This World Book Day, New College celebrated it's most exciting and action packed event yet! This year’s theme was the comic based 'Superheroes and Superbooks'.
World Book Day started early at the College this year, with the Library launching its Comic Cover Design Contest back in January and announcing the winner on the day. Accepted designs were both traditional and digital, and the only brief was that it must be titled 'The Librarian'. There were so many talented entries that the Library even extended the competition deadline, and by the end of the contest, nine covers were submitted in an incredible range of mediums and interpretation.
The Library made World Book Day a week-long event- naming it World Book Week, of course- with the National Day being the peak of all the excitement. The week started on the Monday, with an online Twitter war between Superheroes and even Supervillains; several students got involved in this online debate which waged all week!
On World Book Day itself, we were treated to a visit from bona fide, historical fiction author, James Aitcheson! He held a “Meet the Author” event in the Library in the morning where students could ask him questions, get their books signed, or buy personally signed copies of his three titles, Sworn Sword, Splintered Kingdom and Knights of the Hawk.
James then visited a Medieval History lecture as the class are currently studying the Norman invasion, with thirty students attending the talk to hear about his research into this historical period, which is the main setting for his Conquest series.
James also took on the role of Guest Judge in the Comic Cover Design Contest. He was very impressed with New College students' work and efforts, and both he and College Librarian, Rebecca Wilson, found it difficult to pick the top covers; all had winning qualities! Alas, there were only three prizes (kindly provided by Ka-Pow Comics in Queensgate Market, Huddersfield) to present, and so a tough decision had to be made. After much deliberation, 3rd place prize went to Hannah Walker, 2nd place prize went to Kitty Muir and 1st place prize went to Zaenab Younus.
In the afternoon, nine lucky students had the pleasure of attending James’ creative writing workshop. Attendee and student, Kitty Muir, said “The exercises were really fun, inspiring and it was so nice to talk to a real author who gave some fantastic advice. I only wish it could have been longer so we could learn even more.”
We also raised funds for Book Aid International, who supply much needed books to Sub-Saharan African libraries in communities and colleges. The library has always been proud to raise funds for this literary charity on World Book Day, and this year our Superhero cake sale helped raise a fantastic £44.88!
It goes without saying that we're already looking forward to next year!
