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.

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Image of Radio stuff for National Amateur Radio Day

National Amateur Radio Day

18/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

National Amateur Radio Day

Radio perhaps does not have the ubiquity in people’s lives as it did before. It was once the premier mass medium for music as well as information, until the 1960s at least. Spotify playlists tend to rule the roost in cafes and pubs nowadays, with playlists often generated by algorithm. Now, television as well as micro news from social media is the predominant way we consume our news, fake or otherwise – whether we like it or not. Radio has been at the heart of musical innovation too, from the Radio Ballads made by the BBC (1958-1964), to the over-layered noise experiments of John Cage’s Radio Music (1956), using transistor radios as instruments. In a similar spirit, Radiophrenia, the Glasgow-based sound art and radio initiative of Timothea Armour, Mark Vernon and Stevie Jones, is currently broadcasting as part of its annual festival of left of the dial material.

Pirate Radio

Pirate (i.e unofficial or unlicensed) radio was also key to certain periods of genre innovation and expansion in music – for example, Radio Luxembourg and rock n roll in the late 60s; jungle, drum & bass etc were promoted by local London pirate stations at a key time for electronic music innovation in the late 80s/early 90s. Student Radio stations have also attained legendary cult status – e.g WFMU in New Jersey, and KEXP in Washington State. WFMU is known for it’s ‘freeform radio’ approach, which prioritizes eclectic and unusual, non-commercial music as well as talk radio. KEXP, another station that has its roots in university education, was a major promoter of grunge music as it broke through to the mainstream in the early 1990s. To this day, it regularly hosts up and coming as well as more established bands (these have attained a high level of popularity on YouTube). Some still broadcast on radio frequency, such as the college station in my home town of Galway (Flirt F.M).

Online Radio

However, there has been an explosion of online stations which do not broadcast on any radio frequency. Due to licensing costs as well as the limited bandwidth on radio frequency, many radio producers opt to stream on the internet. Close to home, our own Edinburgh Napier Radio Group (ENRG) is an incredibly active radio station that broadcasts online only. This year, it celebrates 10 years of operation, the product of the innovative, productive tendencies of the staff and students that brought it into being. Their work spans a range of topics, from news to music; fittingly, it is a professional operation, with an ‘all action’ website that has an eye on the cutting edge of mass media today.

By Kieran Curran

Read more fascinating articles on the Library Blog Like: International Forest Day

World Art Day

World Art Day 2025

15/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

World Art Day 2025

Art is all around us, and comes in many different shapes and forms. It consists of many forms and practices, including painting, geometric abstraction, conceptual, sculptural, baroque, photography, surrealism, and abstract expressionism. It is not always just visual as well: art can take the form of music, theatre, cinematography and architecture to give some examples. All in all, the world would be a very dull and miserable place without it. So every year on the 15th of April, World Art Day acknowledges the profound link between the contributions of artists worldwide and sustainable development within society. It also raises awareness of the diversity within the artistic community and artistic expression overall.

History of World Art Day

World Art Day was first proclaimed in the 40th session of UNESCO’s General Conference, which was held in Paris from the 12th until the 27th of November 2019. Its foundations were initially laid by the International Association of Art (IAA), which was formed in 1954 to collaborate with UNESCO in an official partnership and as an NGO (a non-governmental organisation) to ultimately represent the work and legacies of professional artists. World Art Day is thought to also pay tribute to the work and legacy of world-famous artist Leonardo Da Vinci, whose birthday falls on the same day as World Art Day – the 15th of April.

All in all, Word Art Day not only honour the world of Leonardo Da Vinci himself, but essentially all the contributions which artists across the globe make in moulding our cultural landscape. Their work and role in society is invaluable, as are the contributions that many of our SACI (School of Arts and Creative Industries) students and staff make both within the university and externally.

Our School of Arts and Creative Industries…

One of the fundamental objectives of the School of Arts and Creative Industries at Napier is to encourage innovation and progression within our SACI student community, as well as foster their talents by providing them with opportunities for collaboration and networking within creative industries and communities to eventually go on to develop sustainable careers. Some of our creative courses include Design, Photography and Advertising, Acting, Music, and English. Film, Television and Journalism is another course which we offer as well within SACI.

Employability, all in all, is at the heart of Napier’s core values and all of their programmes and schools, and we aim to ensure that all of our students feel ready and well-equipped for commencing placements and work experience to prepare them for pursuing successful careers once they spread their wings and leave the university. To facilitate these invaluable work experience opportunities, we have built a solid rapport with both UK-based and international employers and industries to allow access to these opportunities as well as networking events. We also allow students to showcase their work and final year projects at our Napier degree show, which will run this year from the 30th of May until the 6th of June at Merchiston campus. The event is open to all as well!

Some fun facts about Art…

  • Thirty-century year old cave paintings have been discovered in Chauvet, France.
  • Leonardo Da Vinci spent 14 years finishing his widely renowned ‘Mona Lisa’ painting despite it being a relatively small portrait. It also did not become well-known within art communities until after it was stolen in 1911, which led to it becoming more famous and widely recognised.
  • Art used to be held as an Olympic event but was stopped in 1954 after concerns were raised about the professional status of participants and competitors. Almost every competitor submitting their work was a professional artist – they were all required to be amateurs according to the rules of the event.
  • The Louvre Art Gallery in Paris is the most popular art gallery in the world, bringing in more visitors than any other art gallery across the globe.

Further Reading for World Art Day

Have we sparked your interest in the world of art and creativity? Here are some recommended titles in our library stock to consult if you would like to read more about this subject area.

 

  • ‘Art: the definitive visual guide’, Graham-Dixon, Andrew Bridgeman Art Library, 2008. Available at Merchiston Campus Library.
  • ‘Light years: conceptual art and the photograph, 1964-1977′, Witkovsky, Matthew S., 1967-; Godfrey, Mark (Mark Benjamin); Art Institute of Chicago. C2011. Available at Merchiston Campus Library.
  • ‘Before photography: painting and the invention of photography’, Galassi, Peter.; Museum of Modern Art (New York, N.Y.), c1981. Available at Merchiston Campus Library.

 

By Rachel Downie

 

Photo credit goes to Matheus at Pexels.

 

Keep the creativity going and read about World Theatre Day 

International Record Store Day image of record player on a turntable. AI generated

International Record Store Day

12/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

A Celebration of International Record Store Day

Vinyl lovers, rejoice! Every year, music fans around the world celebrate International Record Store Day (RSD). It’s a day dedicated to independent record stores, rare vinyl releases, and the joy of discovering music the old-school way. But how did this tradition start? Let’s take a spin through its history.

The Birth of Record Store Day

International Record Store Day (RSD) started in 2007 when a group of record store owners had an idea. Streaming was on the rise, and digital music threatened physical sales. They wanted to remind the world of the magic of vinyl. So, in 2008, the first Record Store Day was held. It featured exclusive vinyl releases, live performances, and packed indie shops. It was a hit! Music fans of all kinds flocked to local stores, eager to grab limited-edition records and experience the thrill of crate-digging.

The event wasn’t just about sales. It was about celebrating music culture, independent artists, and the unique charm of brick-and-mortar record shops. Stores that once faced the threat of closing saw a resurgence of interest. Record collectors, both young and old, came together to share their love of vinyl.

The Growth of a Global Phenomenon

What started in the U.S. quickly spread worldwide. Today, Record Store Day happens in countries across the globe. Every April, artists release special editions, fans queue outside their favourite shops, and live music fills the air. Big names like David Bowie, Taylor Swift, and Prince have all had exclusive RSD releases. But it’s not just about the stars. Independent and underground artists also use RSD as a platform to reach new audiences.

The event has helped drive the vinyl resurgence. Over the past decade, vinyl sales have soared, proving that physical music is far from dead. Collectors appreciate the superior sound quality, the detailed album art, and the joy of flipping through records in a store.

Why Vinyl Still Matters

There’s something special about vinyl. The crackle of the needle, the album artwork, the feeling of holding music in your hands—it’s an experience. Record Store Day keeps that alive. It supports small businesses and keeps music culture thriving. In a world of instant streaming, RSD reminds us to slow down and savour music in a more meaningful way.

Join the Celebration!

Want to be part of the fun? Find a participating store near you. Get there early, hunt for hidden gems, and maybe even catch a live show. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just curious, RSD welcomes everyone.

So, dust off that turntable and get ready to spin. Happy Record Store Day!

Resources

Local Edinburgh Record Stores:

Vinyl Villains: An Edinburgh Staple
Assai Records Edinburgh
Underground Solution
Thorne Records: Just round the corner from our Merchiston Campus!

We have a wide variety of resources in the Library for you to access. We have books, sheet music and digital resources for listening online. Check out LibrarySearch to find out more.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on Music here on the blog with: The Article: World Music Day

 

National Unicorn Day

National Unicorn Day – 9th April

09/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

National Unicorn Day – 9th April

 

Today is National Unicorn Day, which is celebrated annually on the 9th of April. Unicorns appear as magical creatures in many movies, cartoons and fantasy novels, fascinating both children and adults alike.

Unicorns are beautiful horse-like creatures with a single spiralling horn growing from the centre of their forehead. They are steeped in history, going as far back as Ancient Greece, and have been part of many cultures, including the ancient Babylonians and the Indus civilisation. In Celtic mythology, unicorns are said to represent purity, innocence, and power. Their horns are alleged to have magical powers that can purify poisoned water and heal sickness.

Scotland and the Unicorn

Scotland has always loved legends, from ghosts and witches to giant water creatures, so maybe it’s not so surprising that Scotland has chosen the unicorn as its national animal. They are proud, wild, independent creatures with a strong spirit making them difficult to conquer or capture – ideals which represent the spirit of the Scottish people who would fight to remain unconquered. However, they are often also seen as symbols of love, purity, enchantment and magic.

Unicorns are featured widely in Scottish heraldry such as coats of arms or crests. The unicorn has featured in the royal coat of arms for Scotland from around the mid-1500s which displayed two unicorns supporting the Scottish coat of arms. In Scottish heraldry, unicorns are always depicted with gold chains around them. It is believed that this symbolised the power of Scottish kings, that only they were strong enough to tame such wild animals.

In 1603, King James VI of Scotland also became King James I of England, so he replaced one of the unicorns with a lion, the national animal of England, to represent unity between the two countries. However, it is well known in folklore that unicorns and lions are enemies, battling to be named the king of beasts.

So, where can you find unicorns? They can be found throughout Scotland, even right here in Edinburgh! They are featured on a heraldic shield by the gates to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, another in the Royal Apartments in Edinburgh Castle, and among the Victorian wood carvings at St. Gile’s Cathedral so why not go and see them for yourself?

Many towns across Scotland, including Edinburgh, Culross, Prestonpans, Dunfermline, Jedburgh, Melrose, Falkland, Crail, Aberdeen and Inverness feature mercat crosses, a Scottish market cross representing trade and prosperity. The crosses vary from being very simple to lavish designs which often feature a unicorn at the top.

Celebrate National Unicorn Day

National Unicorn Day began in 2015 to celebrate these magnificent mythological animals. So, how can we celebrate National Unicorn Day? Why not:

watch a movie that includes unicorns

bake or buy rainbow cupcakes

draw, paint or craft unicorn-themed art

research the history and symbolism of unicorns

Go for a unicorn-themed walk around a town or city and take photos of what you find.

However you spend National Unicorn Day, just remember how good things can be when you allow a little magic into your life!

By Sharon McMichael

Photo by Paul Bill

Read about the history of Edinburgh Napier

 

World Health Day image of earth shaped like a heart with a stethascope

World Health Day

07/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

World Health Day

About World Health Day

World Health Day is a global awareness campaign that is celebrated annually on the 7th of April. The primary focus is to draw attention to a range of pressing and detrimental health problems and issues that affect individuals from all across the globe. It also actively promotes and calls for individuals and communities worldwide to devote a significant degree of focus toward public health and health-related challenges, and for institutions and governments to tackle these as a priority. Every year, a specific health issue of concern or illness will be a primary focal point that World Health Day will address and aim to raise awareness of. The specific theme and focus of each year can be, for example, a highly transmittable disease, barriers to sufficient healthcare access, environmental health and mental health challenges in today’s world.

This year’s theme and focus…

This year’s campaign for World Health Day is titled ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’ and solely focuses on pushing governments and healthcare institutions to try to put a stop to preventable newborn and maternal fatalities, as well as prioritising and devoting a significant focus toward the reproductive health, long term general health and wellbeing of women overall. For women and families across the world, the importance of adequate and high-quality care being in a place that caters for their physical and emotional health during the early and late stages of pregnancy as well as the post-partum stage cannot be emphasised enough. Current published estimates by the World Health Organisation suggest that approximately 300,000 women lose their lives due to pregnancy-related complications or during childbirth every year. It is also reported that close to two million babies die during the first month of their lives each year with two million more being a stillbirth.

 

With these terrifying and stark statistics in mind, the World Health Organisation intends to put out a variety of helpful information to promote healthy pregnancies and reproductivity, as well as better postnatal health and healthcare as well. Our Napier libraries also have a range of resources available regarding women’s reproductive health and general wellbeing, as well as women’s health during pregnancy and pregnancy-related care before, during and after childbirth.

Our School of Health and Social Care, Nursing and Midwifery

Edinburgh Napier hosts one of the largest schools of Health and Social care in the country and is recognised as one of the biggest providers of nursing and midwifery education as well. It has an excellent reputation which is recognised throughout the UK and beyond, and it’s midwifery course allows it’s student community to gain first-hand clinical experience and practice in midwifery in a range of healthcare settings. They are also taught and supported by lecturers with a high level of expertise in both current research and first-hand clinical practice. This ultimately means that many of our midwifery graduates leave us having acquired a wide range of clinical skills and knowledge which equips them to effectively support, advise and advocate for women and their families throughout each stage of pregnancy and childbirth.

Our Napier libraries also have a wealth of resources and textbooks on Midwifery and healthcare which are primarily located in our Sighthill campus library. The literature available encompasses a range of unique experiences which each individual women can have throughout their pregnancy journey and ultimately helps to support the research and clinical skills development and progression of our midwifery student community with a wealth of high-quality information and sources.

How Our Libraries Can Support Midwifery Students

All of the print and electronic resources that we have can be found and requested through LibrarySearch. As well as a wealth of material on current research regarding midwifery and reproductive healthcare, we also have a variety of resources in our research collection about the art and skill of conducting healthcare and midwifery research including how to write a literature review, for example. We also have subscriptions to a vast number of healthcare databases which include healthcare and allied health journals with the most current and up-to-date research on various health topics, including midwifery and women’s reproductive and general health. MA Healthcare Complete is one of the databases mentioned in our LibGuide which includes some leading titles in midwifery research. Another database where coverage of midwifery research is mentioned is Ovid Emcare, which is ran by Elsevier and covers all areas of nursing specialities and healthcare. Furthermore, the likehood of the other healthcare databases listed in our Libguide having resources with current research on midwifery and women’s reproductive and general health is pretty high as well!

 Some Recommendations from the Library

As well as our ever-popular Mayes Midwifery textbooks and PROMPT Practical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training Course manual (3rd edition), we have a wide variety of other resources covering midwifery research as well as women’s reproductive and general health and wellbeing. These recommendations can be found below.

By Rachel Downie

exam support

The Library for New Staff

05/04/2025 / / 1 Comment

The Library for New Staff

If you are a new staff member at Edinburgh Napier University, we would like to welcome you to our campus libraries. They are not just for students and academic staff so why not check them out?

In our libraries you will find novels, books on music, design, photography, health and much more. We also have access to thousands of e-books and articles. Sign into our catalogue, Library Search , to search for books and articles and to access databases.

Librarysearch

 

If you would like to borrow a book from a different campus from the one you are working at, it’s not a problem. You can use our Click and Collect service to request books from other campus libraries and you will receive an email notification when it is available for you to collect. You can then issue the book to yourself at one of our self-service kiosks. This is useful if you would like to borrow an item after staff hours. Books can also be returned using the kiosks. Using the Box of Broadcasts database, you have access to thousands of programmes from a range of tv channels. Search for archived programmes or “record” upcoming ones.

Our Wellbeing Collection offers a range of materials which deal with topics such as anxiety and depression, to living well and sexuality. In each campus library we have a Relaxation Space where we have colouring sheets, jigsaws and coloured pencils for your use. You can of course, just come along to relax.

If the nearest printer to your workstation is out of order, you can release your printing from the library printers as the system is cloud-based.

We hope to see you sometime in the library and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. You can follow us and keep up to date with library news on Instagram and X: Email: library@napier.ac.uk

Telephone 0131 455 3500 Tweet us: @EdNapLib Follow us on Instagram @ENU_Library

by Vivienne Hamilton

Read more about library information or check our webpages 

Image of people in kilts for Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath

Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath

04/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath: Scotland’s Legacy of Freedom

Every year on April 6th, Scots and their descendants celebrate Tartan Day. It honours Scotland’s rich heritage and the lasting impact of its people worldwide. But the date is no accident. April 6th marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, a historic document that shaped the fight for Scottish independence.

The Declaration of Arbroath: A Bold Statement of Freedom

On April 6, 1320, Scottish nobles sent a letter to Pope John XXII. It declared Scotland’s right to exist as an independent nation. The letter, now known as the Declaration of Arbroath, was addressed to the Pope because he had the power to influence King Edward II of England. Scotland had fought for decades to break free from English rule. This document was a plea for recognition and support.

Written in Latin, the declaration made a passionate case for self-rule. It stated that Scotland had always been free and would remain so. The most famous line reads:

“As long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.”

This was a radical statement for the time. Kings ruled by divine right, but here was a document saying a king’s authority depended on the will of the people. If he failed to protect their freedom, they could choose another leader.

The Lasting Impact of the Declaration of Arbroath

The Declaration of Arbroath didn’t immediately win Scotland’s independence. But it strengthened the country’s resolve. Eventually, in 1328, England recognized Scotland’s sovereignty through the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton.

Centuries later, the declaration’s words still inspire. Some historians see echoes of it in the American Declaration of Independence. The idea that government exists by the will of the people resonates strongly today.

A History of Tartan

Tartan has a deep history. The Celts wove early versions over 3,000 years ago. By the 16th century, Scots wore it widely. Each region had its own patterns. Families later claimed unique designs.

In 1746, the British banned tartan after the Jacobite uprising. The law aimed to weaken Highland identity. Scots defied the ban in secret. In 1782, the government lifted it. Tartan returned stronger than ever.

By the 19th century, Queen Victoria embraced tartan. It became a symbol of Scottish pride. Today, designers use it worldwide. From kilts to catwalks, tartan remains iconic.

Kinds of Tartan

1. Clan Tartan: Each Scottish clan has its own tartan. Families wear their specific patterns with pride.

2. District Tartan: These represent regions, not families. People from a certain area can wear them.

3. Hunting Tartan: Designed for outdoor wear, these use muted earth tones. They blend into nature.

4. Dress Tartan: Brighter and fancier, often with more white. Traditionally worn for formal events.

5. Mourning Tartan: Darker shades, usually black and grey. Worn to honour lost loved ones.

6. Royal Tartan: Reserved for the British royal family. The Balmoral tartan, for example, is exclusive to them.

7. Corporate Tartan: Businesses and organizations create custom tartans. They use them for branding and uniforms.

The Witches of Scotland Tartan

The Witches of Scotland tartan has recently been released. It honours those accused of witchcraft in Scotland. It features deep purples, blacks, and greys, symbolizing mourning and justice. Designed in 2022, it supports the campaign for a formal apology and pardon. The tartan raises awareness of past injustices and sparks conversations. Many wear it to show solidarity with victims of the witch trials.

Tartan Day: A Modern Celebration

Tartan Day originated in Canada in the 1980s. The idea was to recognize the contributions of Scottish immigrants and to celebrate Scotland around the world.

Parades, Highland games, and cultural events mark the day. People wear kilts and display their family tartans. Pipe bands march through cities, and Scottish heritage groups educate the public about their roots. The day is a reminder of Scotland’s influence around the world.

Why Tartan Day Matters

Tartan Day isn’t just about history. It’s about identity. Millions of people around the world have Scottish ancestry. They take pride in their heritage and in the values of perseverance, independence, and freedom.

Whether you have Scottish roots or simply admire the culture, Tartan Day is a chance to celeb

Resources

Read more on Librarysearch about Tartan and more on Scotland here on our Blog with articles like:

Bridges of Scotland or Scottish Women in Science

By Juliet Kinsey

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt: Napier Libraries

03/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

Easter Egg Hunt: Napier Libraries

Easter Egg Hunt at Napier libraries

It’s that time of year again. When arrays of chocolate eggs start to disappear from the supermarket shelves and the Easter egg hunts start to commence in full swing. If you celebrated Easter as a child, you may have participated in a few or many Easter egg hunts, rushing about frantically and searching every corner to gather as many eggs as you possibly could. This traditional easter activity is thought by some to have first originated in the late 16th century when protestant reformer Martin Luther arranged various egg hunts as part of his congregation. Eggs would be hidden by men for women and children to later try to locate. Soon, this was to become a beloved childhood activity which takes place in April across many parts of the world, and one which comes around annually at our Napier campus libraries as well!

So yes – if you feel like being a kid again for the day and winning a chocolate bunny or creme egg, come along to one of our campus libraries and take part in our Spring challenge for a chance to win a little treat. Egg, nut, dairy and gluten free options are also available and offered at the library helpdesks.

Easter Egg Hunt: The Challenge…

 

If you come to any one of our campus library helpdesks and ask to participate in the Easter Challenge, you will be handed a bowl with some slips of paper to choose from, which will have either a question or a specific book to look for. There may be more than one correct answer for some of the questions. As for the books, each campus will have a range of specific titles within their shelves, one of which you will need to locate to win a prize. The majority of these selected titles are easter-themed, with a few being more general and randomised. Each book will also have a token inside which you will need to bring down to the helpdesk to claim your prize, whether that be a chocolate easter bunny or Creme Egg. The questions, on the other hand, are library-themed, and the same rule applies, where if you get the question right, you can claim one of the sweet treats mentioned above that we have on offer.

Once the chocolates are gone, they are gone! Our spring challenge will then come to an end for this year, so if you are on campus and fancy a sweet easter treat, hurry along to one of our campus library helpdesks and ask our friendly staff about the spring challenge.

The Rules…

Like most games and activities, our Spring Challenge does have some rules to be followed. One go is allowed per person; however, if you do get the wrong answer to a question or do not find the correct book token, you will be granted another attempt. One treat is allowed per slip of paper as well if the question is answered correctly or the right book token is brought down to the helpdesk. This applies even if the challenge is done in groups – you and your friend or group of friends can take a slip each; however, if you only take one slip, you would only get one treat to share between all of you – This applies even if you completed the challenge together! Edinburgh Napier staff as well as our students are also more than welcome to participate in the Spring Challenge (unless you are library staff, we’re afraid, it would be far too easy)!

With regards to the book hunt as well – if you do find the correct book that you are looking for based on the title noted on the slip you chose, you will only need to bring the token down to the helpdesk, not the book. As well as being a fun Easter activity for students and staff to participate in, we also believe that it will facilitate a wider and more enhanced understanding of the resources we have to offer at our Napier campus libraries and how to navigate them as well. You might even find a book title that is relevant to your course that you did not even realise you needed or were indeed looking for all along!

 

We look forward to seeing some of our students from the Napier community at the helpdesk who wish to participate in our Spring Challenge.

 

By Rachel Downie

Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels.

Our opening hours will change over the Easter period, find out here

 

Read about previous years

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

World Theatre  Day 2025

01/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

World Theatre  Day 2025

 

As it is World Theatre Day today, it seems appropriate to write a little about Edinburgh’s illustrious history and continued tradition of dramatic performance.

Edinburgh And Theatre

Perhaps the first thing people think of is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Initially formed in 1947 as a more eclectic, grassroots ‘fringe’ to the more ‘high cultural’ Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe now dwarfs its erstwhile rival and is an established, world-famous cultural behemoth. Probably more famous nowadays for its significance to stand-up comedy, it hosts large-scale, expensive drama; the spirit of dramatic endeavour, experiment and (productive) failure is still there, in the lesser-known acts in the Fringe itself as well as the Free Fringe.

Of course, the Fringe is not the only story. The Traverse Theatre was set up in 1962 by Richard Demarco, John Calder and Jim Haynes (amongst others) to encourage new playwrights at a time of high dramatic innovation in the 1960s. They had an international, cosmopolitan focus – the first play they produced was by Fernando Arrabal, an experimental Spanish playwright based in self-exile in Paris from Franco’s Spain. It was initially situated in a disused building on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, with seats salvaged from a nearby cinema. In 1992, it attained a permanent space beside the Usher Hall on Lothian Road, where it still operates today, and still promotes new writing, as well as working with schools and youth groups.

Universities on World Theatre Day

Aside from the excellent collection of 20th century dramatic texts by a range of international writers in our Merchiston Library, it also is the location of the archive of the aforementioned Jim Haynes, which he personally donated to the university. Haynes lived an intriguing, quixotic life – originally from the US, served in their air force, then settled in Scotland after being stationed in Kirknewton. He moved to Edinburgh, where he lived for over two decades, setting up the first paperback bookshop in Scotland, and later moved to Paris, where he lived until the end of his life in 2021. Professionally, he was a bookseller and magazine editor, but perhaps his key skill perhaps was connecting people together – his obituary here by James Campbell captures this well.

In more recent times, student theatre is often a source of new energy in drama in the city. Theatre Paradok, set up by Edinburgh University students but not limited to the institution, performs adapted work, and occasionally original writing by students. Peer Gynt by Henrik Ibsen was ambitiously staged upstairs in the old Forest Café on 3 Bristo Place, a social space, café and hub for all sorts of DIY arts endeavours; Grimm Tales (a dark adaptation of the famous children’s stories) was a promenade piece in the basement of McEwan Hall. Closer to home, our own Napier University Drama Society performs original work that ranges from plays to improvised comedy routines.

 

Kieran Curran

Read about Edinburgh Napier taking over the Fringe Festival last year

Photo by Hulki Okan Tabak Unspalsh

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