The shortlisted student ideas

Anastu Regita Nareswara is currently studying their PhD in the School of Food Science and Nutrition. Their idea aims to improve student engagement with our libraries with library tours and a book and movie club.

 

Anastu took first place in the competition and was awarded the title of “Library Innovation Competition 2026”. She also won the “Students’ Choice Award” decided by a public vote.

She shares more about her idea...

Hey Anastu, can you tell us about your idea?
My proposal introduces two initiatives to enhance student engagement with university libraries. 

First, a guided library tour led by passionate student representatives would help first years and postgraduates explore study spaces, facilities and unique features of each library, supported by a booking system and social media. Familiarity with library spaces would encourage more frequent use. 

Second, a regular Book and Movie Club would foster a vibrant reading community through themed book discussions, movie nights based on novels and multicultural storytelling. Activities like book clubs and movie nights could take place in the Brotherton Library, allowing Brotherton to offer diverse services while preserving its quiet and contemplative atmosphere.

Both ideas sound like interesting opportunities for the Library! What inspired this idea?
This idea was inspired by my experience as a first year PhD student navigating campus libraries and observing how unfamiliarity can limit engagement with these spaces. While I actively explored the libraries early on, many of my peers only discovered them much later or felt unsure about using certain spaces. 

Events like Leeds Light Night at the Brotherton Library showed me how powerful it can be when libraries are not only places to study, but also spaces for culture, creativity and connection. That experience sparked the idea of combining structured library tours with ongoing book and movie-based activities. 

Libraries are not only places to study, but also spaces for culture, creativity and connection.

Why is this idea important to you?
This idea is important to me because libraries play a central role in student wellbeing, academic success and a sense of belonging. When students feel comfortable and connected to these spaces, they are more likely to use them effectively.

Why should students care about your proposal?
For students, this initiative offers more than study spaces, it creates opportunities to build community, explore different cultures and engage with literature and creativity in an accessible, welcoming environment.

We can tell how important community and belonging is to you. We’d love to know your favourite campus library?
If I had to choose one, it would undoubtedly be the Brotherton Library. Brotherton is not just a place to study or read, it is a space where art, history and architecture come together to tell a meaningful story. Even when it is busy, the library remains calm and quiet, making it an ideal environment for deep concentration. 

What makes me love Brotherton even more is the Leeds Light Night, when poetry and musical theatre were performed inside the library. It made me wonder why such events could not happen more regularly.

Vote for Anastu’s idea

If you like Anastu’s idea “Library Tour and Book Club” then you can vote for it to win the Students’ Choice Award.