To celebrate the National Year of Reading, Powys Cultural Services invited staff to submit their favourite book titles for inclusion in Powys’ 50 Picks.
Through our online survey, staff nominated a wonderfully diverse range of books and formats, from classic children’s fiction to a biography inspired by a lecture series. The selections included titles in both English and Welsh, and several books were nominated more than once.
The project has provided a fantastic opportunity to start conversations among staff. For cultural professionals, you might be surprised by how little opportunity we actually have to discuss the books on our shelves and explore why they mean so much to us. Sharing the books that have shaped our lives has proved to be a jump-start to discovering common interests, values and experiences.
Beyond our staff, the National Year of Reading campaign aims to reverse the decline in reading for pleasure, particularly among young people, by highlighting how books can enrich our hobbies and passions and, ultimately, inspire us. Discover more about the campaign by searching #GoAllIn.
Our dedicated Powys 50 Picks catalogue page features staff reviews and direct links for reserving titles.
Alongside this, a survey open to both staff and the public is now live on our website. It will help us decide which books by the authors who received multiple nominations should make the final Powys 50 Picks list. Alternatively, you can cast your vote in person at one of our designated ballot boxes in branch libraries.
The list is being launched to coincide with Welsh Public Libraries Week, taking place from 28 September to 3 October. Throughout the week, libraries across Wales will host a programme of events celebrating the many joys and benefits of reading, from reducing stress and lowering heart rates to bringing people and communities together.
Explore the list and help us complete Powys 50 Picks here: Powys 50 Picks