'Under The Covers' 
From Westminster Libraries Podcast

'Under The Covers' From Westminster Libraries

Westminster Libraries
Each month a guest will be talking about the books on their bedside table. Are they being read or just sitting there? There will be animated discussion, and reading recommendations, for sure, but so much more. It's just the start of a conversation. What career path have they taken, what are their passions? Has reading contributed to any of this? It will also shine a light on the services available in Libraries: Blood pressure checks, anyone?
'Celebration!': Episode 12
This month marks a year since the podcast was launched and it feels timely to celebrate the amazing contributions we've had. So this episode features a little something from each of the 12 guests. Huge thanks to all of them. And thank you for following 'Under the Covers' - hopefully this will be a happy reminder. And for new listeners, perhaps this will be an engaging taster which will tempt you to subscribe! The music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive
May 2, 2022
23 min
The Campaign To End Loneliness: Episode 11
There are nine million lonely people in the United Kingdom, with a social cost running into billions of pounds. This month we’re hearing from Robin Hewings of the Campaign to End Loneliness. The group brings charities, policy makers and government bodies together to try to tackle the emotional and physical pain of the ‘epidemic of loneliness’. Our music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive
Apr 4, 2022
20 min
'She Is You' - Achieving in Life: Episode 10
Caroline Odogwu co-founded 'She Is You' to help young women from diverse backgrounds to achieve professionally and personally. Caroline describes how it came about after an University experience where she initially struggled to 'find her tribe'. She also talks about supporting Apprentices in her 'day job' at Westminster City Council. And in this, Women's History Month, Caroline has an inspirational book recommendation.  Our music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive
Mar 7, 2022
20 min
Ashlee Barnard: Episode 9
In February's edition we hear from Ashlee Barnard who helps IT and other council departments to connect and really understand each other, as an IT Strategic Business Partner for Westminster City Council. As with so many people, Ashlee hasn't been able to visit her family overseas for two years, and she speaks about how she's managed that. And she also has a novel way to tackle those really big books. Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive
Feb 1, 2022
21 min
Sara Nisha Adams, Author of 'The Reading List': Episode 8
Sara Nisha Adams talks about her debut novel, ‘The Reading List’, a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards. It celebrates the healing nature of reading and the human connections made in libraries. Sara shares how having success with her first book was exciting, but terrifying. She also works as an Editorial Director for a publishing house and describes the 'magic' of bringing a work from word document to book. And she speaks movingly about making connections with her Grandparents although she couldn't speak their first language, Gujarati.  Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive
Jan 3, 2022
21 min
Silver Stories: Tackling loneliness. Episode 7
In Episode 7 we hear how children are reading to elders on the phone to help address loneliness. Elisabeth and David Carney-Haworth (both OBEs) talk about their simple, yet genius idea: helping the elderly and improving kids’ fluency of reading. It is forging beautiful intergenerational relationships. Starting in Cornwall, it 's now nationwide. They also speak about ‘Operation Encompass’: their pioneering work helping children caught up in instances of domestic abuse. And there’s a book choice that may surprise! Under The Covers is a podcast from Westminster Libraries. Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive
Dec 6, 2021
22 min
Supporting Inclusion, Kelly Van Roy: Episode 6
Kelly Van Roy speaks about volunteering with Youmanity, a charity celebrating social inclusion, equality and human rights. Kelly, a postgraduate student, talks about her interest in LGBT culture and the politics of identity, and describes how food can be a ‘social force for good.’ She describes how her Forces’ family moved every three years and how she learned to adapt: 'While it was difficult to say goodbye, the next phase was just hello.' Her book recommendations include “Home Going” by Yaa Gyasi and “The Witch Boy” by Molly Knox Ostertag. Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive
Nov 1, 2021
19 min
Women Build Bridges Too: Episode 5
This October, we hear what Black History Month means to Louisa Augustine, who works as a Bridge Engineer for Westminster City Council. Louisa also talks about volunteering as a STEM Ambassador, going into schools to support children in choosing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. She has reading choices to comfort and inspire. And in addition, references 'Black Tudors' by Miranda Kaufmann and 'Black and British' by David Olusoga.   Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive
Oct 4, 2021
19 min
Professor Alex Edmans: Episode 4
Alex Edmans’ book ‘Grow The Pie’, one of the Financial Times ‘Best Books of 2020’, was largely written in the study space at Westminster’s Paddington Library. It shows how companies can make profits AND serve society. The Professor of Finance also speaks of how service dogs help people living with PTSD, talks about holistic education and reveals a life-long affection for Agatha Christie novels. His book recommendations are: 'Endless Night' by Agatha Christie and ‘Until Tuesday’ by Luis Carlos Montalvan with Bret Witter. Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive
Sep 6, 2021
20 min
Peter Curran, Broadcaster: Episode 3
Peter Curran, broadcaster and documentary-maker shares his reading choices and more. He speaks of finding ‘a treasure trove’ in the mobile library of his Belfast childhood, the Soho and Fitzrovia communities, interviewing his heroes, and the power of music. He also talks about 'Bunk Beds', the BBC Radio 4 series he co-created with Patrick Marber, to much acclaim. Peter's book recommendations are 'Mayflies' by Andrew O'Hagan and Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations'. The theme music is "Smile From the Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive.
Aug 2, 2021
20 min
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