celebrate. Black History Month has been celebrated in the UK since 1987, marking the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. Since 1987, the celebration has gotten bigger. Black History Month UK focuses on a key theme each year. This year is ‘Reclaiming Narratives‘.  

To reflect and honour the stories and voices throughout time:

‘In today’s world, stories are powerful tools that shape how we understand our past, present, and future. For too long, the history of Black communities has been told through lenses that often misrepresent, oversimplify, or entirely overlook the rich and diverse experiences of those who lived it. But 2024 is set to be a transformative year. Black History Month UK has unveiled its compelling theme; Reclaiming Narratives’. (Black History Month.Org UK)

The Library and Black History Month

The library is committed throughout the year. We want to ensure Black history is represented and celebrated all year round. We are working hard to grow our collections so they become more inclusive and diverse.  Over on our libguides, you will find our Building Inclusive Reading Lists.

The purpose of the libguide ‘is to provide practical support to academic staff and students who wish to build inclusive module or personal reading lists by adding a diversity of sources in terms of authorship, origin, accessibility, and theme’.

Here, you can find Decolonising the Curriculum and Anti-Racism as well as Minorities and Indigenous Peoples Inclusions. Resources include books, ebooks, journals and much more.  On the blog, we have our virtual bookshelves. 

Suggesting and Recommending

At the library, we are ‘committed to developing collections that represent as far as possible the diversity of backgrounds, identities, and interests of the University’s students and staff. We urge you to help us to diversify and build inclusion into our collections by recommending.’

On the reading list homepage, you can find a recommend-a-book button. Or you can email us at library@napier.ac.uk.

 

To explore the theme further looking at more resources like interviews, books and other features. Or look at events, please look at Black History Month. Org Uk

Open Access

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2024

07/08/2024 / / 0 Comments

Edinburgh International Book Festival

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is coming.

As the yearly Edinburgh Fringe Festival starts the emerge throughout the city centre of Edinburgh, the Edinburgh International Book Festival follows not long after. We as library staff, of course, were not going to pass on an opportunity to promote any events involving books, so do read on if you would like to find out more about what this yearly festival celebrating reading, writing and creativity truly has to offer!

General Information:  About the Book Festival

Running from the 10th until the 25th of August. The Edinburgh International Book Festival hosts a range of famous and well-known authors, artists, performers, and thinkers from across the globe. It provides visitors with the opportunity to engage. Authors will usually sign copies of their books for visitors attending their event. There is also a variety of family-friendly, online, and late-night events to suit a range of different audiences. The festival itself is held at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. Which is situated near a wide variety of restaurants, so you are essentially spoiled for choice regarding food and drink! There are also many green spaces such as the Meadows and Holyrood Park close by should you prefer to take a picnic – weather-dependent.

What’s on – Edinburgh International Book 2024…

With just over 550 authors showing face at this year’s International Book Festival in Edinburgh, including well-known writers such as Margaret Atwood, Matt Haig, Ian Rankin and Val McDermid. There is an extensive range of events that visitors can attend. So meet the famous faces behind their favourite novels and literary works. Author events are also sometimes available to attend online. A full programme of these events with dates and times and a link to book them can be found on their Events List webpage.

Unsure of where to take the kids next these summer holidays? A large number of events held at the Edinburgh International Book Festival are family-friendly. Some of the most popular events include the Gruffalo Trail, Meet Pikachu, Rhymetime with Joy Tots, Are you Sitting Comfortably and several Bookbug sessions too. Want to know the best part about all these family-friendly events as well? They are completely free of charge to attend! The events are often held in the EFI Children’s tent, Courtyard Meeting Point or Venue C. Further information about these family-friendly events can be found on their What’s on? webpage under the ‘Events for families’ tab.  

And for our night owls – the Edinburgh International Book Festival also hosts various late-night events, including a pub quiz and even a Ceilidh! These events often run up to 22:30pm and even 23:00pm at the very latest – you can find out more about these late-night functions on their What’s on? webpage under the ‘Late Night Events’ tab.  

Accessibility and Inclusion…

Edinburgh International Book Festival is committed to promoting and practising accessibility and inclusivity. They provide a platform for the voices of individuals which are often overlooked. Making it one of their primary objectives to eliminate barriers to access for those who do not view themselves as a typical book-festival audience attendee or stereotype. In alignment with these values, they also work closely with the local community including educational institutions, public libraries, hospitals, the prison sector and various community hubs to promote a love of and engagement with reading throughout demographics of all ages and backgrounds.

 

As some events are held virtually, this also means that they are accessible for those who cannot attend in person. All live-streamed events and some in-person functions also offer a ‘Pay What You Can’ .

Library Recommendations…

Books by some of your favourite authors from the Edinburgh International Book Festival can be found in our three campus libraries.  See below links to a couple of titles.

 

By Rachel Downie

Have a look at what to do in Edinburgh over the Summer. 

Photo by Jessica Ruscello Unsplash 

Olympic rings in front of Eiffel Tower

Paris Summer Olympics 2024

25/07/2024 / / 0 Comments

Paris Summer Olympics 2024

Hot on the heels of Euro 2024 comes the Summer Olympics in Paris. These run from Friday 26th July 2024 to Sunday 11th August 2024.  Followed by the Paralympic Games (again in Paris) from Wednesday 28th August 2024 to Sunday 8th September 2024.

The 2024 Summer Olympics, also known as Jeux olympiques d’été de 2024, are officially the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad and formally branded as Paris 2024.

The motto of the Olympic Games consists of three Latin words: Citius – Altius – Fortius – meaning Faster – Higher – Stronger.

For the first time ever, the opening ceremony will be held in a stadium –  where the Parade of Athletes will take place on the River Seine with boats for each national delegation.

The closing ceremony will be held at Stade de France on Sunday 11th August 2024.

Paris is one of three cities to have hosted the Summer Games three times (in 1900, 1924 and 2024), the other two being London and Los Angeles. The next Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028.

The Olympic Rings.

The Olympic Rings represent the five inhabited continents of Africa, America, Asia Europe and Oceania. The interlinked rings demonstrate the inclusiveness of the Games and how athletes from all over the world gather to compete. Antarctica is the only continent participating in the Games due to having such limited habitation.

The Olympic Torch Relay.

The Olympic Torch represents a symbol of unity and peace, spreading the spirit of the Games as it travels throughout France. From Marseille to Paris, the Olympic Torch Relay takes place over three months and also passes through French Overseas Territories.

Emblem for Paris 2024.

The emblem for the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics is inspired by Art Deco and is a representation of Marianne, the national personification of France, with a flame formed in negative space by her hair. The emblem also resembles a gold medal. And symbolises the power and magic of the Games, and that the Games are for everyone. The use of a female figure honours the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris – the first Games which allowed women to compete. For the first time, the 2024 Summer Paralympics will share the same emblem as the Olympic Games, with no variation, indicating a shared ambition between both events.

Mascots

The Phryges are the mascots of the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. A pair of anthropomorphic Phrygian caps, they are a historic French symbol of freedom and liberty. The two mascots share a motto of “Alone we go faster, but together we go further”.

Medals & Medal Events.

The Olympic and Paralympic medals feature embedded hexagon-shaped tokens of scrap iron which had been taken from the original construction of the Eiffel Tower with the Games logo engraved into it. The reverse of the medals features Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, inside the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic  Games were held in 1896. The Parthenon and the Eiffel Tower can also be seen in the background on both sides of the medal.

Events.

There is a huge variety of sports featured at the Olympic Games. This year, Breaking (Break Dancing) will feature as an optional sport for the very first time. There will also be events in Skateboarding, Sport Climbing and Surfing which featured in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 for the first time. The events will be held across 35 venues, including French Overseas Territories.

Women and the Olympics.

Paris 1900 was the first Games which allowed women to participate in the competition. Paris 2024 will make history again by ensuring that there is an equal representation of male and female athletes. Achieving numerical gender parity. The journey to increase women’s participation has taken over a century. Tokyo 2020 gave women more opportunities than ever before to compete and introduced several new sports. Tokyo 2020 also implemented a rule allowing male and female athletes to jointly carry their flag during the Opening Ceremony for the first time ever. All of this paves the way for women in sports and will help Paris 2024 achieve its goal of full gender parity.

Enjoy!

Whatever you’re doing this summer, have fun watching the Olympics. It is a real test of skill, stamina and sheer determination for the athletes. Watch the best of the best, world records being broken, personal bests being achieved. And, you never know, you might just find yourself wanting to try a new activity!

Missed our post about the EUROs, have no fear.

By Sharon McMichael

Photo by Luca Dugaro Unsplash 

Graduations at the Usher hall on the 5th of July 2023 coincided with King Charles III visit to Holyrood and included a Red Arrow display team fly over the city including the Usherhall while the graduation Ceremony was in progress.

Class of 2024

03/07/2024 / / 0 Comments

Class of 2024.

Well done and many hearty congratulations to the class of 2024. Today is the start of our Summer graduations at the Usher Hall on Lothian Road. Starting off with the School of Applied Sciences. And finishing with the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment and School of Health and Social Care. We congratulate you and wish you all the best for future endeavours.

Graduations 2024

Graduations are a special time of year for everyone at Edinburgh Napier University. And there is certainly a buzz of excitement at the University. Our graduations are being held at the Usher Hall. The Usher Hall came about at the end of the 19th Century, with Whisky brewer Andrew Usher gifting £100 000 to the City of Edinburgh. According to the Bank of England, that’s roughly over 11 million pounds. The dream was that the Usher Hall would ‘become and remain a centre and attraction to musical artistes and performers and to the citizens of Edinburgh and others…’ (UsherHall.co.uk).  Unfortunately, Andrew Usher died before he saw his dreams come to reality, Usher Hall was opened in March 1914. Since then Usher Hall has been a pinnacle in the city centre and the home of our graduations.

The auditorium will open one hour before the start of the ceremony. All guests and graduands (graduating students) must be seated at least 20 minutes before the beginning of the ceremony.  Then the Academic Procession and the Chancellor’s Procession enter the auditorium. The Chancellor of the University will declare the ceremony open and deliver his opening address. And the graduating ceremony begins. MyNapier Graduations has more information. 

Well done Class of 2024

We just want to say congratulations one more time. The library is truly proud of all the work achieved and accomplished. We are wishing the very best for the future. And don’t forget, you can join the Alumni Network.  

Which will give you endless library visits and you can always follow the blog.

 

 

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