1000 novels everyone must read: the definitive list

The Guardian has produced a list of 1000 novels everyone must read.

How many of these have you read?

Darwin Bicentenary

Interesting review of some books on Charles Darwin here.

Follow the voyage of The Beagle here.

Libraries are 'sanctuaries for learning' - Barack Obama

In 2005 Barack Obama spoke to the American Librarian Association on 'Literacy and Education in a 21st Century Economy'. The speech is well worth reading - the American experience mirrors our own. Obama says, "the library has always been a window to a larger world.... libraries remind us that truth isn't about who yells the loudest, but who has the right information."

Read the complete speech here.

Costa Children's Book Award

Just Henry by Michelle Magorian has today won the Costa children's book award.

Find out more

Short Story Competition

Don't forget the library's very own short story competition. All you have to do is write a story in exactly 366 words. Prizes awarded for the best entries. Closing date 30 January.