'Under The Covers' From Westminster Libraries

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 boo...

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 doc...

We hear how lonely elders are gaining a new lease of life when children read to them on the phone. 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. They also speak about ‘Operation Encompass’: their pioneering work helping youngsters caught up...

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...

What does Black History Month mean to Louisa Augustine, Bridge Engineer at Westminster City Council? Louisa also talks about choosing her career in engineering and her role as a STEM Ambassador: going into schools to encourage children to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Louisa has reading choices to comfort and inspire. And in addition, references 'Black Tudors' by...

Alex Edmans’ book ‘Grow The Pie’, a 'Financial Times Best Books of 2020’, 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 Lu...

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 Bed', the BBC Radio 4 series he co-created with Patrick Marber, to much acclaim. Peter's book recommenda...

Susie Johns is an author and therapist. She describes how Emotional Freedom Technique, (EFT or tapping) can ease stress and phobias - including fear of pigeons! Susie also talks about Tarot and Astrology in the 21st century and the Body-Mind connection. For a book choice, she enthusiastically recommends 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves' by Karen Joy Fowler. Our music is "Smile From the Mirr...

This is the launch of a new podcast. The first episode features Sara Ashbourne who works in a Westminster library. She’s speaking about books she loves and so much more: her experience of stereotyping, finding the right career path, BAME heritage, writing her own poetry and help for people living with dementia.  Our music is "Smile From the Mirror" by Crowander , and can be found on freemusic...